Darin Tyson-Chan and Grant Abbott discuss how two mates used their SMSFs to develop property — without breaking the rules. Is property development in an SMSF a smart move or a compliance minefield? What structures help avoid breaching the in-house asset rule or the sole purpose test? They unpack how using a unit trust can make it work, along with the key strategies, risks and safeguards trustees need to get it right.
Grant Abbott
Chairman of the Succession, Asset Protection, and Estate Planning Advisers Association (SAPEPAA)
Grant Abbott is widely recognised as Australia’s foremost expert on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), with over three decades of experience in superannuation law, estate planning, and wealth protection. As the founder of multiple successful ventures including LightYear Docs, LightYear Training Group, and I Love SMSF, Grant has pioneered many of the strategies that now underpin modern SMSF advice in Australia. His deep knowledge of the SIS Act, tax legislation, and advanced structuring techniques has made him the go-to authority for accountants, financial planners, and legal professionals across the country. Grant’s career has been defined by his passion for education and empowerment. He has trained more than 25,000 advisers, authored several best-selling books on SMSFs, and continues to innovate through AI-driven compliance and strategy tools that simplify the complex world of SMSFs for professionals and trustees alike. His thought leadership spans topics such as contribution maximisation, SMSF estate planning, intergenerational wealth transfer, and protecting superannuation from litigation and bankruptcy—all delivered with practical, actionable insights that drive results. In an industry facing constant change, Grant remains at the forefront—combining deep legislative understanding with future-focused innovation. His latest work integrates artificial intelligence with SMSF strategy, helping advisers scale their businesses while delivering highly personalised client outcomes. Whether presenting to national conferences, mentoring elite advisers, or developing cutting-edge legal documentation, Grant Abbott is committed to reshaping how Australians grow, protect, and pass on their superannuation wealth.
Articles by Grant