Investing pension in property

Have you ever thought about investing your pension in property? Here are some reasons as to why you should consider it:

REASONS

• You can pick the property you wish to purchase with your pension, residential, commercial, and industrial or a combination of each can be held with the fund
• Income tax relief on contributions made to fund the purchase are at the higher rate of tax
• There is no income tax on the rental income and no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the eventual sale of the property
• Upon retirement, you can take 25% of the value of the pension fund as a lump sum, of which €200,000 is tax free. The property can transfer in specie to a self administered ARF and the rental income can contribute to your income in retirement (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 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
• Max. 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

If you would like to talk to us about investing your pension, call us on 1890 606 570.

Budget 2021: The Covid-19 Budget

BUDGET OVERVIEW

A truly historic Budget involving Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party is marked by huge spending increases. A record Budget of €17.75 billion has been announced with nearly half of all spending going on Covid-19 supports which has been framed by the pandemic and the prospect of a no-trade deal Brexit.

The coronavirus pandemic has been the greatest challenge to face the country since it gained independence, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said as he unveiled Budget 2021. Businesses hit by restrictions will get rebates along with measures for the hospitality sector and homebuyers. There were very few changes on the personal tax front, something many will be grateful for given the ongoing uncertain economic outlook. There was an increase in the earned income credit for the self-employed from €1,500 to €1,650 to bring it into line with PAYE workers.

If you would like to read an online issuu of this article click here

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