When most people think of pensions, they imagine stocks, bonds, or managed funds chosen by someone else. But what if you could take control — and invest directly into something tangible, like property?
With a Self-Administered Pension, you can do exactly that. This powerful structure gives you the freedom to own property that you identify within your pension, enjoy tax-efficient returns, and build your retirement wealth on your terms.
And it’s not just about property Self-Administered Pensions can also hold forestry, farmland, and direct stocks, giving you the power to invest in what you understand and believe in
Why Consider Property in Your Pension?
Here’s why an increasing number of people are choosing to invest in property through their pension and why we’re one of the most trusted names in the country for this service.
1. Total Control Over Your Investments
A Self-Administered Pension allows you to choose exactly what your pension is invested in. From residential and commercial units to mixed-use developments across Ireland and the UK — the decision is yours.
UK property assets are fine in pre-retirement but post-retirement the UK HMRC don’t recognise the ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) as a pension and can therefore levy your scheme with tax. So, if your plan is to stick to Ireland then it is a lot easier! We can hold property tax exempt in both pre-retirement and post-retirement. You don’t have to sell the property to retire essentially.
It doesn’t stop there. Our clients also use their pensions to invest in:
- Forestry and farmland, offering long-term sustainability and capital appreciation.
- Direct stocks, where clients can trade on an Execution-Only basis, managing their own portfolio within the pension.
This freedom allows for diversification, autonomy, and a deeper connection to your investments — all within a tax-exempt wrapper.
2. Tax Efficiency You Can’t Ignore
The tax advantages of holding property in a pension are significant:
- No income tax on rental income.
- No capital gains tax on property sales.
- All expenses paid from the pension fund — not your personal income.
- No inheritance tax when passing your pension to a spouse
Compared to owning property personally, where income tax, CGT, and other out-of-pocket costs apply, the long-term savings can be enormous.
3. Borrowing is Allowed (Non-Recourse Only)
Certain pension types can borrow on a non-recourse basis to help finance property purchases meaning the loan is secured only against the property, not your personal assets.
Loans must be capital and interest (no interest-only), and the maximum term is 15 years. While some pensions like ARFs and vested PRSAs can’t borrow, many Self-Administered structures can providing greater buying power and flexibility.
With a Self-Administered Pension, you can invest in property, enjoy tax-free returns, and build your retirement wealth on your terms.
4. Compliance, Simplified
Investing through a pension means complying with Revenue & Pensions Authority rules. But that shouldn’t feel complicated.
That’s where Paul Ryan comes in. With over 300 properties already held within client pensions, we are now recognised as one of Ireland’s largest and most experienced specialists in this space.
We’ve built a streamlined one-stop solution to make the process as smooth as possible. Clients benefit from:
- A nationwide panel of trusted property agents.
- Experienced solicitors familiar with pension structures.
- Direct access to pension administration professionals who understand the intricacies involved. Professionals who spend all their time looking after Self-Administered Pension clients. We have done that now for nearly 25 years!
5. In-House Technical Expertise
While we no longer act as trustees, we have three full-time Revenue-Approved Pensioner Trustees working within our firm. This gives us unmatched technical depth and capability when it comes to navigating even the most complex pension cases.
Whether you’re structuring a joint purchase, navigating co-ownership agreements, or simply need confidence that your pension investment is compliant – we have the expertise in-house to guide you through.
6. Ongoing Support – Before and After Retirement
After retirement, your pension-held property can be transferred to an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) or Vested PRSA without triggering capital gains tax or ownership change – allowing you to continue benefiting from rental income within your retirement drawdown strategy.
We also assist with ongoing administration, property management oversight, and compliance reviews to ensure your pension stays efficient and stress-free well into the future.
What You Can Hold in a Self-Administered Pension?
You might be surprised at what your pension can hold:- Residential, commercial, or mixed-use property.
- Forestry and long-term agricultural land.
- Farms with appropriate arms-length lease agreements.
- Direct equities where you execute your own trades via an execution-only platform. We can also help on the advice side of these structures and are regulated by the Central Bank to provide that advice.
Property Ownership: The Smarter Way
Investing personally in property? Consider the difference:
| Outside a Pension | Within a Pension |
|---|---|
| Rental income is taxed | Rental income is tax-free |
| Capital gains are taxed | No CGT on sale |
| You pay costs personally | Costs paid from pension |
| No pension contribution benefit | Investment grows your retirement fund |
Pension property investment delivers better tax efficiency, better structure, and better long-term outcomes.
Getting Started is Simple
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Set up or transfer your pension (PRSA, PRB, or SSAP).
- Identify a suitable property – we can help source it.
- Appoint your professional team – solicitor, surveyor, property manager
- Purchase and manage the property via your pension.
- Earn tax-free rental income and benefit from long-term capital growth.
If purchasing jointly with another pension holder, we’ll help establish a co-ownership agreement and split rent and ownership accordingly.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Whether it’s property, farmland, forestry, or stocks – a Self-Administered Pension gives you the power to take charge of your future.
Want To Take Charge of Your Future With a Self-Administered Pension?
We make this complex area simple, with all the expertise, connections and experience needed to ensure smooth, compliant investing. From planning to purchase to post-retirement, we’ll be here every step of the way.