DRAFT PENSION PROPERTY

Why Invest Your Pension in Property?

 

Self-administered pension arrangements offer great advantage to investors putting their pension fund in property.

Pension Legislation allow the use of retirement funds for the purchase of an investment property in individual, co-ownership, or syndicated funds.

Investors can invest in residential, commercial or industrial property.  Pension Property Investment offers many benefits, including:

  • You can select the property you wish to purchase with your pension;
  • Income tax relief on the contributions made to your pension fund the purchase are at the higher rate of tax.
  • The Rental Income is not liable to income tax and there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability on the proceeds of the eventual sale of the property.
  • At retirement you can take 25% of the value of the fund as a lump sum, of which €200,000 is tax free.  The property can be transferred to a self administered Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and the rental income can contribute to your income in retirement.  These draw downs are subject  (draw downs are subject to PAYE).
  • You have control over every aspect of your pension.
  • If available, gearing can be used to assist in purchasing the property.
  • If you are purchasing a commercial property the fund can be registered for VAT if required.

How can I purchase a property through my pension?

  • Contact Harvest Financial Services to discuss your current pension arrangements.
  • You select the property.
  • We will help you organise to have funds in place in your pension.

How can I fund it?

  • Transfer existing pensions in to a self administered pension (where appropriate).
  • Personal Contributions, restricted to a percentage of NRE cap €115K.
  • Company Contributions – your company/employer can contribute to a pension on your behalf.

Are there restrictions buying property through pension?

Yes, but they are not too onerous and include:

  • The vendor must not be related to you, your employer, it’s directors and associated companies.
  • The property cannot be sold or let to relatives, your employer or its directors and associated companies.
  • Personal use of the property is prohibited.
  • The development of a property with a view to its disposal is not allowed.

Can I borrow to fund the purchase?

Yes, but the loan must comply with certain rules including:

  • “Limited Recourse” – the lender can take security over the property only.
  • Maximum loan term of 15 years or NRA if sooner.
  • Subject to bank’s lending criteria.
  • The pension scheme cannot borrow retrospectively.
  • Banks currently looking at commercial property with strong lease covenant and residential property in urban areas (10,000+ population).

Advantages of Investing pension in property.

  • Generous tax reliefs on funds to purchase property.
  • All purchase costs are met by the pension.
  • Rental income is exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC.
  • There is no Capital Gains Tax on the sale of the property.
  • You can transfer the property in specie in to your Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) at retirement.

Disadvantages of Investing pension in property.

  • You cannot use the property – it must be for investment only.
  • Risk – Gearing significantly increases the risk profile of the investment.
  • It is an illiquid asset.

How do I find out more about Investing in Pension in Property?

To find out more about investing your pension in property and to determine if they are suitable and appropriate for your portfolio please call us on 01 237 5500 or email justask@harvestfinancial.ie.

Pension Plan Regulation – Big changes for SSAS’s

Investing pension in property

GLOBAL PROPERTY EXPOSURE WITH LIQUIDITY AND INCOME

Comparing Direct Property to Property Fund in Pension

Why you should consider Property as an asset class for your Investment

Buying a Property through your Pension – General property investment rules 

This marketing information has been provided for discussion purposes only. It is not advice, it is provided for general information purposes only and does not fully take into account your financial position, investment needs and objectives, attitude to risk, liquidity needs, capital security needs, capacity for loss, etc. It should therefore not be relied upon to make investment decisions. Prior to any formal investments taking place you will be provided with a detailed suitability letter taking into account all the above and outlining why the investment(s) are (not) suitable for you.

The particular tax treatment contained herein is based on Harvest Financial Services Limited’s understanding of current Revenue practice as at November 2017. Please note that the tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. You should take such independent tax advice as you deem appropriate.

Please note that the provision of this product or service does not require licensing, authorisation, or registration with the Central Bank of Ireland and, as a result, it is not covered by the Central Bank’s requirements designed to protect consumers or by a statutory compensation scheme.

about pension property