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

Australia has more than 660,,000 self-managed super funds (SMSF) and the number continues to grow in popularity according to official data. We get a lot of questions around SMSF property investing and the finance process.

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 require SMSF property finance, a growing area among investors considering an SMSF structure. You need to have an SMSF already set up before you can apply for a loan, so there are two main ways most investors go about it:

1. Through a full service accountant and financial planner 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. Advice isn't cheap, but it can save you money in the future if you're unsure or have complicated needs.

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 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

There are two parts to the SMSF process - set up and ongoing management. Once you buy a property and have a loan in your SMSF structure, ongoing compliance is very important.

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

The biggest issues we see when helping clients with their SMSF finance is issues around setting up corporate trustees, bare trusts, correctly stamping documents and getting independent legal advice (also known as ILA). It's not until you're in the process that you learn these things. We've done it plenty of times and know what to look out for.

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 (conveyancing and ILA). 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.

Property Finance in SMSF

Another consideration for trustees looking to buy property with their SMSF is the lending process. Flexdoc specialises in SMSF property finance. Its an area that requires expertise, particularly for complex situations like self-employed members who haven't been contributing consistently to their super fund or mixed income types (one member is self-employed, the other is PAYG etc).

We have a great E-Book which covers the SMSF property finance process, which you can download here.

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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. If you're thinking of buying property in your SMSF and want to know more about how the lending process works, our expert team can break down the process for you.

To learn more and get started about SMSF property finance, schedule a call with our team.

SMSF property finance is a specialist niche area, very different to borrowing for your own home. There isn't really a one-sized fits all approach and working with the right expert team like Flexdoc can help you save time and money. This is particularly important given the regulated nature of SMSFs and superannuation more broadly.

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Disclaimer: Please read our SMSF 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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