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Stake Super SMSF Review: How it compares with a full service provider

  • Writer: Jenny Fentino
    Jenny Fentino
  • Oct 20
  • 3 min read

Australia has more than 644,000 self-managed super fund (SMSF) and the number continues to grow in popularity according to official data. We get a lot of questions around SMSF property investing, and this guide is part of an education series to help you learn more about vendors and providers in the market.


The decision to set up an SMSF should always be considered carefully, and we've added some important information to the bottom of this note to consider when planning.


SMSF Setup Considerations

Our focus at Flexdoc is helping clients who want to buy property and that is increasingly those who have an SMSF and looking to purchase in their super fund. There are two main ways most investors go about it:


  1. Through a full service accountant who sets up and manage's their fund admin

  2. Through an online SMSF specialist provider, who are usually lower in costs but require more self-service type of offerings


The decision ultimately comes down to cost and experience. For clients who want to have a more wholistic tax planning approach, a full service offering is probably the most ideal, as online options can be limited.


For those who want to do it themselves and save costs, then offerings like Stake Super might be of interest.


Stake Super Review

Stake Super sits within the broader Stake group, best known for its investing platform that makes access to global markets simple and intuitive. Their SMSF product extends this same digital DNA into retirement investing.


Stake Super Review

Stake Super offers three clear tiers based on what you want to invest in:


  • Stake Super: For investors focused on shares and ETFs through the Stake platform.

  • Stake Super Property: Designed for those wanting to buy property within their SMSF, offering the necessary structure and administration to do so. Priced from $1690 plus other costs where applicable.

  • Stake Super Plus: Adds the ability to invest in term deposits, managed funds, and some alternative assets. Priced from $2490 plus other costs where applicable.


More about additional costs here.


Digital Experience

The setup process appears to be mostly online with human support. You can establish a new SMSF or transfer an existing one, manage compliance, and track investments through a single dashboard. Stake’s user experience stands out: it reduces paperwork, automates tax and compliance workflows, and integrates directly with your trading account.


Property and Broader Capabilities

For trustees looking to buy property within their SMSF, Stake Super Property option provides the core requirements: trust deed, compliance setup, and linked cash accounts.


The biggest issues we see when helping clients with their SMSF lending is issues around setting up corporate trustees, bare trusts, correctly stamping documents and getting independent legal advice.


It seems like Stake Super can provide some of these necessities, but there is still work to do in selecting the right type of legal professional to represent you in the purchase. Your suburban conveyancer may not be the most experienced person to deal with SMSF transactions, and this can often create confusion for new time purchasers.


For legal and structuring implications, check out this guide from conveyancing experts Dott & Crossit.


Final Thoughts

Our Stake Super review shows that the offering brings simplicity and transparency to SMSF investing. It’s a natural extension of the Stake ecosystem and a strong choice for investors who value control, cost efficiency, and digital ease without sacrificing compliance.


For investors who want more support and greater tax planning, a full service accounting firm with tax and financial planning capabilities might be more suitable.


Flexdoc can assist clients with their SMSF lending, regardless of how they chose to manage. To learn more about SMSF lending, schedule a call with our team.



Disclaimer: This is a simplified summary, if you are considering setting up an SMSF, or purchasing a property in your fund you should seek the appropriate professional advice, as the rules around compliance can be complex.


The ATO also has excellent resources covering setting up an SMSF correctly, so that it's eligible for tax concessions, can receive contributions and complies with the relevant super and tax laws.

 
 
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