SMSF: Collectables and Personal Use Assets
From 1 July 2011, the requirements for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) holding collectables and personal use assets were tightened.
LAST UPDATED August 2026
SMSFs can invest in collectables and personal use assets, however specific rules apply to these investments.
Collectables and personal use assets held by an SMSF:
- Must not be leased to, or part of a lease arrangement with a related party, including a member of the fund;
- Must not be used by a member or related party;
- Must not be stored or displayed in the private residence of a member or related party;
- Must be insured in the name of the SMSF within 7 days of the fund acquiring the assest;
- If the item is transferred to a related party, the transaction must be at market value as determined by an independent valuer;
- The decision on the storage of the item must be recorded and kept for at least 10 years after the decision has been made;
The investment must also satisfy the sole purpose test and be maintained for the genuine purpose of providing retirement benefits to members. Collectables and personal use assets cannot be used to provide a present-day benefit to members or related parties.
These changes applied to all new collectables and personal use assets acquired on or after 1 July 2011. All collectables and personal use assets acquired prior to 1 July 2011 were required to be made complying by 1 July 2016 or were to be disposed of.
What are Collectables and Personal Use Assets?
Collectables and personal use assets include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Artwork
- Jewellery
- Antiques
- Motor Vehicles and motorcycles
- Boats
- Wine or Spirits
- Coins and Banknotes
- Postage stamps
- Rare books, manuscripts and memorabilia
- Assets of a particular kind, if assets of that kind are ordinarily used or kept mainly for personal use or enjoyment (not including land).
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