Hargreaves Lansdown flags rising interest in annuities

'Down but by no means out'

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 1 min read

Annuities could be staging a comeback, according to Hargreaves Lansdown, which identified a 10% year-on-year rise in interest in the retirement product in January.

While non-enhanced annuity rates are up by 14% since their post-Brexit lows, however, the firm said they remain 5% down on levels seen in January last year. "Annuities have taken a bit of a beating since George Osbourne announced pension freedom," said Hargreaves Lansdown senior pension analyst Nathan Long. "But, while they may have been down, they are by no means out." He continued: "Improved annuity rates are sparking renewed interest among retirees, many of whom crave income certainty - albeit not at any price. For most people, a secure form of income is a must to cover life's esse...

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 Pensions

Mind the gap: Why advisers have a key role in closing the gender pension divide

Mind the gap: Why advisers have a key role in closing the gender pension divide

'While access to pensions has improved, barriers remain'

Julia Peake
clock 22 October 2026 • 5 min read
Planning points: Paying pension funds to charity on death

Planning points: Paying pension funds to charity on death

IHT on pensions may create opportunities for charitable giving

Martin Jones
clock 16 October 2026 • 3 min read
Torsten Bell: Pensions industry must 'give ground' to what savers trust

Torsten Bell: Pensions industry must 'give ground' to what savers trust

Torsten Bell says what the industry is doing is a ‘triumph’, but there must be transparency

Holly Roach
clock 15 October 2026 • 1 min read