If your SMSF owns a beach house, country cottage or apartment that feels like the perfect Christmas getaway, this is your friendly end-of-year reminder: you and your family can’t use it over the Christmas and New Year period, not even “just for a week,” and not even if it’s sitting vacant. It’s one of the most common SMSF traps, and it can lead to serious penalties. Here’s why, in plain English.

Buying property off-the-plan? Remember: for CGT purposes, the acquisition date is when you sign the contract, not settlement. This affects the 50% CGT discount, holding periods, and when capital gains or losses are reported. Timing can be tricky, but smart planning ensures you don’t get caught out. Pointax can guide you through the rules so you maximise your benefits.

New residential property is a popular investment for many, and can be especially so for self-managed superannuation funds, however, the...