SMSF

According to Westpac's summary of Cotality's Home Value Index, national home values fell 0.9 per cent in August 2026. It was the fifth consecutive monthly decline, leaving values 3.6 per cent below their March 2026 peak.

She suggested tax considerations can push people towards decisions that may not suit them for 20 years down the track.

According to the SMSF Association, citing ATO data, more than 50,000 new SMSFs were established in 2025–26, a record. The June 2026 quarter alone saw 12,264 new funds.

SMSFs can be expensive to set up and run, and in some cases can cost more than retail and industry funds. It also notes that the lower a fund's starting balance, the greater the impact of fixed costs on overall returns.

According to the SMSF Association, citing ATO data, more than 50,000 new SMSFs were established in 2025–26, a record. The 35–44 age group was the largest cohort of new members.

According to the ATO's March 2026 quarterly statistics, 85 per cent of SMSF members are aged 45 or older, and total SMSFAssetsare estimated at $1.06 trillion. As balances grow and members age, estate planning naturally rises up the agenda.

However, he cautioned that over-reliance on AI could breach professional obligations. Dunn described appropriate uses as assembling, collating, cross-checking and monitoring information.