Property in super: the new rules - your questions answered

Property in super, the biggest secret in life insurance and the rise in coal prices - what does it mean for you?

James Kirby takes your questions today

Superannuation continues to be one of the hottest topics of discussion on the site - and one which prompts a huge number of questions and comments from our subscribers.

Wealth Editor James Kirby has again been answering your questions, this week on super in property, in a special Q&A session*.

If you missed it, here is a recap of James’s answers, as well as his special examination on the biggest secret in life insurance. And if that is still not enough, check out James’s weekly spot on ABC Radio, where he discusses the price of coal and the Kidman cattle saga. Got a topic you want discussed in James’s next Q&A session on Wednesday? Let us know.

Q&A: Property in Super - the new rules

The $1.6m cap due on properties is due to be introduced on July 1 2017 - what does that mean?

Reader Questions included:

• Do I have to sell all property i( both shares and Commercial ) in my Super Fund prior to June 30th to avoid paying 15% Capital gains tax after that date.

• Can a SMSF loan money (with interest) to a company that then purchases a house on behalf of a family trust? Can a family member then rent that house from the company?

•The properties we have in super are mortgaged - I expect when you do the numbers we own perhaps 50% of them and the bank owns the rest - how is this going to work?

• The properties we have in super are mortgaged - I expect when you do the numbers we own perhaps 50% of them and the bank owns the rest - how is this going to work?

• I haven’t retired yet and I’m planning on putting our properties into our DIY super account. How long do I have before it’s too late?

• I have heard about arrangements where you can borrow for a property through super and you don’t have to buy a special product...do you know anything about this?

James’s answers to these questions and more are in the COMMENTS SECTION below. You can read more about how new super rules will affect DIY funds’ property investment HERE.

The biggest secret in life insurance

This week the life insurance industry made some key changes, but a closer look reveals a lot more needs to examined in the months to come.

Coal prices double: what does it mean?

* Please note this is a general advice forum - we are not offering personal advice of any kind. James will endeavour to answer as many questions as possible in the timeframe permitted, with a view to helping as many subscribers as possible. Unfortunately he may not be able to get to all questions and we apologise if your question is not answered.

We are planning to produce a series of similar subscriber-only sessions on investment issues that matter to you, and these will be promoted on www.theaustralian.com.au over the coming weeks, so stay tuned. We also cover these topics regularly in the Wealth section.