SIPP Pension Reviews, Transfers, Drawdown and More

@sipp is a specialist, independent SIPP and SSAS provider headquartered in Glasgow. Unlike many of the large insurance giants, @sipp focuses exclusively on self-invested pensions. Established in 2001, the firm is known for its boutique approach, offering a level of technical expertise and personal service that is often lost in larger organisations.

In early 2024, @sipp underwent a successful Management Buyout led by its senior team. In 2026, this independence remains their core strength, as they are not owned by a fund manager or a bank, allowing them to remain focused entirely on pension administration.

@sipp Pension Products and Specialist Focus

@sipp is designed primarily for use by Financial Advisers and their clients, though they offer products for different levels of complexity:

• The @sipp SIPP: A comprehensive Full SIPP that allows for a vast array of investments. While it supports standard funds and shares, it is particularly strong for those who want to hold non-standard assets

• Specialist Property SIPP: @sipp is a market leader in Commercial Property within pensions. They have a dedicated team that handles the complexities of purchasing, leasing, and managing business premises (such as offices, warehouses, or dental surgeries) inside your pension

• The @sipp SSAS: A Small Self-Administered Scheme specifically for business owners and directors. This allows for even greater flexibility, including the ability for the pension scheme to lend money back to the sponsoring company (Loanback)

Putting an @sipp Pension into Drawdown

Because @sipp is a technical specialist, their drawdown options are highly flexible and designed to meet the sophisticated needs of retirees.

• Flexi-Access Drawdown: You can move your pot into drawdown from age 55 (rising to 57 in April 2028). You can take your 25% tax-free lump sum and set up a regular or ad-hoc taxable income

• Commercial Property Income: For many @sipp clients, retirement income is funded by the rent paid on the property held within the SIPP. @sipp’s administration team is expert at processing these rental yields as pension income

• Flexible Withdrawals: They offer Phased Drawdown, allowing you to move small portions of your pension into the income phase over time to manage your personal tax liability efficiently

Alternatives to Drawdown

• Annuities: While @sipp is an administrator, they can facilitate the transfer of your funds to any UK insurance provider if you decide to buy a guaranteed income for life

• UFPLS: You can take one-off lump sums directly from your pot. Each payment is 25% tax-free and 75% taxable at your marginal rate of income tax

Reviewing and Transferring Your @sipp Pension

Reviewing an Existing Pot

If you have been with @sipp for several years, a 2026 review with your IFA is vital to ensure your strategy remains optimal:

1. Fee Audit: Because @sipp is a specialist Full SIPP provider, their fees are often higher than a basic DIY platform. A review ensures you are getting value for money, particularly if you no longer hold complex assets

2. Asset Performance: Checking that the Discretionary Fund Manager (DFM) or the underlying assets inside your SIPP are still performing according to your 2026 goals

Transferring To and From @sipp

• Transferring IN: @sipp is a popular choice for those looking to un-trap their pension from restrictive workplace schemes to invest in commercial property. They are members of the Origo transfer network, making cash moves relatively fast (10 to 15 days)

• Transferring OUT: You are free to move your pension to another provider. While @sipp does not have exit penalties, they do charge administrative fees for closing the account and transferring complex assets like property, which can be time-consuming

Pros, Cons, and Customer Reviews

The Pros

• Technical Excellence: Unrivaled expertise in commercial property and specialist investments

• Independent & Management-Owned: No conflict of interest with fund managers; they work solely for the pension holder

• Personal Service: Each adviser usually has a dedicated point of contact at the Glasgow office, ensuring high-quality, human support

The Cons

• Cost: Generally more expensive than mass-market tracker SIPPs; they are a premium service for complex pots

• Not for DIY: While they accept some direct clients, the platform is very much designed to be used in conjunction with a Financial Adviser

What Customers are Saying

"Working with @sipp for my commercial unit has been excellent. Their property team knows the law inside out and made the purchase process seamless." — IFA Feedback, Feb 2026

How Our IFA Service Can Help

At Money Help Desk, we connect you with Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) who are specialists in the Full SIPP market.

Our IFA advisers provide:

1. Property Viability Checks: Helping you determine if buying a commercial property through @sipp is the right move for your business and retirement

2. SSAS Guidance: For company directors, we provide expert advice on the benefits of an @sipp SSAS versus a standard workplace pension

3. Complex Asset Consolidation: Managing the process of moving specialised investments from older, underperforming providers into the @sipp structure

4. Exit Strategy Planning: Ensuring that when you reach retirement, your non-standard assets are managed to provide a steady, tax-efficient income

Whether you’re an existing customer or are considering moving your pension pot over to @sipp, get started here for independent advice about whether they are the right pension provider for you.