Cracking the property code: The business reshaping property investment through super

Property investing is a proven way to build wealth, but using superannuation to tap into real estate opportunities is not always easy. One company finding innovative solutions to this problem is Supavest.

In the dynamic world of self-managed super funds (SMSFs), one company is breaking new ground. Founded by Raymond Hempstead in 2020, Supavest is pioneering a new approach that empowers Australians to take control of their superannuation by facilitating property investments that were once deemed impossible.  

Through innovative financial solutions and a commitment to investor education, Supavest is reshaping the landscape of SMSF real estate investments and helping individuals build their wealth with greater flexibility and security.  

Historically, investing in real estate through an SMSF has been fraught with restrictions. The law prohibits SMSF trustees from using debt to build property, limiting them to purchasing established properties.  

This restriction has led many Australians to believe that property development within their superannuation was simply not an option. Supavest has rewritten the rules, introducing a solution that allows investors to legally build and own properties within their SMSFs.  

“Our model enables people to construct properties within their SMSFs using a single-part contract structure,” Hempstead says. “This eliminates the legal hurdles and opens up new opportunities for investors looking to build wealth through real estate.”  

Supavest offers two primary investment solutions. The first is full property ownership in SMSFs. Investors can use their SMSF funds to build a property outright under a single-part contract, leveraging their existing capital to acquire high-yield, positive cash-flow properties.  

The second is tenants in common (TIC) property. This innovative fractionalised investment model allows investors to own as little as 5% of a high-return rental property. With returns of up to 9.8%* and monthly income distributions, TIC Property enables individuals to step into property investment with as little as $65,000* while still benefiting from capital growth. 

 “TIC Property is a game-changer,” says Hempstead. “Unlike unit trusts, where investors own shares rather than physical assets, our model ensures investors are on the property title, giving them real ownership and direct access to rental income and appreciation.” 

Journey to innovation  

The idea for Supavest was born out of personal experience. Hempstead’s father, a brilliant computer engineer, suffered financially after following poor financial advice. Losing over 50% of his investments, he was forced into a government pension, spending his final days worrying about his family’s financial future.  

This experience ignited a passion in Hempstead to create a better way for Australians to manage their super and invest for retirement.  

In 2020, after recognising a critical gap in the SMSF market, Hempstead embarked on a nine-month journey to secure funding for his vision. By November of that year, Supavest had successfully executed its first deal. Today, the company has nearly 200 properties under construction and is rapidly expanding its reach across Australia. 

Overcoming industry challenges

Supavest’s innovative approach addresses key barriers in SMSF property investment. 

 The first is limited access to financing. Traditional lenders, particularly the big four banks, do not finance construction within SMSFs, creating a major roadblock for investors. Supavest has partnered with private and Tier 2 lenders to provide tailored financing solutions.  

The second is lack of education and awareness. Many Australians are unaware of their options, largely due to financial advisors being legally restricted from discussing real estate investments in SMSFs. Supavest is tackling this issue head-on through extensive investor education initiatives.  

The third is regulatory constraints. The Australian government frequently reviews SMSF regulations, but Hempstead remains confident in Supavest’s compliance-driven approach. “The SIS Act is designed to protect SMSF assets. Our model aligns with these regulations while maximising investment potential,” he says. 

New standard in transparency

Supavest is not just offering investment opportunities—it is setting a new industry standard for transparency and investor protection. The company recently introduced a real estate product disclosure statement (PDS), a first-of-its-kind document that outlines the risks, benefits, and financial considerations of each investment opportunity. 

 Investors are required to review and sign this statement at multiple stages of the purchasing process, ensuring they make informed decisions.  

“In the stock market, investors must read a prospectus before buying shares,” Hempstead says. “But when it comes to property, people can spend a million dollars with no formal disclosures. We’re changing that.”  

With ambitious growth plans, Supavest aims to transform the investment landscape for SMSF holders. The company’s goal is to facilitate 100,000 property transactions by 2033 and create a $32 billion business, employing 650 professionals across Australia. 

“Our goal is to give people the tools to build real wealth and secure their future.”

Raymond Hempstead

 In the shorter term, the company targets 1,745 TIC property sales by June 2026 — a significant leap from the 55 sales recorded in its first year. Beyond growth, Hempstead is driven by a deeper mission — ensuring that Australians do not reach retirement only to find their superannuation insufficient.  

“Too many people believe their super will be enough,” he says. “But the reality is that even a million-dollar super balance can be depleted within a decade. Our goal is to give people the tools to build real wealth and secure their future.”  

Supavest is more than a company; it is a movement toward financial empowerment. By offering innovative SMSF property solutions and championing investor education, Raymond Hempstead and his team are ensuring that Australians take control of their financial destinies.  

With Supavest, the dream of building a profitable property portfolio within an SMSF is not just possible — it’s a reality.  

“In the end, I don’t want people to end up like my dad,” says Hempstead. “I want them to have choices, to retire with dignity, and to know that they made the right decisions early on.”  

With Supavest leading the charge, the future of SMSF property investment in Australia has never looked brighter.