Australian self-managed super funds can hold physical gold and silver bullion as part of a diversified investment strategy. This guide explains the rules, eligible products, storage requirements and how to buy SMSF bullion with Bullion Australia.
Can your SMSF invest in gold and silver bullion?
Yes. An SMSF is permitted to hold physical gold and silver bullion as an investment, provided it fits the fund’s written investment strategy and satisfies the sole purpose test. Investment-grade bullion bars and coins are treated as an ordinary fund investment — unlike jewellery or rare coins, which are classed as collectables and carry stricter rules.
SMSF-compliant bullion: what qualifies
- Gold bars and coins of 99.99% (999.9) purity
- Silver bars and coins of 99.9% (999) purity or higher
- Widely recognised mint and refiner brands such as the Perth Mint and ABC Bullion
Bullion valued for its metal content — not as a collectable or numismatic item — is the straightforward, compliant path for an SMSF.
Storage requirements for SMSF bullion
SMSF assets must be kept separate from the personal assets of members and be securely stored and insured. The recommended approach is allocated, insured vault storage held in the fund’s name. Bullion Australia offers segregated, audited vault storage so your holdings are protected and clearly identified as fund property. We recommend against storing SMSF bullion at home.
How to buy gold or silver with your SMSF
- Confirm your SMSF investment strategy allows precious metals.
- Choose your bullion from our gold range or silver range.
- Pay from your SMSF bank account (bank transfer / PayID) so ownership sits with the fund.
- Select insured delivery or allocated vault storage in the fund’s name.
- Keep your invoice and holding records for your fund’s annual audit.
Selling and buyback
When your fund is ready to sell, our Australia-wide bullion buyback service lets you sell back at competitive, live-spot-linked pricing with payment to your SMSF account.
SMSF bullion FAQs
Can my SMSF buy gold bullion?
Yes — investment-grade gold bullion is an allowable SMSF investment when it fits your fund’s strategy and the sole purpose test.
Can SMSF bullion be stored at home?
Investment-grade bullion should be securely stored and insured, separate from members’ personal assets. Allocated, insured vault storage in the fund’s name is the recommended approach.
Is bullion a collectable for SMSF purposes?
Standard investment-grade bars and coins are not collectables. Rare, proof or numismatic coins can be classed as collectables and carry additional rules.
This information is general in nature and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Please consult a licensed SMSF adviser or accountant before making investment decisions.