Australian regulators have tightened restrictions on self-managed super fund (SMSF) lending for new residential projects, prompting concerns about developers’ access to finance. Industry groups are calling for an exemption for new-home projects to support the government’s goal of building 1.2 million homes, amid a downturn in dwelling approvals. Data cited in the debate point to earlier APRA investor-loan limits, with analysis of ABS figures by REA Group showing apartment approvals fell about 25% at the time. With commercial-property SMSF loans currently exempt, interest and presales for small industrial warehouse-style assets have risen, affecting domestic banks, listed homebuilders and commercial property REITs.