First off, a note to the mods, I do not want to breach the posting guidlines regarding property prices. I'd like to start a discussion regarding property vs pension funds as a means of retirement planning if I may.
Having watched the rte program "Pensions Shock" last night, I was amazed that the lady who, along with her employer, had built up a pension fund valued at 200k was only going to receive 93 euro a week. This equates to about 400 euro per month. The program showed that upto a third of her fund (and over half of other funds) was wiped out due to charges & fees. In addition pretty poor performance of the fund itself didn't help.
Although property is certainly out of fashion at the moment, for the long term investor does it not provide a better alternative? Off the top of my head:
As mentioned, the lady's fund was approximately 200k but only produced a pension of approx 400 euro per month. This 200k could purchase a property that would produce a rent of over 700 euro even in today's market.
What do people think?
Having watched the rte program "Pensions Shock" last night, I was amazed that the lady who, along with her employer, had built up a pension fund valued at 200k was only going to receive 93 euro a week. This equates to about 400 euro per month. The program showed that upto a third of her fund (and over half of other funds) was wiped out due to charges & fees. In addition pretty poor performance of the fund itself didn't help.
Although property is certainly out of fashion at the moment, for the long term investor does it not provide a better alternative? Off the top of my head:
- Annual charges are limited to: management fees (for apartments), some upkeep, property tax, rental agency fees (if used). I would ask any seasoned landlords to provide average costs for these
- The property produces rent soon after it is bought helping to fund itself (if a mortgage is required)
- Property can be sold at anytime and the owner gets the full amount
As mentioned, the lady's fund was approximately 200k but only produced a pension of approx 400 euro per month. This 200k could purchase a property that would produce a rent of over 700 euro even in today's market.
What do people think?