While investing in property through an SMSF can offer certain advantages, such as potential tax benefits and greater control over your investments, there are also several pitfalls to consider.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

1. Lack of diversification: Investing a significant portion of your superannuation in a single property can result in a lack of diversification. If the property market experiences a downturn or if the specific property underperforms, your SMSF could suffer significant losses. Diversification helps to mitigate risk by spreading investments across different asset classes.
2. Illiquidity: Property is generally considered an illiquid asset, meaning it can be challenging to quickly access funds tied up in real estate. If you encounter a financial emergency or need to access your superannuation for other purposes, selling a property within your SMSF may take time and could incur additional costs.
3. Costs and ongoing expenses: Purchasing and maintaining property through an SMSF can be expensive. In addition to the purchase costs like stamp duty and legal fees, ongoing expenses such as property management, maintenance, insurance, and loan interest can add up. It’s important to carefully consider the potential costs involved and ensure your SMSF has adequate cash flow to cover them.
4. Compliance and regulations: SMSFs operate within a highly regulated environment, and there are specific rules and restrictions when it comes to investing in property. These rules include restrictions on acquiring property from related parties, limitations on property usage, and adherence to the sole purpose test. Staying compliant with these regulations is crucial to avoid penalties or potential disqualification of your SMSF.
5. Limited investment options: Investing in property through an SMSF may limit your investment options within the superannuation structure. If a significant portion of your superannuation is tied up in a property, it can restrict your ability to diversify your investments across other asset classes like stocks, bonds, or managed funds.

It’s essential to seek personalised advice from a financial advisor or SMSF specialist to determine whether investing in property through an SMSF aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and overall investment strategy. They can help assess the suitability of property investment for your SMSF and guide you through the complexities and potential risks involved.