<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Buy to Let Hotel Room Condo Hotel Investment News &#124; ROC Investments</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog</link>
	<description>ROC Investments blog buying hotel rooms in overseas resorts for investment</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:07:41 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts hold soft opening of Buccament Bay Resort</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/harlequin-hotels-resorts-hold-soft-opening-of-buccament-bay-resort/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/harlequin-hotels-resorts-hold-soft-opening-of-buccament-bay-resort/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:01:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buccament Bay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caribbean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Harlequin Hotels & Resorts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=81</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Friday, August 13, marked the dawn of a new era in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, when Harlequin Hotels &#38; Resorts held a soft-opening of the breathtaking five star Buccament Bay Resorts &#8211; Harlequin&#8217;s first resort ever.
To mark the special occasion, 38 guests, including children, arrived onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight via St.Lucia from the United [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Friday, August 13, marked the dawn of a new era in St.Vincent and the<a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/buccamentbayopening1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-83" title="buccamentbayopening1" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/buccamentbayopening1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="177" /></a> Grenadines, when Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts held a soft-opening of the breathtaking five star Buccament Bay Resorts &#8211; Harlequin&#8217;s first resort ever.</p>
<p>To mark the special occasion, 38 guests, including children, arrived onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight via St.Lucia from the United Kingdom.</p>
<p>On Sunday, August 15, the celebration continued with a further 31 guests arriving from the United Kingdom. On that day, Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves and his wife Eloise Gonsalves visited the resort to take a tour of the exciting new resort. They joined Harlequin Property Chairman Dave Ames and his wife Carol Ames, the management team and staff of the resort.</p>
<p>In an exclusive interview with SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday evening, Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts&#8217; Marketing Director Janet Franke disclosed that by today, Friday, August 20, a total of 130 guests will be staying at the resort. One of the guests at the resort is former international and premiership footballer Andy Townsend. He arrived here on Tuesday.</p>
<p>The visitors, who are generally investors of Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts, will spend approximately two to three weeks at Buccament. During their stay, the visitors will be taken to recreational sites throughout the state where <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/buccamentbayopening2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-84" title="buccamentbayopening2" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/buccamentbayopening2.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>they will be able to dive and snorkel. Plans are in place to take them to Indian Bay, Bat Cave, Vermont Nature Trail, The Tobago Cays and the turtle sanctuary at Bequia.</p>
<p>&#8220;It was very emotional and a huge achievement for Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts to open the company&#8217;s first resort ever,&#8221; said Franke, adding &#8220;it&#8217;s a huge significance.&#8221; Franke said she had the opportunity to speak with a few guests and the initial reaction they gave was: &#8220;We just love it here.</p>
<p>The people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines are polite, friendly and warm.&#8221; She said some investors felt that the service provided so far is great and the right team is in place to manage the resort. She noted that others simply stated that they &#8220;would really like to be investing in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.&#8221; &#8220;One of the investors said that &#8216;I have a lot of confidence in Harlequin because the resort is in a stunning location, plus there is excellent quality build&#8217;,&#8221; said Franke, adding &#8220;he truly believes it is going to be a superb five star resort.&#8221;</p>
<p>David Campion, Development Director of Harlequin Developments, the new company handling the construction of the resort, said last weekend&#8217;s soft-opening marked the completion of Phase 1 (A). Sixty eight villas, two restaurants, a reception building, pool facilities, spa, the Little Harlequin Kids&#8217; Club and the beach, now transformed from black into a white sand beach, were handed over to Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts.<a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/buccamentbayopening3.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-85" title="buccamentbayopening3" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/buccamentbayopening3.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>&#8220;The programme is on track. We&#8217;ll be releasing the villas in phases,&#8221; said Campion, adding villas that are not completed are being fine tuned.</p>
<p>The resort is expected to provide a means of income for locals in the area. Campion said already eight fishermen from Buccament have been commissioned to provide fish for the resort. SEARCHLIGHT was also told that on Tuesday, August 17, the first massages were done on the beach using locally trained staff.</p>
<p>Campion noted that by August 23, the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School and the Pat Cash Tennis Academy are expected to be completed. On this note, he said ex-Wimbledon champion Pat Cash will be travelling to St.Vincent and the Grenadines on September 25 to play tennis with the guests.</p>
<p>For the past two weeks, marine and civil engineers of Baird, structural engineers of ACI, interior designers of Jones Baker, landscapers of Talma Mills, and architects of Harlequin Developments have been on the job full time to ensure that the resort meets the required standards.</p>
<p>At the moment, the resort has 210 hotel workers, but by the end of February 2011 when the first phase is fully opened, 600 persons will be on staff.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The above article appeared in &#8220;Weekend Searchlight&#8221;, a St Vincent and the Grenadines local newspaper, on Friday the 20th of August</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/harlequin-hotels-resorts-hold-soft-opening-of-buccament-bay-resort/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>ROC explains Self Invested Pension Plans (SIPP&#8217;s)</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/roc-explains-self-invested-pension-plans-sipps/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/roc-explains-self-invested-pension-plans-sipps/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buy to let hotel rooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[roc investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Invested Pension Plan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sipp investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SIPPs explained]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=63</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Retirement planning can be complex and inflexible with a lack of control and personal choice. The required contributions to build a fund in order to provide the desired level of income in retirement can be unaffordable and the performance of traditional equity (stocks and shares based) funds provided by insurance companies hasn’t been great along [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mauritius_stgeran_pool_02.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-64" title="overseas property sipp" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mauritius_stgeran_pool_02-300x225.jpg" alt="Overseas hotel rooms classed as Commercial Property" width="300" height="225" /></a>Retirement planning can be complex and inflexible with a lack of control and personal choice. The required contributions to build a fund in order to provide the desired level of income in retirement can be unaffordable and the performance of traditional equity (stocks and shares based) funds provided by insurance companies hasn’t been great along with the volatility of those funds.</p>
<p>Although most people have heard of the term SIPP there has been much confusion about what can or cannot be invested in a Self Invested Pension Plan and who can benefit from such a scheme.</p>
<p>A SIPP essentially can help you take control of your existing and future pension provision. A SIPP can buy property. It can borrow up to 50% of its net assets in order to fund a property purchase regardless of the investor’s status. You can start a new plan and consolidate your existing pension arrangements in to a new SIPP. There are a number of specialist SIPP providers whom accept overseas property as an acceptable asset.</p>
<p>Not just any overseas property can be purchase with a SIPP &#8211; only “Hotel Based” property which, has been deemed by Her Majesties Revenue &amp; Customs (HMRC) as commercial. SIPP investors are not allowed to use their property personally. The property is deemed a “pure investment” and not a holiday home or lifestyle purchase.</p>
<p>An investor using a SIPP can make further contributions ongoing into their SIPP and is entitled to full tax relief which means that if a 40% tax payer paid in £100,000 it could only cost him £60,000. It is also possible to increase the amount of funds available in a SIPP by borrowing up to a further 50% of the value of the SIPP. For example if a SIPP has funds of £200,000, it can borrow another £100,000 making available £300,000 to invest.</p>
<p>Since pension rules were simplified in April 2006 the benefits of SIPP’s have become accessible to the wider , further still since October 2008 when HMRC allowed contracted out/SERPS monies to be accessible unlocked an estimated £50million in pension funds to the UK public that otherwise remained locked in until retirement.</p>
<p>So what are the benefits of investing in property with a SIPP?</p>
<ul>
<li>No requirement for cash investment, so no effect on your current expenditure</li>
<li>Tax Relief on eligible contributions at your highest rate, max 40%</li>
<li>No Capital Gains Tax on property investments within a SIPP</li>
<li>No Income Tax on property investments within a SIPP</li>
<li>No dividends to be taxed on property investments in a SIPP</li>
<li>Potential Inheritance Tax benefits</li>
<li>Pre-agreed limited liability lending</li>
<li>A SIPP can be syndicated so two or more people can pool their pension funds to invest in overseas property – ideal for a husband and wife or group investment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Any type of pension can be transferred into a SIPP, for instance many people have several &#8216;frozen&#8217; pensions from previous employment or businesses and/or personal pensions that they can transfer into a SIPP. Two or more people can create a group SIPP known as a Family Pension Trust (FPT) which could be ideal for husband and wife investment.</p>
<p>SIPPs are allowed to invest in the following.</p>
<ul>
<li>Stocks and shares listed or dealt on an Inland Revenue recognised stock exchange, including AIM</li>
<li>Unit trusts, open ended investment companies (OEICs)</li>
<li>Warrants, covered warrants</li>
<li>Government stock and fixed interest stock </li>
<li>Un-quoted shares</li>
<li>Commercial property</li>
<li>Overseas Hotel Rooms</li>
<li>Property funds</li>
</ul>
<p>Initially, the Government was going to allow personal pension funds to invest in residential property and this created considerable interest from investors. However in December 2005, the Chancellor announced a U-turn and the government backtracked. This has lead to confusion on the subject and it is apparent that some people do not know that they can in fact hold overseas property (hotel rooms) within a SIPP.</p>
<p>Hotel rooms are classed as commercial property, whilst most people don’t have a fund big enough to buy commercial units such as an office building or a warehouse. Hotel rooms however offer a different option:-</p>
<p>Hotel units are usually categorized as SIPP compliant if they adhere to the following statements:</p>
<ol>
<li>The investment is clearly a hotel room.</li>
<li>The buyer has no personal usage of their room or any other room. (Unless they pay normal market rates). </li>
<li>The investor gains no personal benefit other than from room rental back into their pension fund i.e. no income share from hotel bar or restaurant.</li>
<li>The investment is in no way a residential property.</li>
<li>The unit does not have a kitchen.</li>
</ol>
<p>It is advisable to take advice from a financial adviser when considering purchasing through a SIPP. ROC can introduce you to an independent pension specialist for this purpose.</p>
<p>Purchasing property maybe something you have not previously considered but the ability to now access investments using pension funds could now be an option for you without the requirement for ANY further cash investment. To discuss our SIPP approved projects contact us.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/roc-explains-self-invested-pension-plans-sipps/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Buccament Bay Launch Event</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/buccament-bay-launch-event-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/buccament-bay-launch-event-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:36:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bobby moore room]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buccament Bay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gary player]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[liverpool football club soccer academy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pat cash tennis hotels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[player real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pre launch event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trader vics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wembley stadium]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Over 2,500 guests attended the magnificent pre-opening launch of Buccament Bay Resort on 24th &#38; 25th April 2010 at Wembley Stadium.
The Bobby Moore suite hosted the event and accommodated stands from each of the key brands created by Harlequin Hotels &#38; Resorts for their Caribbean developments. Many of the team behind the resorts attended and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_7991.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-45 alignright" title="Buccament Bay Launch Event" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_7991-300x200.jpg" alt="Buccament Bay Launch Event" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Over 2,500 guests attended the magnificent pre-opening launch of Buccament Bay Resort on 24th &amp; 25th April<a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8047.jpg"></a> 2010 at Wembley Stadium.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Bobby Moore suite hosted the event and accommodated stands from each of the key brands created by Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts for their Caribbean developments. Many of the team behind the reso<a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/welcome1.jpg"></a>rts attended and Harlequin’s Ambassador, Sports &amp; Radio Broadcaster and ex-footballer Andy Townsend, compered the event and introduced the speakers.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Andy began by talking about teamwork, something he knows a lot about.  He said that “the team at Harlequin is like a football team. When you all work together the common cause is often achieved”.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Prime Minister of St Vincent &amp; The Grenadines, the Rt Hon Ralph Gonsalves, was unable to attend due to travel difficulties caused by the ash situation, so he sent a statement which was read out by Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner for St Vincent &amp; The Grenadines. In the statement he said</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8005.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-46 alignright" title="Buccament Bay Cabana Interior" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8005-300x200.jpg" alt="Buccament Bay Cabana Interior" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Statement by Prime Minister Dr. The Honorable Ralph E. Gonsalves on the occasion of the launch of Buccament Bay Resort, St. Vincent &amp; The Grenadines by Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts at Wembley Stadium on April 24th &amp; 25th 2010.  Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet this launch of Buccament Bay Resort with pleasure and happiness. I am most sorry that a confluence of circumstances has made it not possible for me to be with you physically.  I assure you that I am, nevertheless, with you in a joyous spirit.  The Buccament Bay Resort is simply magnificent. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Harlequin group has been doing a splendid job in creating what promises to be, on completion, among the best tropical resorts in the world. The partnership between Harlequin and my Government had been excellent. So too, have Harlequin’s relations with the local community in Buccament and St Vincent &amp; The Grenadines as a whole. The workers on the building site have been delivering high quality finishing.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8047.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-44" title="ROC staff with clients" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8047-300x200.jpg" alt="ROC staff with clients" width="300" height="200" /></a>St Vincent &amp; The Grenadines is one of the safest destinations for tourists, anywhere in the world. It is also the natural place to be. Our people are truly hospitable and we are grateful for the investment by the Harlequin group and their associates.  By June 2012, an international airport of the finest standard will be opened for air traffic to and from St Vincent &amp; The Grenadines. Before then, there is good air access through our other airports. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8047.jpg"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">My Government again hereby re-commits itself to its partnership with Harlequin. I am absolutely sure that Buccament Bay Resort will be a tremendous success for tourists, investors and the people of St Vincent &amp; the Grenadines. On behalf of the Government and the people of St Vincent &amp; the Grenadines, I heartily and sincerely congratulate Harlequin on this Launch.<a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/buccament-bay-beach-resort/"></a><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/IMG_8047.jpg"></a></p>
<p><strong>More information: </strong>Contact <a title="ROC Investments" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/" target="_blank">ROC Investments</a> about Buccament Bay, by emailing <a href="mailto:invest@rocinvestments.co.uk">invest@rocinvestments.co.uk</a> or calling +44(0) 1902 722 930  </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> For more information about the launch event and to watch the video of the event go to <a title="Buccament Bay Launch Event Website" href="http://www.buccamentbay.co.uk/report/video.php" target="_blank"><strong>www.buccamentbay.co.uk/report/video.php</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/buccament-bay-launch-event-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Celebs get free vacations to new Caribbean resort</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/celebs-get-free-vacations-to-new-caribbean-resort/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/celebs-get-free-vacations-to-new-caribbean-resort/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 22:26:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=34</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s the ultimate in swag — a fabulous, free vacation.
That is exactly what celebrities including Dennis Quaid and CSI star George Eads were offered during the George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on May 3rd.
Each star received free vacations from Indulgent Escapes to exotic locales including the new Buccament Bay Resort from Harlequin Hotels &#38; Resorts [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/buccamentbaypropertyprices1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-37" title="buccamentbaypropertyprices" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/buccamentbaypropertyprices1.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="180" /></a>It’s the ultimate in swag — a fabulous, free vacation.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That is exactly what celebrities including Dennis Quaid and CSI star George Eads were offered during the George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic on May 3rd.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Each star received free vacations from Indulgent Escapes to exotic locales including the new Buccament Bay Resort from Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts opening in St. Vincent &amp; The Grenadines later this year.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The glam resort will feature the Caribbean’s first Trader Vics restaurant, home of the original Mai Tai cocktail.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Source: Popdemonium </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Read Full Article: <a href="http://popdemonium.com/2010/05/celebs-get-free-vacations-to-new-caribbean-resort/">http://popdemonium.com/2010/05/celebs-get-free-vacations-to-new-caribbean-resort/</a><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/buccamentbaypropertyprices.jpg"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/celebs-get-free-vacations-to-new-caribbean-resort/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Five reasons why to invest in buy to let hotel rooms</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/five-reasons-why-to-invest-in-buy-to-let-hotel-rooms/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/five-reasons-why-to-invest-in-buy-to-let-hotel-rooms/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2010 20:15:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buy to let hotel rooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high end resorts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[roc investments]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are plenty of options when it comes to property purchase and investment but in today’s market there is one option that is holding its own – buy to let hotel rooms.
Hotel and resort developers offer individual investors the chance to buy hotel rooms within high-end resort developments. The investor will benefit from the annual [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/buytolethotelroomsrocinvestments.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-20" title="buytolethotelroomsrocinvestments" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/buytolethotelroomsrocinvestments-300x207.jpg" alt="buy to let hotel rooms from roc investments" width="300" height="207" /></a>There are plenty of options when it comes to property purchase and investment but in today’s market there is one option that is holding its own – buy to let hotel rooms.</p>
<p>Hotel and resort developers offer individual investors the chance to buy hotel rooms within high-end resort developments. The investor will benefit from the annual income from room rentals, benefit from capital growth and can use their room typically for up to 30 days a year. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you are considering a property investment a buy to let hotel room could be the right option for you. Here are five reasons why:-</p>
<p><strong>1. Buy to let </strong><strong>hotel rooms reduce your exposure to risk</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">When you invest in a buy to let hotel room, the return on your investment is based less on the room but in the success of the hotel as a whole. Generally, buy to let suites and hotel rooms are pooled together so that you earn a percentage of the room rates across the hotel, not just on your own room. A single investment property may lie empty for months at a time, meaning lost revenues, but hotel rooms attract guests all year round.</p>
<p><strong>2. Buy to let hotel rooms offer a low initial investment &#8211; and a high return</strong></p>
<p>When it comes to investing in any property, current markets can make it incredibly difficult to access the finance you need. These problems are only compounded when the property you want to invest in is overseas. When it comes to buying a hotel room, the developers and agents will likely have negotiated with a bank in advance to help prospective buyers along &#8211; the banks are often more willing to invest in the security of these types of developments run by experienced developers and management teams.</p>
<p>Indeed, the current troubles in the housing markets can actually be an advantage to savvy investors considering whether or not to buy hotel rooms. A buyers market often means help from the developer with fees and other out of pocket expenses. ROC Investments offer the opportunity to purchase buy to let hotel rooms with <a title="100% Finance Scheme Information" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/bespoke-finance.php" target="_blank">100% finance available</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>3. When you buy hotel rooms, you benefit from capital appreciation and a regular income</strong></p>
<p>Like any buy to let property investment, buy to let hotel rooms offer both a regular income and the potential for capital growth. Unlike buying a single, one-off property, buying hotel rooms can generally provide a greater degree of security. Whereas your property might lie vacant while you search for tenants or holidaymakers, high-end hotel rooms will always be popular with everything from overseas tourists to &#8216;locals&#8217; on a weekend break. Traditionally, high-end hotel rooms will also generate a higher rental per night than stand-alone holiday lets or buy to let options. That means returns in the region of 10% or more can be achieved at even 50% occupancy. How much would you earn if your buy to let property were vacant 26 weeks of the year?</p>
<p><strong>4. When you buy hotel rooms, someone else manages all the day-to-day hassle</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the biggest attraction of buy to let hotel rooms is the fact that an experienced and professional team is in charge of everything from the finish and furnishings of the rooms to fixing the broken toilets. Buy to let owners will happily pay management companies a hefty percentage to look after the day to day needs of their properties &#8211; when you buy hotel rooms that service is built in.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Experienced hotel management means existing contacts with travel agents and tour operators, it means tried and tested marketing methods and extensive marketing budgets. It also means as an investor you&#8217;ll never get a call from an irate neighbour or disgruntled tenant. If fact, it&#8217;s the perfect option for hands off investors who&#8217;d prefer to enjoy the benefits and leave the hard work to someone else. <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/">ROC Investments</a> work with some of the world’s largest and well respected hotel groups in the world such as <a title="Oasis Hotels Information" href="http://www.hotelesoasis.com/WebOasis/EN/ficha_hotel/buccament_bay/descripcion.jsp" target="_blank">Oasis Hotels</a>, <a title="West Paces Hotel Group Information" href="http://www.westpaceshotels.com/" target="_blank">West Paces Hotels</a> and <a title="Sol Melia Hotels Information" href="http://www.solmelia.com/" target="_blank">Sol Melia</a>.<br />
<strong><br />
5. Your investment can be tax efficient</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Individuals can use pensions to purchase a buy to let hotel room using a <a title="SIPP Property Investments Overseas" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/sipp.php" target="_blank">Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)</a> which can be highly tax efficient. Buy to let hotel rooms are permitted by HM Revenue &amp; Customs (HMRC) to be held within a <a title="SIPP Property Investments Overseas" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/sipp.php" target="_blank">SIPP</a> because the properties are classed as commercial property assets. HMRC stipulate that owners buying with a SIPP are not permitted to use their properties. Tax benefits of purchasing a buy to let hotel room with a <a title="SIPP Property Investments Overseas" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/sipp.php" target="_blank">SIPP</a> are:-</p>
<ul>
<li>No Income Tax on rental income generated by your hotel room</li>
<li>No Capital Gains Tax on the resale of your hotel room   </li>
<li>Any eligible contributions you make into your SIPP will attract tax relief at your highest rate of relief. Contributions will benefit from 20% tax relief at source – as soon as a contribution is made </li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>More information: </strong>Contact <a title="ROC Investments" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/" target="_blank">ROC Investments</a> about buy to let hotel rooms, by emailing <a href="mailto:invest@rocinvestments.co.uk">invest@rocinvestments.co.uk</a> or calling +44(0) 1902 722 930</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/five-reasons-why-to-invest-in-buy-to-let-hotel-rooms/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tennis legend Pat Cash to open hotels in Caribbean</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/tennis-legend-pat-cash-to-open-hotels-in-caribbean/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/tennis-legend-pat-cash-to-open-hotels-in-caribbean/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 15:07:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caribbean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hotel rooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pat cash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pension]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sipp investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tennis hotels]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=13</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ROC Investments is proud to announce that Harlequin Hotels &#38; Resorts is proposing to build a Pat Cash Tennis Hotel at Buccament Bay, St Vincent &#38; The Grenadines, Las Canas Beach Resort in Dominican Republic and The Marquis Estate, St Lucia. The Pat Cash Tennis Hotel will be designed to offer luxury accommodation for tennis fans [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/patcashhotelsuitescaribbeanrocinvestments.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-14" title="patcashhotelsuitescaribbeanrocinvestments" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/patcashhotelsuitescaribbeanrocinvestments-252x300.jpg" alt="" width="252" height="300" /></a>ROC Investments is proud to announce that Harlequin Hotels &amp; Resorts is proposing to build a Pat Cash Tennis Hotel at <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/buccament-bay-beach-resort/">Buccament Bay, St Vincent &amp; The </a><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/buccament-bay-beach-resort/">Grenadines</a>, <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/las-canas-beach-resort/">Las Canas Beach Resort in Dominican Republic </a>and <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/the-marquis-estate/">The Marquis Estate, St Lucia</a>. The Pat Cash Tennis Hotel will be designed to offer luxury accommodation for tennis fans in an environment that will reflect Pat Cash’s love of tennis featuring memorabilia from the years he has played tennis, including his Wimbledon win. The hotel will include a restaurant and boutique stocked with the latest tennis clothing and equipment.</p>
<p>The hotel will be situated within the main resort and will be the perfect place for guests to stay who wish to be coached at the Pat Cash Tennis Academy as well as offering extended stays for guests who wish to take longer courses of tuition to improve their tennis game. The facility will cater for youngsters who are showing particular talent in this sport as well as for teams who wish to be coached prior to the tennis season in their home country.</p>
<p>Investors will be able to purchase suites within the Pat Cash Hotel Suites using a <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/sipp.php" target="_blank">Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)</a></p>
<p><strong>More information: </strong>Contact <a title="ROC Investments" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/" target="_blank">ROC Investments</a> about Pat Cash Hotel Suites, prices and sales information, by emailing <a href="mailto:invest@rocinvestments.co.uk">invest@rocinvestments.co.uk</a> or calling +44(0) 1902 722 930</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/tennis-legend-pat-cash-to-open-hotels-in-caribbean/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Wembley launch wins Harlequin investors over &#8211; OPP Magazine</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/buccament-bay-launch-event/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/buccament-bay-launch-event/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:44:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Industry News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buccament Bay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Harlequin Hotels & Resorts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OPP Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wembley Launch]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=1</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By: Stephen Harris
Over 2,500 people flocked to a pre-launch event for Harlequin Property last weekend – and agents said their clients were &#8220;pleased&#8221; with the developer&#8217;s progress.
The two-day show at Wembley Stadium, hosted by brand ambassador Andy Townsend, gave existing and potential investors a preview of Harlequin’s Buccament Bay resort in the Caribbean.
“The idea behind [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/logo.gif"><img class="size-full wp-image-10 alignright" title="oppmagazinelogo" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/logo.gif" alt="rocinvestments" width="186" height="100" /></a>By: Stephen Harris</p>
<p>Over 2,500 people flocked to a pre-launch event for Harlequin Property last weekend – and agents said their clients were &#8220;pleased&#8221; with the developer&#8217;s progress.</p>
<p>The two-day show at Wembley Stadium, hosted by brand ambassador Andy Townsend, gave existing and potential investors a preview of Harlequin’s <a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/buccament-bay-beach-resort/" target="_self">Buccament Bay resort</a> in the Caribbean.</p>
<p>“The idea behind the launch was to show everyone what we have achieved at Buccament Bay and demonstrate to the travel industry that Harlequin Hotels and Resorts will be a force to be reckoned with in the industry,” Harlequin’s chairman, Dave Ames, told OPP in a statement.</p>
<p>“It was also intended to give visitors an opportunity to ask me any questions they had about the resort and Harlequin’s other developments in the Caribbean and thank them for their patience, allowing us to complete a resort to the highest standards.&#8221;</p>
<p>Although it has experienced delays, Buccament Bay is set to open in November 2010 and will be Harlequin&#8217;s first completed resort.</p>
<p>“It is hoped that the progress of the development will give assurance that Harlequin is a serious developer that builds what it sells off-plan,” said Ames.</p>
<p><strong>Positive feedback</strong><br />
Agents attending the event said their clients were pleased with what they saw. Greg Walters, managing director of Roc Investments, brought a coach of 35 investors to the event from Birmingham. “One client who had already bought with Harlequin has now decided to purchase more than one extra unit,” he said.</p>
<p>Louise Hoade, director of Principal International, said: “One couple who had been considering buying for some time were very positive. They felt reassured about the progress that has taken place and some of the partnerships.”</p>
<p>She added: “It wasn’t a day where they tried to sell. It was more about giving information.”</p>
<p>The event featured speeches from architects, restaurateurs and spa managers involved in Harlequin’s reorts, as well as a set from the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy and several West End actors.</p>
<p>Representatives from British Airways and the St Vincent and the Grenadines government also made appearances, while Harlequin’s ‘ambassador’ – football commentator and former player Andy Townsend – acted as compere.</p>
<p>Source <a href="http://www.opp.org,uk">www.opp.org.uk</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/buccament-bay-launch-event/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pension funds boost commercial property</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/pension-funds-boost-commercial-property/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/pension-funds-boost-commercial-property/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:21:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cape verde]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caribbean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commercial property]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial times]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hornbuckle mitchell]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rowanmoor pensions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sipps]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=54</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Click the link below to read this story:-
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/0a545b68-390a-11df-8970-00144feabdc0.html
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/FT.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/financial_times_logo.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-57" title="financial_times_logo" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/financial_times_logo-234x300.jpg" alt="Pension funds boost commercial property" width="100" height="120" /></a>Click the link below to read this story:-</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/0a545b68-390a-11df-8970-00144feabdc0.html" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/0a545b68-390a-11df-8970-00144feabdc0.html</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/pension-funds-boost-commercial-property/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Is now the time to buy in Barbados?</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/is-now-the-time-to-buy-in-barbados/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/is-now-the-time-to-buy-in-barbados/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:13:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barbados]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barbados Property]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=28</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The buzz is returning to Barbados and activity is picking up.  Cluttons Barbados is optimistic about 2010 with figures over the last quarter showing significant signs of improvement in property sales enquiries and actual transactions. The number of serious enquiries are up by 80% this December and January compared with the same period last year&#8230;
Home [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em><a href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/barbadospropertyforsalerocinvestments.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-29" title="barbadospropertyforsalerocinvestments" src="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/barbadospropertyforsalerocinvestments-150x150.jpg" alt="Barbados Property For Sale ROC Investments" width="150" height="150" /></a>The buzz is returning to <a title="Property in Barbados " href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/the-merricks/" target="_blank">Barbados</a> and activity is picking up.  Cluttons Barbados is optimistic about 2010 with figures over the last quarter showing significant signs of improvement in property sales enquiries and actual transactions. The number of serious enquiries are up by 80% this December and January compared with the same period last year&#8230;</em></strong></p>
<p>Home buyers are attracted by the potential to negotiate a discounted price with high expectations of rental and capital growth. This is based on the stability of the economy, currency exchange rates, location and the quality of properties that <a title="Property in Barbados" href="http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/the-merricks/" target="_blank">Barbados</a> has to offer.</p>
<p>The worldwide economic downturn has created some &#8220;never seen before&#8221; opportunities in the Barbados property market as some vendors and developers are forced to reduce prices to increase enquiries and reduce transaction times. This phenomenon is extremely rare in Barbados and Cluttons does not expect this situation to last for too much longer. </p>
<p>The first six months of 2009 were fairly quiet except for buyers with US$4m or more to spend.  However, Barbados has an extremely strong property market and the level of offers and sales increased after July 2009.  </p>
<p>Kieran Kelly from Cluttons Barbados says: &#8220;Now is the time to buy. The Barbados property market, like everywhere else in the world, saw the number of transactions reduce in 2009, and the number of buyers looking for discounts increase.  The economic downturn created a buyers market and it took a little while for owners and developers to accept it, with an initial stalemate between the buyers and vendors expectations.  We are now seeing more flexibility in vendor&#8217;s willingness to negotiate and as a result, more sales, most due to price reductions. During an economic downturn, it is always the exclusive locations that win through first. Places such as Central London and Barbados will be fine.  For buyers and for good reason, there is a certain comfort level attached to securing a good deal or discount on a property in Central London or Barbados!&#8221;</p>
<p>There are very clear signs that the Barbados property market is extremely resilient and very capable of bouncing back quickly. Kelly feels sales within the next six months will increase considerably as buyers can achieve a discount on the purchase price and then look forward to capital appreciation as the market strengthens further.  Those buying now will do well, as Barbados has an exciting future ahead. </p>
<p>Kelly continued: &#8220;Barbados is an extremely strong brand and clients want a safer market that can offer good potential on the upturn.  If anything, this financial crisis has placed Barbados in a better position as competing and alternative destinations have faltered quite dramatically.  Our homes are stunning; the people are lovely; the economy is stable; there are top end restaurants and beach bars everywhere; the pure white sandy beaches are heaven; and, the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea provide many with the opportunity to truly relax and escape the world&#8217;s woes.&#8221;</p>
<p>It is widely believed that property in Barbados is owned by only the rich and famous. Although there are many wealthy owners, over the years the market has spread and diversified with prices ranging from US$145,000 to US$40m.</p>
<p>The west coast has some of the highest property prices in the world and now the south coast is seeing extreme expansion, development and growth due to fantastic beaches, amenities and lower prices.</p>
<p>Source: The Move Channel</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/is-now-the-time-to-buy-in-barbados/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>SIPP rules and regulations explained</title>
		<link>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/sipp-rules-and-regulations-explained/</link>
		<comments>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/sipp-rules-and-regulations-explained/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cape verde]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caribbean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rowanmoor pensions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sipp investments]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/?p=69</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[David Seaton, joint managing director at Rowanmoor Pensions, describes the parameters of the SIPP rules 
Since the launch of self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) by the then chancellor Nigel Lawson in his 1989 Budget, there have been numerous alterations when it comes to the rules and regulations. For example, many will recall the change made within the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>David Seaton, joint managing director at </em></strong><a href="http://www.rowanmoor.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong><em>Rowanmoor Pensions</em></strong></a><strong><em>, describes the parameters of the SIPP rules</em></strong> </p>
<p>Since the launch of self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) by the then chancellor Nigel Lawson in his 1989 Budget, there have been numerous alterations when it comes to the rules and regulations. For example, many will recall the change made within the Finance Act 2004 that saw a new tax regime introduced with effect from 6 April 2006 (‘A-Day’). In 2007, another major change, the requirement for the operator of a SIPP to be regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), was introduced.</p>
<p>Most SIPPs are established under a trust, with the trustee company controlled by the operator. Each member has a separate plan within the trust and has the right to direct the trustee to invest and disinvest their fund according to their wishes. This flexibility gives the member control over how the pension fund is managed and is why SIPPs have become one of the most popular forms of pensions.<br />
<strong><br />
</strong><strong>Is it in or out?</strong><br />
In redesigning the pension rules, the government did not define acceptable and unacceptable investments; instead it defined certain investments as being ‘unauthorised payments’ and made them subject to tax charges. For all intents and purposes, any investment that gives rise to an unauthorised payment is therefore effectively unacceptable.</p>
<p>The list of those investments that aren’t permitted into a SIPP is also quite short and consists of loans to members or people or companies connected to them, tangible moveable property (with the exception of tradable gold) and residential property.</p>
<p>This leaves a huge list of possibilities, including investment funds, quoted and unquoted equities, pooled funds, cash deposits, commercial property and intangible property (i.e. copyrights, royalties, patents or carbon offsets). However, many SIPP operators have gone much further in what they will allow into their product plans. Indeed, the main differentiator between SIPP providers is what they will and will not accept within their SIPP.</p>
<p>At the simple end of the market, the list of acceptable investments is limited to unit trusts and other pooled investments. A little further up the scale, the operator will allow investments quoted on a world stock market. At this level, some operators will even restrict where cash may be held, by requesting that all cash be held in their own nominated account, whereby they will receive commission from the bank.</p>
<p>Some SIPP operators will permit investment in commercial property, with or without a mortgage, which is restricted by the Finance Act 2004 to 50 per cent of the net assets of the scheme at the time the mortgage is executed. Few, however, will permit offshore property.</p>
<p>To be able to invest in the more exciting offshore property ideas in the market a client must seek out a specialist SIPP operator. Such opportunities include hotel rooms in the Caribbean or Cape Verde (which, provided they are part of a commercial hotel, are not regarded as residential property), a vineyard rented back to a connected company and even the mooring for a boat in a marina that is rented back to the member. However, certain offshore jurisdictions like France and Spain do not recognise the legal entity of a trust and buying in these countries is often very difficult, if not impossible. Property taxes are invariably different, with annual taxation being payable on the property. Similarly, there can be huge issues in respect to inheritance tax rules on the death of the member, making buying property in these regions unviable. </p>
<p>Many SIPP operators will also be hesitant in accepting other more ‘exciting’ assets such as unquoted equities, which can be troublesome, nor will they accept intangible assets such as patents and copyrights. Members contemplating investing part of their SIPP in any of these more esoteric assets must understand that by their nature they are difficult to value, therefore any information with regard to benefits from the operator cannot be prepared until proper valuations have been obtained. This can be time consuming and costly.<br />
<strong><br />
</strong><strong>Every penny counts</strong><br />
Costs between operators vary considerably, as do the permitted assets available. Be aware of the free SIPP, there is no such thing. As a rule, if there are no set-up or ongoing administration fees applied, the costs are recouped elsewhere. For example, there may be no initial charges, but all investments must be made via a nominated bank account, which can receive perhaps 0.5 per cent commission, or made and held through the operator’s nominated investment platform, where initial commissions and up to 0.75 per cent trail commission can be taken annually. A £500,000 SIPP could therefore earn them £3,750 – hardly free. </p>
<p>Investing in the more esoteric investments will naturally increase the costs. Property needs to be managed and there will be solicitors’ fees to pay as well. At the top end of the scale, with a number of complex assets, it could cost around £1,500 a year. However, for a £500,000 SIPP, this only represents a charge of 0.3 per cent. When compared with the more expensive bespoke SIPPs, which allow investment in most assets and cost around £300 to set up and around £500 a year in management fees, the ‘free’ SIPPs can seem very expensive and suddenly not quite so attractive. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, the low-cost SIPP should not be written off. Using a simple, low-cost SIPP to initially build funds to a value of perhaps £100,000, before transferring to a bespoke SIPP, can be an option.</p>
<p>Contributions are acceptable either from the member’s employer or from the member themselves. Employer contributions are paid gross and are usually accepted as a business expense for tax purposes. The member contributes net of basic rate tax. The operator collects the basic rate tax back from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the member can claim higher rate tax relief through their annual tax return if applicable. A member may make unlimited contributions but will only receive tax relief on 100 per cent of his net relevant earnings up to the annual allowance, which is currently £245,000 or, if the member has no earnings, £3,600. For those who are described by the government as high earners, i.e. paid tax on total income of £150,000 or more in this or one of the previous two tax years, the government is restricting the annual allowance next year as part of complicated anti-forestalling measures.</p>
<p><strong>Providing an income</strong><br />
Benefits may be taken from age 55 (50 until 5 April 2010), and provided the lifetime allowance, currently £1.75 million (from all registered pension arrangements), has not been exceeded, 25 per cent of the fund may be taken tax free as a pension commencement lump sum. The remainder is then used to provide an income subject to income tax.</p>
<p>An income may be taken from the fund by way of purchasing an annuity from a life assurance company or through income drawdown, now known as unsecured pension, until the age of 75. At 75, drawdown may continue under an alternatively secured pension (ASP) or, within some SIPPs, a scheme pension. Most investors with funds in excess of £200,000 opt for drawdown in the early years, considering annuity purchase after age 70. Funds of less than £200,000 are not usually suitable for drawdown since the fees can make such a plan less viable.</p>
<p>If death occurs before taking any benefits, the entire fund, up to the lifetime allowance, is available for beneficiaries free from any tax. If benefits have commenced (either the pension commencement lump sum or through income drawdown) then on the death of the member, before age 75, a dependant can receive a pension, or they and any other beneficiary can receive the remaining fund less a tax charge of 35 per cent. Death post age 75 provides for a dependant’s pension, but no lump sum can be taken and any fund remaining on the death of the dependant is hit with a tax charge of 82 per cent tax.</p>
<p>For any taxpayer, the benefits of making pension contributions are significant. For the growing number of people who make hefty contributions, and will have a pension fund in six figures, SIPPs offer a unique savings vehicle where the member can exert control over where their money is invested. Even if the member will always rely on an IFA to advise them on their investment strategy, the SIPP is a serious contender.</p>
<p>Source:- <a href="http://www.whatinvestment.co.uk/saving-money/pensions/pensions-in-depth/1068577/sipp-rules-and-regulations-explained.thtml" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.whatinvestment.co.uk/saving-money/pensions/pensions-in-depth/1068577/sipp-rules-and-regulations-explained.thtml</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.rocinvestments.co.uk/blog/news/sipp-rules-and-regulations-explained/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
