Meet Steve and Melissa: Planning for a Comfortable Retirement
Steve and Melissa, a couple in their early 50s, have spent decades juggling careers and raising their family. Steve runs a successful excavator machine business, while Melissa works full-time as a registered nurse. With their two adult children now pursuing their own dreams, the couple was ready to focus on creating a secure retirement.
“We’ve worked so hard to build our super balance,” Melissa shared. “But when it came to making it work smarter for us, we felt lost. We didn’t want to risk making a mistake after all those years of saving.”
With a vision to make their retirement savings work harder, Steve and Melissa decided to explore property investment through their Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF)—a step that could help turn their hard work into a secure future.
Referred by their finance broker, they turned to us for support in turning their SMSF property goals into a well-executed and actionable plan.
The Challenge: Understanding the SMSF Opportunity
Steve and Melissa had a clear goal: to strengthen their retirement strategy by investing in property within their SMSF. While excited about the possibilities, stepping into the SMSF property market felt daunting.
With demanding careers and a business to run, they struggled to find the time to research markets and evaluate properties. They needed an investment that could provide both steady rental income and long-term growth. However, choosing the right property added another layer of complexity.
“We wanted to make sure our SMSF property investment was the right move for our future,” Steve explained. “But we weren’t sure where to begin, and that made us hesitate.”
The Turning Point: A Strategy Built Around Their Goals
Through thoughtful discussions, we took the time to understand Steve and Melissa’s priorities and refine their objectives. By developing a strategy that aligned with their SMSF goals, we identified property opportunities in regions supported by key growth drivers and thorough research. This tailored approach gave them the clarity and confidence to move forward.
“With a clear plan and expert support, everything just made sense,” Melissa shared. “For the first time, we felt confident we were making the right decisions for our future.”
Our Approach: How We Made It Happen
- Personalised Strategy
We designed a property roadmap tailored to Steve and Melissa’s SMSF goals, focusing on steady rental income and sustainable growth to build a secure foundation for their retirement. - Market Research & Insights
Our research and analysis highlighted Melbourne’s northern suburbs as an ideal investment location. This thriving region combines affordable housing with strong tenant demand, including families and professionals, and excellent connectivity to transport, universities, hospitals, and employment hubs—key factors driving sustained growth and long-term tenant appeal. - Property Selection
We secured a brand-new 3-bedroom townhouse for $840,000. With open-plan designs, high-end finishes, and proximity to parks and amenities, the property was designed to attract long-term tenants while maximising investment potential. - Collaborating with a Trusted Team
We worked closely with Steve and Melissa’s finance broker and accountant to ensure seamless communication and alignment throughout. Frequent updates kept everyone informed and on track, helping to deliver a smooth and hassle-free experience. - End-to-End Support
From strategy to settlement, we managed every detail, including inspections, landlord insurance, and tax depreciation schedules, ensuring a seamless experience. The property was leased within 20 days of settlement, generating rental income and providing Steve and Melissa peace of mind.
The Results: A Strong Foundation for Retirement
Steve and Melissa’s SMSF investment delivered outstanding results:
- Equity Growth: In its first year, the property’s value increased by $60,000, reaching $900,000—a solid start toward their retirement goals.
- Rental Income: Generating $740 per week, the property provides steady and reliable returns within their SMSF.
- Portfolio Sustainability: Managed entirely within their SMSF, the property’s costs are covered by rental income and employer contributions, with surplus funds available to support other SMSF expenses.
- Projected Gains: The property is forecast to grow steadily, reaching approximately $1,060,000 in 4 years—a gain of $220,000, equivalent to almost six years of their combined superannuation contributions.
“This process gave us the confidence to make the most of our SMSF,” Steve shared. “With expert guidance, we’ve taken a big step toward securing our future.”
The Transformation: A Confident Path to Retirement
For Steve and Melissa, this investment was about more than purchasing a property—it was about feeling in control of their financial future.
“We’ve always been disciplined with our investments, but having expert support made all the difference,” Melissa shared. “Now, we feel confident knowing our SMSF is working harder for us.”
Steve added, “This isn’t just about today’s returns—it’s about building something that lasts well into our retirement.”
This property purchase strengthened their SMSF and showed them how thoughtful decisions today could shape a secure and fulfilling retirement.
Your Journey Starts Here
Steve and Melissa’s story shows how expert guidance can simplify the SMSF property process and help you build a strong foundation for your retirement. Contact us today to explore how property investment within an SMSF can help you plan.
