Pension structures
| Arrangement | Direct property | Borrowing |
|---|---|---|
| Self-directed PRSA | May purchase residential or commercial investment property where the provider offers the facility. | May be eligible, subject to provider, trustee, lender and retirement timeframe. |
| Personal Retirement Bond or Buy-Out Bond | May invest through a suitable self-directed structure. | May be eligible, subject to approval. |
| Approved Retirement Fund | May purchase with existing cash where the provider permits direct property. | Generally cannot take out a new pension mortgage. |
| One-member occupational arrangement | Specific investment, diversification and governance rules apply. | New borrowing is heavily restricted and is not the standard route. |
| Standard insured pension policy | Does not normally hold an individual property directly. | No direct property borrowing without a suitable and permitted restructuring. |
Property types
Residential investment property
A house or apartment used solely as a rental investment may be considered if it meets provider, trustee and lender criteria.
Commercial property
Offices, retail and industrial premises may be considered, with additional focus on lease quality, tenant strength, VAT and concentration risk.
Properties that are unsuitable
Your home, a holiday home, property for connected-person use, or a transaction that breaches arm’s-length rules cannot proceed.
Separate questions: A pension may be able to own property without being allowed to borrow. Both the ownership structure and borrowing power must be confirmed.