To wait or not to wait: Should clients defer buying an annuity?

Should clients defer buying an annuity following Budget changes?

Carmen Reichman
clock • 4 min read

It is a question many advisers are facing when considering clients' impending at-retirement choices in the wake of the pension freedoms unveiled at Budget 2014. So what are advisers recommending?

The retirement landscape was radically overhauled by George Osborne in March. The dramatic changes announced at Budget 2014 effectively removed the need for retirees to buy an annuity and opened up a new world for drawdown. Providers have responded in kind: a flurry of new products have sprung up designed to bridge the gap for would-be retirees who are now holding out on making a decision. But some advisers think deferring retirement decisions can prove costly, and argue the new products are not necessarily designed with the client in mind. So, is it wise to wait or should those...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Income

Legal & General goes digital for annuity applications

Legal & General goes digital for annuity applications

Applications could take 14 fewer days to process

Jenna Brown
clock 01 April 2025 • 1 min read
M&G launches fixed term annuity as it re-enters market

M&G launches fixed term annuity as it re-enters market

Fixed term of between five and 15 years on £10,000 minimum lump sum

Jenna Brown
clock 12 March 2025 • 2 min read
L&G reports record annuity sales of £2.1bn for 2024

L&G reports record annuity sales of £2.1bn for 2024

New business sales of annuities up 48%

Linus Uhlig & Jenna Brown
clock 12 March 2025 • 3 min read