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Data tables

The main source of data for these tables is lodged SMSF annual returns.

Last updated 21 June 2020

The main source of data for these tables is 2017–18 SMSF annual returns that have been lodged.

Where lodgments are outstanding we use statistically valid formulas to estimate results. As outstanding returns are received we revise and update results, therefore some figures may change in future releases of this statistical overview. Some tables use data reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

You can download all the data tables in Excel format – see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

For statistics on the taxation of SMSFs (and other entities) see Taxation statistics.

The data tables are as follows:

Table 1: Annual SMSF population, total gross assets and growth

This table shows the:

  • number of SMSFs established or wound up during each financial year
  • number of SMSFs and members at year end
  • total assets held by SMSFs at year end.

These figures are based on SMSF annual returns, and are consistent with those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

SMSF population and assets, 2014–15 to 2018–19

SMSFs

2018–19

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

Establishments

19,945

25,429

30,472

32,844

33,767

Wind-ups

2,120

22,730

13,792

12,467

13,087

Net establishments

17,825

2,699

16,680

20,377

20,680

Total SMSFs

599,678

581,853

579,154

562,474

542,097

Total members

1,125,201

1,091,086

1,091,554

1,059,791

1,026,270

Total assets ($m)

$747,560

$735,438

$689,976

$611,081

$579,151

Annual SMSF growth

SMSFs

2018–19

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Total SMSFs

599,678

581,853

579,154

562,474

542,097

521,417

Growth

3.1%

0.5%

3.1%

3.8%

4.0%

 –

Table 2: Australian superannuation sector

This table shows:

  • total assets held in APRA-regulated funds, SMSFs and other funds at 30 June 2014 and 30 June 2019
  • the percentage change from June 2014 to 2019
  • the proportion for each fund type at 30 June 2019.

These figures are sourced from the APRA Annual Super Bulletin 2018 (reissued July 2019), table 8a and the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

Assets by fund type

Fund type

Assets at 30 June 2019 ($b)

Proportion at 30 June 2019

Assets at 30 June 2014 ($b)

Change in assets 2014 to 2019

Corporate

$58.6

2.0%

$55.5

6%

Industry

$718.7

25.0%

$376.1

91%

Public sector

$510.6

17.8%

$186.9

173%

Retail

$625.7

21.8%

$485.7

29%

SMSFs

$747.6

26.0%

$533.2

40%

Other(a)

$209.5

7.3%

$166.7

26%

Total

$2,870.7

100%

$1,804.1

59%

(a) Includes excluded public sector super schemes, balance of life office statutory funds and small APRA-regulated funds.

Table 3: SMSF age distribution

This table shows the age distribution of SMSFs based on years since their establishment date.

SMSF age distribution, 30 June 2019

SMSF age in years from establishment

% of SMSFs

In 1st year of establishment

3.1%

>1–2 years

4.0%

>2–3 years

4.7%

>3–5 years

10.1%

>5–10 years

24.6%

>10 years

53.3%

NA

0.3%

Total

100%

Average SMSF age

10.6 years

Median SMSF age

10 years

Table 4: Wind-ups by asset size, average and median assets and fund phase

These tables show:

  • the approximate distribution of SMSFs wound up by fund asset size in the year before wind-up
  • average and median assets in the year before wind-up by fund phase
  • fund phase in the year of wind-up.
Distribution of SMSFs by fund size in year before wind-up, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund size

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

>$0–$50k

19.1%

21.3%

26.1%

27.9%

30.9%

>$50k–$100k

9.5%

10.3%

11.5%

12.6%

13.2%

>$100k–$200k

17.2%

17.4%

17.5%

17.8%

17.5%

>$200k–$500k

29.6%

28.3%

26.0%

24.6%

24.0%

>$500k–$1m

16.8%

15.5%

12.9%

12.0%

10.1%

>$1m–$2m

6.1%

5.2%

4.5%

3.8%

3.3%

>$2m–$5m

1.5%

1.7%

1.4%

1.2%

0.9%

>$5m

0.2%

0.3%

0.2%

0.1%

0.1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

SMSF average assets in year before wind-up by fund phase, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund phase

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Accumulation

$271,301

$267,829

$219,180

$184,704

$189,392

Retirement

$536,824

$568,537

$480,473

$458,499

$424,107

All SMSFs

$386,997

$379,622

$321,518

$289,474

$274,465

SMSF median assets in year before wind-up by fund phase, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund phase

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Accumulation

$142,442

$133,040

$96,336

$79,122

$60,609

Retirement

$378,544

$369,613

$305,171

$300,237

$264,584

All SMSFs

$227,906

$204,247

$162,747

$140,996

$115,437

Distribution of SMSFs in year of wind up by fund phase, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund Phase

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Accumulation

74.0%

65.3%

65.3%

66.6%

68.6%

Retirement

26.0%

34.7%

34.7%

33.4%

31.4%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 5: Average and median asset sizes

This table shows the average and median member account balances and SMSF assets at the end of each financial year. To ensure consistency, the figures used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

SMSF average and median asset sizes, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Assets

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Average assets per member

$678,621

$636,926

$581,355

$569,988

$543,556

Median assets per member

$408,237

$372,316

$342,323

$334,663

$318,190

Average assets per SMSF

$1,271,356

$1,199,263

$1,096,521

$1,076,894

$1,028,682

Median assets per SMSF

$719,840

$660,993

$610,607

$598,557

$568,954

Table 6: Asset sizes in establishment year

This table shows the average and median member account balances and SMSF assets in each financial year for SMSFs established in that year. The figures are based on SMSF annual returns for the establishment year.

SMSF asset size in establishment year, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Assets

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Average assets per member account balance

$214,104

$265,101

$193,637

$190,346

$178,805

Median assets per member account balance

$124,933

$139,829

$109,878

$102,878

$100,626

Average assets per SMSF

$408,750

$496,869

$374,308

$375,711

$348,150

Median assets per SMSF

$268,664

$301,914

$233,039

$221,858

$216,238

Table 7: Asset ranges by fund size in year of establishment

This table shows the approximate distribution of SMSFs by fund asset sizes in their establishment year.

Distribution of SMSFs by asset size in establishment year, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund asset range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$0–$50k

11.5%

10.2%

14.3%

16.5%

15.0%

>$50k–$100k

9.2%

8.0%

9.8%

9.8%

10.3%

>$100k–$200k

17.9%

17.1%

19.8%

19.8%

22.0%

>$200k–$500k

35.4%

32.5%

32.3%

30.9%

31.7%

>$500k–$1m

18.8%

20.5%

16.9%

16.3%

15.3%

>$1m–$2m

5.8%

8.9%

5.6%

5.3%

4.8%

>$2m–$5m

1.3%

2.6%

1.2%

1.2%

0.9%

>$5m-$10m

0.1%

0.2%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

>$10m

0.1%

0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 8: Contribution flows

These tables show, for each financial year:

  • total member and employer contributions to SMSFs
  • mean and median contributions
  • contributions to SMSFs as a proportion of total super contributions.

To ensure consistency, the total contributions figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

For additional data on member and employer contributions by member age and gender, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Total SMSF contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Contribution type

2017–18 ($m)

2016–17 ($m)

2015–16 ($m)

2014–15 ($m)

2013–14 ($m)

Member

$11,622

$33,867

$24,162

$24,745

$19,441

Employer

$5,733

$7,248

$7,121

$6,881

$5,996

Mean SMSF contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Contribution type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Member

$49,099

$129,231

$95,405

$97,785

$79,808

Employer

$20,066

$24,619

$24,675

$24,460

$21,997

Median SMSF contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Contribution type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Member

$20,000

$28,000

$21,000

$23,584

$20,000

Employer

$16,933

$18,617

$18,526

$18,379

$17,398

Contributions to SMSFs as a proportion of total super contributions, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Contribution type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Member

37.0%

51.7%

52.5%

49.9%

49.0%

Employer

6.1%

7.8%

8.0%

8.0%

7.4%

Total SMSF

13.9%

26.0%

23.1%

23.3%

21.0%

Table 9: Rollover flow (into and out of SMSFs)

These tables show:

  • the total value of rollovers into and out of SMSFs during each financial year
  • the mean and median amounts in those periods
  • rollovers by fund size.

To ensure consistency, the total rollover figures used are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

Total SMSF rollovers, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Rollover type

2017–18 ($m)

2016–17 ($m)

2015–16 ($m)

2014–15 ($m)

2013–14 ($m)

Inward

$15,139

$17,947

$14,826

$14,944

$15,021

Outward

$8,932

$8,873

$5,444

$5,589

$5,073

Mean SMSF rollovers, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Rollover type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Inward

$217,519

$240,868

$195,182

$204,189

$193,896

Outward

$361,362

$443,403

$297,994

$326,461

$293,151

Median SMSF rollovers, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Rollover type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Inward

$71,418

$76,535

$77,332

$81,142

$81,077

Outward

$133,372

$120,418

$81,071

$92,360

$83,424

Distribution of total inward rollovers by fund size, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund size

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$0

0.7%

0.5%

0.4%

0.4%

0.4%

>$0–$50k

0.6%

0.5%

0.5%

0.6%

0.6%

>$50k–$100k

1.2%

1.0%

1.5%

1.5%

1.9%

>$100k–$200k

4.8%

4.8%

7.0%

6.8%

7.8%

>$200k–$500k

19.8%

17.3%

22.6%

21.0%

21.8%

>$500k–$1m

22.7%

18.3%

22.9%

22.7%

23.6%

>$1m–$2m

22.0%

19.0%

20.9%

20.8%

20.9%

>$2m–$5m

19.3%

23.0%

16.1%

17.1%

16.2%

>$5m–$10m

5.4%

9.0%

5.3%

5.4%

4.8%

>$10m–$20m

2.7%

4.4%

2.0%

1.6%

1.6%

>$20m–$50m

0.2%

1.9%

0.4%

1.1%

0.3%

>$50m

0.6%

0.3%

0.3%

1.1%

0.0%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Distribution of total outward rollovers by fund size, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund size

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$0

33.6%

21.4%

26.7%

27.2%

26.3%

>$0–$50k

11.8%

8.4%

9.2%

9.6%

10.3%

>$50k–$100k

1.7%

1.5%

1.3%

1.4%

1.7%

>$100k–$200k

1.9%

1.4%

2.0%

2.0%

2.3%

>$200k–$500k

4.5%

4.1%

5.7%

6.1%

5.9%

>$500k–$1m

8.1%

6.3%

10.5%

10.0%

10.1%

>$1m–$2m

12.0%

11.4%

14.3%

12.4%

13.7%

>$2m–$5m

16.7%

24.8%

18.3%

18.6%

18.6%

>$5m–$10m

5.0%

11.3%

7.1%

7.9%

8.4%

>$10m–$20m

2.4%

6.5%

3.5%

3.5%

2.4%

>$20m–$50m

1.2%

2.4%

0.7%

1.1%

0.2%

>$50m

1.0%

0.5%

0.7%

0.2%

0.1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 10: Benefit payments

These tables show the total benefit payments from SMSFs during each financial year, and average and median amounts. Benefit payments include income stream benefits, lump sum benefits, transition-to-retirement and combination payments.

The figures for total benefit payments are consistent with those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019. The average and median figures are based on SMSF annual returns.

SMSF benefit payments, 2013–14 to 2017–18

SMSF benefit payments

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Total ($m)

$37,686

$44,290

$34,986

$33,260

$29,409

Average ($)

$113,169

$145,320

$118,535

$119,146

$113,155

Median ($)

$66,550

$66,760

$62,400

$62,000

$60,000

Distribution of total SMSF benefit payments by type, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Type of benefit

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Lump sum

29.7%

13.7%

11.5%

12.3%

12.6%

Income stream

65.8%

78.0%

76.6%

75.3%

74.3%

Transition to retirement

4.5%

8.4%

11.9%

12.4%

13.1%

Distribution of SMSF members receiving benefit payments by age, 2017–18

Age range

% of members receiving benefit payments

Average member benefit payment

Average member balance(b)

<55

2.1%

$26,254

$675,654

55–59

4.1%

$46,355

$1,039,315

60–64

19.0%

$68,215

$1,100,624

65–69

29.1%

$74,870

$1,126,913

70–74

25.5%

$74,339

$1,161,484

>74

20.3%

$89,806

$1,192,211

Unknown(c)

<0.1%

$101,799

$1,025,519

Total

100%

$74,329

$1,130,960

(b) Average member balance is calculated before benefit payment.

 

(c) Unknown value indicates a value less than 0.1% but greater than 0.
 

For additional data on members receiving income stream benefit payments and lump sum and income stream benefit payments by benefit type, see tables 10.1 and 10.2 in Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Table 11: SMSF net fund flow

This table shows net contributions, transfers, benefit payments, total expenses and net fund flow for SMSFs from the 2013–14 to 2017–18 financial years.

Breakdown of SMSF fund flows, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Flow type

2017–18 ($m)

2016–17 ($m)

2015–16 ($m)

2014–15 ($m)

2013–14 ($m)

Total contributions

$17,355

$41,115

$31,283

$31,626

$25,437

Net transfers

$6,207

$9,074

$9,382

$9,355

$9,948

Benefit payments

$37,686

$44,290

$34,986

$33,260

$29,409

Total expenses

$8,431

$8,238

$7,878

$6,535

$5,708

Net fund flow

$−22,555

$−2,339

$−2,199

$1,186

$268

Table 12: SMSFs by payment phase

This table shows the distribution of SMSFs by payment phase in each financial year.

‘Partial retirement phase’ refers to SMSFs where at least one member has received a benefit payment.

‘Full retirement phase’ refers to SMSFs where all members received benefit payments.

Distribution of SMSFs by payment phase at 30 June 2019 by year

Payment phase

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Accumulation

57.0%

58.4%

56.0%

54.1%

55.4%

Partial retirement phase

9.4%

10.6%

11.1%

11.1%

11.2%

Full retirement phase

33.6%

31.0%

32.9%

34.7%

33.4%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 13: SMSF fund size and SMSF member account balances, by phase

These tables show:

  • the approximate distribution of SMSFs by phase and asset range
  • the approximate distribution of members’ account balances by closing balance range and phase at 30 June 2018.
Distribution of SMSFs by phase and asset range, 2017–18

Asset range

Accumulation phase

Retirement phase

$0–$50k

7.2%

3.4%

>$50k–$100k

4.9%

0.7%

>$100k–$200k

11.1%

2.4%

>$200k–$500k

29.6%

13.4%

>$500k–$1m

25.3%

24.1%

>$1m–$2m

13.9%

28.4%

>$2m–$5m

6.5%

21.4%

>$5m–$10m

1.1%

4.9%

>$10m–$20m

0.3%

1.2%

>$20m–$50m

0.1%

0.2%

>$50m

<0.1%

<0.1%

Total

100%

100%

Distribution of SMSF members by member closing balance and payment phase, 2017–18

Member closing balance

Accumulation phase

Retirement phase

$0–$50k

22.1%

5.9%

>$50k–$100k

12.8%

2.8%

>$100k–$200k

19.5%

7.2%

>$200k–$500k

24.7%

23.2%

>$500k–$1m

12.5%

26.6%

>$1m–$1.4m

3.6%

11.7%

>$1.4m–$1.6m

1.0%

4.6%

>$1.6m–$2m

1.3%

5.6%

>$2m–$5m

2.2%

10.2%

>$5m

0.4%

2.2%

Total

100%

100%

Table 14: SMSF trustee type

This table shows the distribution of trustee structure (either corporate or individual trustees) of the SMSF population at 30 June 2019 and for new registrations in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 financial years.

This data is based on SMSF registrations via the Australian Business Register (ABR).

SMSF trustee type

Trustee type

% of all SMSFs at 30/06/2019

2018–19 registrations

2017–18 registrations

2016–17 registrations

Corporate

60.6%

81.6%

80.6%

81.0%

Individual

39.4%

18.4%

19.4%

19.0%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 15: Audits performed by SMSF auditors

These tables show, for the 2013–14 to 2017–18 financial years:

  • the total number of SMSF auditors performing audits
  • the distribution of SMSF auditors by number of audits performed
  • the distribution of SMSF population by their SMSF auditor's annual audit completion number
  • the distribution of SMSF assets by their SMSF auditor's annual audit completion number.

The year columns refer to the year being audited, not the year the audit took place.

Number of SMSF auditors performing audits, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Number of auditors

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Total

5,294

5,689

5,997

6,272

6,604

Distribution of SMSF auditors by number of audits carried out, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Number of audits

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

<5 funds

15.6%

13.7%

13.5%

13.4%

14.9%

5–50 funds

50.7%

48.9%

49.3%

50.1%

50.7%

51–250 funds

28.0%

30.8%

31.1%

30.7%

29.4%

>250 funds

5.8%

6.6%

6.1%

5.8%

5.0%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Distribution of SMSFs by total audits performed by their auditor, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Number of audits

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

<5 funds

0.4%

0.3%

0.3%

0.4%

0.4%

5–50 funds

13.9%

12.7%

13.8%

14.9%

16.4%

51–250 funds

34.8%

34.6%

36.8%

38.1%

39.7%

>250 funds

50.9%

52.4%

49.2%

46.7%

43.5%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Distribution of total assets audited by number of audits, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Number of audits

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

<5 funds

0.4%

0.3%

0.3%

0.3%

0.4%

5–50 funds

14.0%

12.6%

13.5%

14.5%

15.6%

51–250 funds

35.6%

35.3%

37.0%

38.2%

40.1%

>250 funds

50.1%

51.8%

49.2%

47.1%

44.0%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 16: SMSF auditor fees

These tables show:

  • average and median SMSF auditor fees
  • distribution of SMSFs by audit fee range by financial year.

These figures include reported fees above $0.

Average and median SMSF auditor fees, 2013–14 to 2017–18

SMSF auditor fees

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Average

$687

$694

$704

$760

$726

Median

$550

$550

$550

$550

$550

Distribution of SMSFs by audit fee range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Audit fee range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

>$0–$499

38.4%

37.5%

36.9%

36.5%

36.6%

$500–$999

49.9%

50.0%

50.1%

49.7%

48.9%

$1,000–$1,999

9.7%

10.2%

10.6%

11.0%

11.5%

$2,000 and above

2.1%

2.3%

2.4%

2.8%

3.1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 17: SMSF annual return lodgments per tax agent

This table shows the distribution of tax agents by the number of SMSF annual returns they lodged each financial year.

Distribution of SMSF annual return lodgments by number of tax agents, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Number of SMSF annual returns lodged per tax agent

No. tax agents 2017–18

No. tax agents 2016–17

No. tax agents 2015–16

No. tax agents 2014–15

No. tax agents 2013–14

1

2,142

2,185

2,302

2,466

2,546

2

1,129

1,213

1,235

1,228

1,276

3

899

871

906

905

932

4

617

680

686

664

642

5

512

565

575

556

563

6–10

1,809

1,856

1,854

1,887

1,893

11–20

1,978

2,042

2,100

2,075

2,048

21–100

3,982

4,236

4,139

4,132

4,005

101–500

1,000

1,045

1,011

953

904

>500

33

31

28

28

23

Total

14,101

14,724

14,836

14,894

14,832

Table 18: Contraventions reported to the ATO by type

This table shows the types of contraventions that have been reported to the ATO in auditor contravention reports lodged by SMSF auditors since the start of contravention reporting in 2004 (up to 30 June 2019).

Distribution of SMSF contraventions by type, to 30 June 2019

Contravention type

% of total contraventions

% of value of contraventions

Acquisition of assets from related parties

1.2%

2.1%

Administrative type contraventions

10.8%

4.0%

Borrowings

8.1%

8.2%

In-house assets

18.5%

28.2%

Investments at arm's length

7.5%

9.2%

Loan to member/financial assistance

21.1%

14.2%

Operating standard type contraventions

7.4%

5.8%

Other

4.1%

1.0%

Separation of assets

12.7%

23.5%

Sole purpose

8.6%

3.8%

Total

100%

100%

Table 19: Age ranges of SMSF members

This table shows:

  • the approximate age distribution of SMSF members at 30 June 2019
  • the age distribution of members of SMSFs established in each financial year from 2013–14 to 2017–18.

This is based on ABR data.

Age distribution of SMSF members by establishment year of SMSF

Age range

All members
at June 2019

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

<25

0.5%

1.3%

1.4%

1.5%

1.5%

1.7%

25–34

3.2%

12.8%

10.7%

11.3%

11.1%

10.6%

35–44

11.2%

31.8%

28.7%

29.9%

29.6%

29.4%

45–49

10.1%

17.8%

17.3%

16.9%

16.4%

16.2%

50–54

11.3%

14.4%

15.2%

15.3%

15.7%

16.0%

55–59

13.2%

11.3%

12.7%

12.6%

12.6%

12.6%

60–64

13.3%

6.2%

8.0%

7.8%

7.9%

8.4%

65–69

13.1%

2.9%

3.9%

3.5%

3.8%

3.6%

70–74

11.8%

1.2%

1.7%

1.0%

1.1%

1.2%

75–84

10.4%

0.3%

0.6%

0.4%

0.4%

0.4%

85+

1.8%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Average member age

59.4

46.5

47.9

47.4

47.6

47.6

Median member age

60.0

46.1

47.6

47.1

47.3

47.5

Table 20: SMSF members and non-SMSF members

These tables show:

  • the approximate age distribution of SMSF members and non-SMSF members
  • average and median taxable income and average and median member account balances for SMSF members, by age
  • non-SMSF members’ average and median taxable income.

The age ranges in these tables align with those reported in APRA’s Annual Superannuation Bulletin.

This is based on ABR and SMSF annual return (SAR) data.

Age distribution of SMSF members and non-SMSF members, 30 June 2018

Age range

All SMSF members at 30 June 2018

All non-SMSF members at 30 June 2018

<25

0.8%

11.0%

25–34

3.2%

22.8%

35–44

11.0%

22.3%

45–49

10.0%

11.0%

50–54

11.5%

9.3%

55–59

14.2%

8.4%

60–64

14.5%

6.6%

65–69

14.2%

4.1%

70–74

11.6%

2.4%

75–84

8.4%

1.7%

85+

0.8%

0.4%

Unknown

<0.1%

0.3%

Total

100%

100%

SMSF member taxable income and member balance by age range, 30 June 2018

Age range

Average taxable income

Median taxable income

Average member balance per 2018 SAR

Median member balance per 2018 SAR

<25

$55,803

$38,877

$57,241

$7,199

25–34

$90,882

$72,744

$90,395

$41,729

35–44

$129,625

$87,301

$161,558

$102,313

45–49

$148,750

$89,243

$261,753

$160,199

50–54

$145,467

$85,723

$389,115

$219,096

55–59

$139,022

$77,696

$606,029

$334,794

60–64

$111,732

$54,166

$849,109

$522,567

65–69

$90,017

$36,228

$979,506

$592,884

70–74

$80,495

$29,684

$1,047,911

$594,855

75–84

$81,889

$31,007

$1,081,840

$592,266

85+

$174,041

$44,510

$937,092

$453,020

Unknown

$18,736

$18,736

$661,650

$452,016

Total (all ages)

$117,477

$63,545

$655,469

$301,237

Non-SMSF member(d) taxable income by age range, 2017–18

Age range

Average taxable income

Median taxable income

<25

$31,846

$27,329

25–34

$56,193

$50,525

35–44

$73,649

$59,624

45–49

$79,915

$60,872

50–54

$77,328

$58,825

55–59

$72,750

$55,581

60–64

$60,452

$45,223

65–69

$48,721

$33,110

70–74

$39,537

$24,183

75–84

$34,873

$20,797

85+

$50,841

$29,247

Unknown

$47,277

$42,781

Total

$62,028

$48,395

(d) The non-SMSF member population are those individuals, excluding SMSF members, for whom a 2018 member contribution was received.

Table 21: Gender statistics

These tables show:

  • the average SMSF member account balances by gender and phase
  • the average SMSF member account balance by age and gender at 30 June 2018
  • the distribution of member account balances by gender and closing account balance range at 30 June 2018.

To ensure consistency, where applicable the figures used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

This table was updated in June 2024.

Average SMSF member balance (female), 2013–14 to 2017–18

Phase

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Accumulation

$333,851

$297,112

$268,707

 $262,883

$255,160

Retirement

 $1,049,849

$1,005,379

$909,075

 $905,111

 $876,693

All SMSFs

$623,799

$582,141

$524,396

$513,376

$488,481

Average SMSF member balance (male), 2013–14 to 2017–18

Phase

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Accumulation

$439,164

$381,217

$353,013

$350,945

$346,085

Retirement

$1,197,578

$1,162,150

$1,067,483

$1,071,275

$1,043,963

All SMSFs

$754,139

$708,901

$652,133

$645,590

$622,977

Average SMSF member balance by age and gender, 30 June 2018

Age range

Female

Male

Overall

<25

$65,124

$61,017

$63,056

25–34

$93,696

$107,591

$100,881

35–44

$151,361

$193,254

$172,484

45–49

$243,103

$306,579

$275,058

50–54

$364,090

$446,985

$405,938

55–59

$568,833

$686,113

$629,268

60–64

$806,851

$954,427

$883,009

65–69

$965,896

$1,080,981

$1,026,201

70–74

$1,019,118

$1,165,297

$1,099,128

75–84

$1,074,685

$1,203,812

$1,151,291

85+

$1,041,947

$1,109,822

$1,086,839

Unknown

$751,142

$935,747

$683,047

For additional historical data for 2013–14 to 2016–17, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Distribution of SMSF members by gender and closing balance range, 30 June 2018

Member balance range

% of female members

% of male members

>$0–$50k

19.6%

12.3%

>$50k–$100k

10.4%

7.5%

>$100k–$200k

14.4%

14.8%

>$200k–$500k

21.9%

26.1%

>$500k–$1m

16.9%

19.1%

>$1m–$2m

11.2%

13.1%

>$2m–$5m

4.8%

5.8%

>$5m

0.8%

1.3%

Total

100%

100%

For additional historical data for 2013–14 to 2016–17, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Table 22: Asset ranges, by fund size and member account balance

These tables show for each financial year:

  • the approximate distribution of member account balances by account balance range
  • the approximate distribution, by asset range, of SMSFs and value of assets.

These figures are based on SMSF annual returns, and where applicable are consistent with those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019. The top fund asset range category is now > $50m to better align to our Top 100 SMSF compliance program.

Distribution of members by account balance range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Member account balance range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$0$50k

15.9%

17.0%

18.1%

19.1%

20.0%

>$50k$100k

9.0%

9.7%

10.4%

10.5%

10.7%

>$100k$200k

14.7%

15.1%

15.5%

15.2%

15.1%

>$200k$500k

24.1%

23.6%

23.8%

23.4%

23.4%

>$500k$1m

17.9%

17.4%

16.8%

16.6%

16.3%

>$1m$1.6m

9.1%

8.7%

7.7%

7.6%

7.3%

>$1.6m-$2m

3.0%

2.6%

2.5%

2.4%

2.3%

>$2m$5m

5.3%

4.9%

4.5%

4.5%

4.3%

>$5m

1.1%

0.9%

0.7%

0.7%

0.6%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Distribution of funds by asset range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund asset range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$0–$50k

5.6%

5.8%

6.1%

6.7%

7.1%

>$50k–$100k

2.9%

3.6%

4.2%

4.5%

5.0%

>$100k–$200k

7.1%

8.2%

9.2%

9.5%

10.2%

>$200k–$500k

22.4%

23.3%

24.3%

24.0%

24.2%

>$500k–$1m

25.0%

24.4%

24.2%

23.6%

23.1%

>$1m–$2m

20.4%

19.2%

18.3%

18.0%

17.6%

>$2m–$5m

13.1%

12.1%

11.0%

10.9%

10.3%

>$5m–$10m

2.7%

2.5%

2.2%

2.2%

2.0%

>$10m – $20m

0.7%

0.6%

0.4%

0.4%

0.4%

>$20m – $50m

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

>$50m

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Distribution of total fund assets by asset range, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund asset range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$0–$50k

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

>$50k–$100k

0.2%

0.2%

0.3%

0.3%

0.4%

>$100k–$200k

0.8%

1.0%

1.3%

1.3%

1.5%

>$200k–$500k

6.2%

6.8%

7.7%

7.7%

8.1%

>$500k–$1m

14.1%

14.6%

15.9%

15.8%

16.1%

>$1m–$2m

22.6%

22.5%

23.3%

23.5%

23.9%

>$2m–$5m

30.9%

30.2

29.9%

30.1%

29.9%

>$5m–$10m

14.4%

14.2%

13.4%

13.5%

13.1%

>$10m–$20m

6.7%

6.4%

5.3%

5.1%

4.8%

>$20m–$50m

2.8%

2.8%

2.3%

2.0%

1.7%

>$50m

1.2%

1.2%

0.7%

0.6%

0.5%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 23: Average returns for SMSFs and APRA-regulated funds

This table shows the average return on assets (ROA) made by SMSFs and the average rate of return made by APRA-regulated funds of more than four members by financial year.

The ROA for SMSFs is based on SMSF annual return form data.

The rate of return for APRA-regulated funds is sourced from the APRA Annual Superannuation Bulletin 2018, Table 9a (reissued 3 July 2019).

Average returns for SMSFs and APRA-regulated funds, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

SMSFs

7.5%

10.2%

3.1%

6.0%

9.7%

APRA funds

8.5%

9.1%

2.9%

8.9%

11.7%

Table 24: Average return on assets by fund size and age

These tables show:

  • the average ROA of SMSFs by asset size
  • the average ROA by fund age
  • the distribution of SMSFs by ROA.

ROA is calculated by comparing net earnings and average assets during the financial year to determine the percentage return on assets.

SMSF average ROA by fund size, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund size

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

$1–$50k

-15.0%

-15.4%

-17.2%

-17.4%

-12.5%

>$50k–$100k

-4.7%

-5.8%

-7.3%

-6.8%

-2.9%

>$100k–$200k

-0.8%

-0.9%

-3.5%

-1.1%

1.5%

>$200–$500k

3.8%

4.5%

0.00%

2.4%

5.9%

>$500k–$1m

6.0%

6.9%

1.5%

4.6%

8.3%

>$1m–$2m

8.4%

8.4%

2.4%

5.7%

9.6%

>$2m

8.1%

13.1%

4.7%

7.5%

11.3%

SMSF average ROA by fund age, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Fund age

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

<2 years

5.0%

4.8%

1.7%

3.9%

5.6%

2–3 years

6.1%

8.0%

2.5%

4.8%

6.8%

4–5 years

6.2%

7.8%

2.5%

5.2%

8.0%

>5 years

7.7%

10.6%

3.2%

6.2%

10.1%

Distribution of SMSFs by ROA, 2013–14 to 2017–18

ROA

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

<–20%

2.7%

3.1%

3.8%

3.8%

3.1%

–20% to <–15%

1.0%

1.2%

1.7%

1.3%

1.0%

–15% to <–10%

1.8%

2.2%

3.9%

2.4%

1.7%

–10% to <–5%

4.2%

4.5%

10.4%

5.3%

3.6%

–5% to 0%

13.9%

13.1%

28.4%

15.4%

10.7%

>0% to 5%

32.1%

25.7%

34.2%

35.6%

24.0%

>5% to 10%

25.8%

24.9%

9.0%

24.0%

23.4%

>10%

18.6%

25.4%

8.5%

12.2%

32.6%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Table 25: Expenses

These tables show:

  • average and median total expenses for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
  • average and median total expenses by SMSF asset range for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
  • average and median operating expenses for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
  • average and median expenses by expense type for the 2014 to 2018 financial years
  • average and median expenses by expense type and asset range for the 2018 financial year, including the number of SMSFs reporting at that label.

The averages and medians in these tables are based on only those SMSFs that report an expense at the relevant label and are therefore a subset of the total population. These figures cannot be compared to averages or medians calculated at the total population level (other than when all expenses are included, which means the total population is included).

Total expenses – average and median(e)

Total expenses

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Average

$14,879

$14,166

$13,935

$12,387

$11,301

Median

$7,710

$7,285

$7,100

$6,152

$5,557

(e) Total expenses includes deductible and non-deductible expenses reported at the following SMSF annual return labels: interest expenses within Australia, interest expenses overseas, insurance premiums – members, SMSF auditor fee, investment expenses, management and administration expenses, forestry managed investment scheme expense and other amounts, and SMSF supervisory levy.
Average total expenses by SMSF asset range

Asset range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

>$0–$50k

$3,842

$3,598

$3,545

$3,284

$3,164

>$50k–$100k

$5,583

$5,514

$5,637

$5,017

$4,635

>$100k–$200k

$10,153

$9,912

$9,763

$8,638

$7,425

>$200k–$500k

$12,356

$11,794

$11,408

$10,067

$8,853

>$500k–$1m

$12,120

$11,889

$11,846

$10,766

$9,997

>$1m–$2m

$14,451

$14,679

$15,308

$13,824

$13,075

>$2m

$29,472

$28,739

$28,861

$25,943

$25,475

All funds

$14,879

$14,166

$13,935

$12,387

$11,301

Median total expenses by SMSF asset range

Asset range

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

>$0–$50k

$1,871

$1,811

$1,888

$1,802

$1,862

>$50k–$100k

$2,645

$2,708

$2,898

$2,627

$2,585

>$100k–$200k

$4,613

$4,670

$4,781

$4,068

$3,684

>$200k–$500k

$6,855

$6,652

$6,590

$5,628

$5,073

>$500k–$1m

$7,787

$7,657

$7,745

$6,832

$6,319

>$1m–$2m

$9,588

$9,444

$9,590

$8,569

$8,017

>$2m

$15,814

$15,427

$15,021

$13,475

$12,700

all funds

$7,710

$7,285

$7,100

$6,152

$5,557

Operating expenses – average and median(f)

Operating expenses

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Average

$6,152

$5,978

$6,219

$5,518

$5,301

Median

$3,923

$3,840

$3,925

$3,620

$3,514

(f) Operating expenses include deductible and non-deductible expenses reported at the following SMSF annual return labels: approved auditor fee, management and administration expenses, other amounts and SMSF supervisory levy.
 

This year we have provided more detail in our expense data by showing average and median expenses by each expense type as reported on the SMSF annual return.

Average expenses by expense type, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Expense type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Interest expense within Australia

$16,574

$16,108

$16,437

$14,789

$13,932

Interest expense overseas

$13,706

$14,552

$17,098

$10,137

$10,158

Insurance premiums

$6,711

$6,560

$6,391

$6,138

$5,881

SMSF auditor fee

$679

$688

$699

$756

$722

Investment Expenses

$10,024

$9,518

$9,067

$9,156

$8,583

Management and admin expenses

$4,503

$4,279

$4,257

$4,145

$3,983

Forestry managed investment scheme

$5,464

$5,677

$7,917

$5,317

$5,657

Supervisory levy

$259

$259

$259

$259

$388

Other deductions

$2,512

$2,646

$3,116

$2,766

$2,770

Total expenses

$14,879

$14,166

$13,935

$12,387

$11,301

Median expense by expense type, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Expense type

2017-18

2016-17

2015-16

2014-15

2013-14

Interest expense within Australia

$ 12,881

$ 11,945

$ 11,445

$ 10,133

$ 8,101

Interest expense overseas

$ 9,453

$ 8,522

$ 9,247

$ 5,040

$ 2,699

Insurance premiums

$ 4,532

$ 4,394

$ 4,215

$ 4,011

$ 3,834

SMSF auditor fee

$ 550

$ 550

$ 550

$ 550

$ 550

Investment expenses

$ 5,311

$ 4,947

$ 4,506

$ 4,645

$ 4,150

Management and admin expenses

$ 2,808

$ 2,720

$ 2,674

$ 2,689

$ 2,565

Forestry managed investment scheme

$ 2,538

$ 2,304

$ 2,233

$ 2,366

$ 2,097

Supervisory levy

$ 259

$ 259

$ 259

$ 259

$ 388

Other deductions

$ 317

$ 364

$ 518

$ 420

$ 322

Total expenses

$ 7,710

$ 7,285

$ 7,100

$ 6,152

$ 5,557

The following two tables provide further granularity, breaking down the average and the median expense for each expense type into fund size ranges. They also include the number of funds who reported an amount against each of these expense labels on the SMSF annual return.

Average expenses by expense type and range, year ended 30 June 2018

Expense type

$1-$50k

>$50k-$100k

>$100k-$200k

>$200k-$500k

>$500k-$1m

>$1m-$2m

>$2m

All funds

No. of funds reporting this expense

Interest expense within Australia

$7,549

$10,078

$12,335

$14,405

$16,578

$19,270

$33,591

$16,574

61,652

Interest expense overseas

$3,393

$6,892

$11,075

$13,588

$15,424

$9,181

$21,956

$13,706

351

Insurance premiums

$5,886

$4,521

$4,648

$5,640

$7,259

$9,225

$12,274

$6,711

98,821

SMSF auditor fee

$549

$566

$576

$614

$645

$702

$868

$679

347,739

Investment expenses

$2,663

$3,473

$5,610

$6,176

$6,907

$9,312

$21,485

$10,024

240,691

Management and admin expenses

$1,457

$1,723

$2,220

$2,944

$3,899

$5,128

$9,152

$4,503

444,961

Forestry managed investment scheme

$2,556

$4,341

$3,850

$4,038

$4,300

$5,525

$11,093

$5,464

353

Supervisory levy

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

470,415

Other deductions

$1,036

$1,334

$1,494

$1,904

$2,083

$2,351

$4,873

$2,512

217,770

Total expenses

$3,842

$5,583

$10,153

$12,356

$12,120

$14,451

$29,472

$14,879

470,415

Median expenses by expense type and range, year ended 30 June 2018

 

$1-$50k

>$50k-$100k

>$100k-$200k

>$200k-$500k

>$500k-$1m

>$1m-$2m

>$2m

All funds

No. of funds reporting this expense

Interest expense within Australia

$764

$10,459

$12,515

$13,401

$13,403

$12,406

$7,394

$12,881

61,652

Interest expense overseas

$48

$4,717

$11,794

$12,407

$9,048

$3,059

$818

$9,453

351

Insurance premiums

$3,271

$3,001

$3,363

$4,175

$5,252

$6,413

$7,909

$4,532

98,821

SMSF auditor fee

$450

$473

$495

$548

$550

$574

$659

$550

347,739

Investment expenses

$149

$711

$3,877

$4,399

$4,880

$6,371

$10,734

$5,311

240,691

Management and admin expenses

$1,107

$1,331

$1,804

$2,341

$2,824

$3,437

$5,048

$2,808

444,961

Forestry managed investment scheme

$633

$2,309

$1,848

$2,869

$2,238

$2,889

$3,467

$2,538

353

Supervisory levy

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

$259

470,415

Other deductions

$285

$386

$513

$473

$277

$259

$259

$317

217,770

Total expenses

$1,871

$2,645

$4,613

$6,855

$7,787

$9,588

$15,814

$7,710

470,415

Table 26: Average expense ratios

These tables show:

  • SMSF average expense ratios for each financial year
  • distribution of SMSFs by average expense ratio range at 30 June 2018.

The average expense ratios of an SMSF are calculated by:

  • summing various deductible and non-deductible expense labels from the SMSF’s annual return
  • comparing this total to the SMSF’s average assets to determine a ratio of expenses to assets.
SMSF average expense ratios, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Expense type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Operating

0.5%

0.5%

0.6%

0.5%

0.5%

Total

1.2%

1.2%

1.3%

1.2%

1.1%

Distribution of SMSFs by average expense ratio range, 2017–18

Ratio range

SMSFs with operating expenses in range

SMSFs with total expenses in range

<=0.25%

22.4%

12.3%

>0.25–0.5%

20.6%

13.2%

>0.5–0.75%

13.3%

10.3%

>0.75–1%

9.4%

8.7%

>1–1.5%

12.6%

13.7%

>1.5–2%

7.4%

9.1%

>2–3%

7.0%

9.8%

>3–5%

4.1%

8.1%

>5%

3.2%

14.8%

Total

100%

100%

For additional historical data for 2014 to 2017, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Table 27: Average expense ratios by fund size

This table shows average SMSF expense ratios by fund size for total expenses and operating expenses at 30 June 2018.

SMSF average expense ratios by fund size, 2017–18

Fund size

Operating expenses

Total expenses

$1–$50k

8.2%

15.4%

>$50k–$100k

3.4%

7.3%

>$100k–$200k

2.2%

6.7%

>$200k–$500k

1.3%

3.7%

>$500k–$1m

0.8%

1.7%

>$1m–$2m

0.5%

1.0%

>$2m

0.3%

0.7%

For additional historical data for 2014 to 2017, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Table 28: Asset allocations

These tables show:

  • the value and proportion of assets held by the SMSF population for each type of asset listed on the 2018 SMSF annual return
  • the mean and median value for each of those asset types
  • a breakdown of assets reported at limited recourse borrowing arrangement labels by asset type.

SMSFs will have different asset allocations in individual cases.

To ensure consistency, the total monetary amounts used in this table are those reported in the Self-managed super fund quarterly statistical report – June 2019.

SMSF asset allocations, 30 June 2018

Asset type

All ($m)

% of total SMSF assets

% of SMSF population holding these assets

Mean ($)(h)

Median ($)(i)

Listed trusts

$36,943

5.0%

31.7%

$198,305

$81,406

Unlisted trusts

$84,609

11.5%

23.1%

$642,692

$263,078

Insurance policy

$124

<0.1%

0.1%

$294,965

$140,781

Other managed investments

$36,583

5.0%

11.3%

$558,104

$237,076

Cash and term deposits

$158,984

21.6%

96.9%

$280,891

$93,249

Debt securities

$11,675

1.6%

8.7%

$227,400

$100,000

Loans

$5,062

0.7%

3.0%

$303,834

$95,000

Listed shares

$214,101

29.1%

59.8%

$603,834

$282,349

Unlisted shares

$8,369

1.1%

6.8%

$219,498

$37,634

Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

$43,393

5.9%

10.2%

$767,941

$499,192

Non-residential real property

$67,252

9.1%

11.6%

$1,017,512

$600,000

Residential real property

$36,233

4.9%

9.9%

$645,297

$456,348

Collectables and personal use assets

$342

0.1%

0.6%

$115,158

$43,613

Other assets

$19,814

2.7%

82.4%

$40,985

$8,583

Overseas shares

$7,836

1.1%

6.2%

$224,626

$52,011

Overseas non-residential real property

$119

<0.1%

<0.1%

$468,482

$153,089

Overseas residential real property

$266

<0.1%

0.2%

$300,232

$161,316

Overseas managed investments

$1,064

0.1%

0.7%

$266,646

$98,810

Other overseas assets

$2,666

0.4%

2.6%

$182,119

$55,190

Total Australian and overseas Assets

$735,438

100%

Na

$1,298,124

$709,984

Borrowings

$22,759

3.1%

11.4%

$361,715

$267,192

Other liabilities

$5,978

0.8%

62.6%

$17,069

$3,202

Net Australian and overseas assets

$706,701

96.1%

Na

$1,244,913

$652,322

(h) (i) Mean and median values are only applicable to the funds that held those types of assets.
SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangement asset allocations, 30 June 2018

LRBA investment by asset type

Total ($m)

% of total SMSF assets

% of SMSFs holding these assets

Mean ($)(j)

Median ($)(k)

Australian residential real property

$21,768

3.0%

7.0%

$567,943

$460,894

Australian non-residential real property

$19,809

2.7%

2.9%

$1,241,594

$710,000

Overseas real property

$32

<0.1%

<0.1%

$549,892

$296,696

Australian shares

$511

0.1%

0.3%

$295,121

$163,903

Overseas shares

$11

<0.1%

<0.1%

$208,595

$90,369

Other

$1,263

0.2%

0.3%

$801,958

$265,000

Total(l)

$43,393

5.9%

10.2%

$767,941

$499,192

Notes:(j) (k) Mean and median values are only applicable to the funds that held those types of assets.

 

(l) The total represents the proportion of total SMSFs holding all LRBA assets. There is a small proportion of SMSFs that hold more than one type of LRBA asset.
Total LRBA assets and proportion of SMSFs reporting LRBAs, 2013–14 to 2017–18

LRBA assets

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Total LRBA assets ($m)

$43,393

$41,562

$27,023

$21,414

$15,530

Proportion of SMSFs reporting LRBAs (%)

10.2%

9.5%

7.3%

6.3%

5.7%

SMSF investment in real property and borrowings, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Investment type

2017–18 ($m)

2016–17 ($m)

2015–16 ($m)

2014–15 ($m)

2013–14 ($m)

Non-residential real property

$67,252

$67,795

$67,174

$64,269

$60,262

LRBA non-residential real property

$19,809

$18,943

$12,164

$9,513

$6,737

Residential real property

$36,233

$35,206

$29,048

$23,443

$19,997

LRBA residential real property

$21,768

$20,530

$13,071

$9,976

$6,658

Total SMSF investment in property

$145,062

$142,474

$121,457

$107,201

$93,654

Total borrowings

$22,759

$23,500

$21,196

$18,186

$13,771

Table 29: SMSF population holding assets

These tables show the:

  • distribution of the SMSF population holding certain assets
  • distribution of total SMSF assets by asset type.
SMSF population holding assets, by asset type

Asset type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Listed trusts

31.6%

29.1%

28.6%

27.7%

27.3%

Unlisted trusts

23.1%

22.5%

21.8%

20.3%

19.9%

Other managed investments

11.3%

10.6%

10.8%

11.2%

11.0%

Cash and term deposits

96.9%

97.0%

97.2%

97.0%

97.0%

Listed shares

59.8%

58.9%

59.7%

59.8%

59.4%

Non-residential real property

11.6%

11.9%

13.8%

14.5%

14.7%

Residential real property

9.9%

9.8%

9.1%

8.1%

7.4%

Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

10.2%

9.5%

7.3%

6.3%

5.7%

All other assets

111.3%

108.7%

107.4%

104.1%

101.7%

Distribution of SMSF asset holdings by asset type

Asset type

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

Listed trusts

5.0%

4.3%

4.4%

4.1%

3.8%

Unlisted trusts

11.5%

11.1%

10.4%

9.6%

9.1%

Other managed investments

5.0%

4.6%

4.9%

5.0%

4.6%

Cash and term deposits

21.6%

24.0%

24.4%

25.3%

27.1%

Listed shares

29.1%

27.4%

28.1%

29.8%

30.7%

Non-residential real property

9.1%

9.8%

11.0%

11.1%

11.3%

Residential real property

4.9%

5.1%

4.8%

4.1%

3.8%

Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

5.9%

6.0%

4.4%

3.7%

2.9%

All other assets

7.9%

7.7%

7.6%

7.3%

6.7%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

For additional tables on changes in distribution of SMSF asset holdings from 2014 to 2018, see Data tables (XLXS 605KB)This link will download a file.

Table 30: SMSF asset allocations, by fund phase

This table shows the distribution of assets held by SMSFs in accumulation and retirement phases, for each type of asset listed on the 2018 SMSF annual return.

SMSF asset allocation by fund phase, 30 June 2018

Asset type

Accumulation phase

Retirement phase

Listed trusts

4.1%

5.4%

Unlisted trusts

11.0%

12.2%

Insurance policy

<0.1%

<0.1%

Other managed investments

4.5%

5.3%

Cash and term deposits

21.5%

21.5%

Debt securities

0.9%

2.0%

Loans

0.7%

0.7%

Listed shares

20.9%

32.8%

Unlisted shares

1.5%

1.0%

Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

14.3%

1.5%

Non-residential real property

9.5%

9.2%

Residential real property

6.5%

4.2%

Collectables and personal use assets

0.1%

<0.1%

Other assets

2.8%

2.6%

Overseas shares

1.2%

1.1%

Overseas non-residential real property

<0.1%

<0.1%

Overseas residential real property

0.1%

<0.1%

Overseas managed investments

0.2%

0.1%

Other overseas assets

0.4%

0.4%

Total Australian and overseas assets

100%

100%

Table 31: Asset concentrations

These tables show the distribution of SMSFs that have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.

For example, at 30 June 2018, 44% of SMSFs held 80% or more of their assets in one particular asset class, representing 29% of total SMSF assets.

An asset concentration of 100% indicates all assets are held within a single asset class.

Distribution of SMSFs by asset concentration, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Asset concentration

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

100%

9.2%

10.4%

10.8%

11.6%

12.3%

>=90%

30.1%

30.6%

31.1%

31.6%

32.3%

>=80%

44.0%

44.4%

44.8%

45.1%

45.6%

>=70%

56.7%

57.1%

57.4%

57.8%

58.4%

>=60%

69.8%

70.2%

70.5%

71.0%

71.7%

>=50%

84.5%

84.8%

85.2%

85.8%

86.6%

Distribution of SMSF assets by asset concentration, 2013–14 to 2017–18

Asset concentration

2017–18

2016–17

2015–16

2014–15

2013–14

100%

4.0%

4.6%

4.7%

4.9%

5.3%

>=90%

18.8%

18.8%

19.3%

19.3%

19.8%

>=80%

29.1%

29.0%

29.6%

29.8%

30.2%

>=70%

38.5%

38.5%

39.1%

39.4%

40.1%

>=60%

47.9%

47.8%

48.5%

48.9%

49.8%

>=50%

57.3%

57.3%

58.0%

58.6%

59.6%

Table 32: Asset concentration by fund size

This table shows, by fund size, the distribution of SMSFs that have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.

SMSF asset concentration by fund size, 30 June 2018

Fund size

% of SMSFs with 100% concentration

>=90%

>=80%

>=70%

>=60%

>=50%

$1–$50k

41.4%

64.7%

75.7%

83.8%

91.2%

98.0%

>$50k–$100k

23.3%

52.5%

66.1%

76.1%

86.0%

96.0%

>$100k–$200k

19.2%

46.1%

60.0%

72.0%

83.0%

93.6%

>$200k–$500k

11.2%

38.0%

54.4%

67.1%

78.5%

90.2%

>$500k–$1m

6.6%

28.5%

43.7%

57.4%

71.2%

85.9%

>$1m–$2m

4.7%

21.0%

33.5%

46.4%

61.2%

79.1%

>$2m–$5m

2.7%

15.5%

26.6%

39.4%

54.5%

73.3%

>$5m–$10m

1.5%

12.8%

23.3%

36.0%

51.0%

68.9%

>$10m

1.5%

13.8%

24.5%

36.6%

50.7%

67.3%

Table 33: Asset concentration by asset type

This table shows, by asset class, the distribution of SMSFs that have 50%or more of their assets by value invested in that asset class.

SMSF asset concentration by type, 30 June 2018

Asset type

% of SMSFs with 100% of asset class

>=90%

>=80%

>=70%

>=60%

>=50%

Listed trusts

<0.1%

0.4%

0.6%

1.0%

1.5%

2.2%

Unlisted trusts

0.2%

1.8%

3.1%

4.3%

5.7%

7.3%

Insurance policy

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Other managed investments

0.1%

1.3%

1.9%

2.5%

3.1%

3.8%

Cash and term deposits

7.6%

11.4%

13.3%

15.4%

17.9%

21.2%

Debt securities

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.2%

Loans

0.0%

0.2%

0.4%

0.4%

0.5%

0.6%

Listed shares

0.2%

5.8%

10.4%

14.9%

19.6%

24.6%

Unlisted shares

<0.1%

0.2%

0.4%

0.5%

0.6%

0.8%

Limited recourse borrowing arrangements

0.2%

4.3%

6.5%

7.8%

8.6%

9.2%

Non-residential real property

0.2%

1.9%

3.2%

4.4%

5.5%

6.7%

Residential real property

0.1%

1.5%

2.5%

3.4%

4.3%

5.1%

Collectables and personal use assets

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

Other assets

0.4%

0.9%

1.2%

1.5%

1.7%

2.0%

Overseas shares

<0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.2%

0.2%

0.3%

Overseas non-residential real property

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Overseas residential real property

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

Overseas managed investments

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

<0.1%

Other overseas assets

<0.1%

<0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

0.1%

Total

9.2%

30.1%

44.0%

56.7%

69.8%

84.5%

Table 34: Asset concentration by phase

This table shows the distribution of SMSFs in accumulation or retirement phase that have 50% or more of their assets by value invested in one particular asset class.

SMSF asset concentration by phase, 30 June 2018

Asset concentration

% of SMSFs in accumulation phase

% of SMSFs in retirement phase

100%

11.3%

6.5%

>=90%

35.7%

22.8%

>=80%

50.8%

35.2%

>=70%

63.4%

48.0%

>=60%

75.6%

62.4%

>=50%

88.2%

79.6%

QC62894