Retirement Planning

Fees are one of the most important and least understood elements of any UK pension. The Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) offers savers a wider range of investments than a typical workplace scheme, but with more choice comes a more varied charging structure. Some SIPPs …

What Readers Need to KnowSIPPInvestmentrules are set by HMRC, with conduct rules added by the FCA for SIPP operators and advisers.Most mainstream investments — funds, shares, ETFs, investment trusts — are allowed in a SIPP.Direct holdings of residential property and many personal-useAssetsare restricted under …

What Readers Need to KnowThe normal minimum pension age (NMPA) for SIPPs is 55 in 2026 and is rising to 57 from 6 April 2028.Protected pension ages may preserve earlier access for certain savers.Ill-health early access is possible under HMRC rules.The state pension age …

What Readers Need to KnowSIPPs are FCA-regulated personal pensions but still carryInvestmentrisk — values can fall as well as rise.More investment choice means more responsibility for the saver.Pension transfers, particularly from defined benefit schemes, carry significant risk and usually require advice.Pension scams have repeatedly …

What Readers Need to KnowSIPP contributions usually benefit from basic-rate tax relief at source — a contribution of £80 becomes £100 in the pension.Higher and additional-rate taxpayers can claim further tax relief through Self Assessment.The standard annual allowance for 2026/27 is £60,000 or 100% …

What Readers Need to KnowFull SIPPs and SSAS schemes can hold UK commercial property; ordinary workplace pensions and platform SIPPs typically cannot.Direct holdings of residential property are normally prohibited under the HMRC taxable property regime.Stamp Duty Land Tax applies at non-residential rates and is …