| Q. My business partner and I are looking to buy | | | | The term of the loan may not be any longer than |
| new commercial premises. I want to buy my | | | | 5 years, although a loan can be rolled over once, |
| share using my SIPP but my partner does not | | | | subject to there being sufficient security i.e. first |
| have one. Is it possible for a SIPP to purchase a | | | | charge over assets which have greater than or |
| property with a non-SIPP co-owner? | | | | equal value to the loan amount. Interest must be |
| A. Yes, it is possible for you to purchase your | | | | charged at a minimum of 1% above base rate |
| property using your SIPP with a non-SIPP | | | | rounded up to the nearest 0.25%. The loan must |
| co-owner. It makes no difference at all. The only | | | | be repaid over the term. The repayments must |
| difference being that your partner will own his | | | | include capital as well as interest. |
| half, where as your SIPP will own your half of the | | | | There are many benefits from using your SIPP to |
| property. You will also have to pay rent into your | | | | purchase commercial property as an investment |
| SIPP every month.It is possible for the trustees | | | | tool. For example, you will receive a rental income |
| of your SIPP to borrow money from a | | | | into your SIPP, long term capital appreciation, |
| commercial lender in order to assist with the | | | | lower volatility than equities and borrowing is |
| purchase of suitable property. HMRC guidelines | | | | available to assist your purchase (up to 50% of |
| state that the Trustees can borrow up to 50% | | | | your fund). |
| of the net asset value of the SIPP, as calculated | | | | Also there is the ability to buy the property for |
| immediately before the borrowing takes place. | | | | your business without being a capital expense and |
| This limit includes all existing borrowing. The rent | | | | when you come to sell the property, it will be |
| receiveable by the tennants of the property must | | | | free of Capital Gains Tax. The question I want to |
| exceed the loan repayment and the interest due | | | | ask is - Why hasn't your business partner got a |
| on the loan. | | | | SIPP?! |