Running a family business means thinking long-term. It’s about building something that lasts – protecting wealth, supporting future generations and keeping things in the family. But that kind of legacy planning takes more than just good intentions. It requires the right financial structure.
A SSAS (Small Self-Administered Scheme) is one of the most powerful and flexible pension tools for family-run businesses in the UK. It’s not just a pension, it’s a strategic asset that can help you invest, grow and protect your family business across generations.
At GoldHouse, we help families unlock the full potential of a SSAS, using it to build wealth, fund property and reduce tax, all while keeping control in the hands of the people who matter most.
What Is a SSAS and Who Can Use It?
A SSAS is a type of occupational pension scheme, typically set up by limited companies where the directors also act as trustees. It allows greater control and investment flexibility, including the ability to invest in commercial property or lend money back to the business.
The scheme can include up to 11 members, which often includes:
- Company directors
- Spouses or civil partners
- Adult children (18+)
- Other family members involved in the business
This means your pension can be run by your family, for your family, creating a shared pot of capital with long-term impact.
The Benefits of a SSAS for Family Businesses
A well-structured SSAS can:
- Pool contributions from multiple family members for larger investments
- Enable tax-efficient property purchases through the pension
- Allow the business to borrow money from the SSAS (known as a loanback)
- Keep returns within the pension, growing tax-free
- Create a multi-generational wealth plan, not just a retirement fund
And because you remain in control of the investments, you can align your SSAS strategy with the long-term goals of your business and family.
Can a SSAS Invest in the Family Business?
Yes but it must be done strategically and within HMRC rules.
One popular option is the SSAS loanback facility. This allows the scheme to loan up to 50% of its value back to the sponsoring business. The loan must:
- Be secured by a first charge on an asset
- Be repaid over a maximum of five years
- Carry a commercial interest rate
- Be repaid in equal instalments of capital and interest
This lets you access your pension as a source of funding, without relying on banks or third parties and still build your pension at the same time.
What About Property?
One of the most powerful SSAS strategies for family-run businesses is buying commercial property through the scheme.
- Your SSAS can purchase the premises your business operates from
- The business pays rent back to the pension (a deductible expense for the business and income for the SSAS)
- Rent is tax-free within the pension, growing the fund
- The property is protected from creditors and remains within your legacy
At GoldHouse, we’ve supported families to use a SSAS to purchase warehouses, offices and property development sites, all while reducing tax and future-proofing their businesses.
What Are the Risks?
As with any structure, there are responsibilities. Family members acting as trustees must:
- Ensure all investments are compliant with HMRC rules
- Make decisions in the interest of all members
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Ensure the scheme is professionally administered
That’s where expert guidance becomes essential, especially when family and finances are involved. We help our clients balance personal goals with financial prudence and ensure long-term harmony.
Case Study: Building a Legacy with a SSAS
One of our clients, a multi-generational property investment family, used a SSAS to:
- Pool pension funds from parents and two adult children
- Purchase a mixed-use commercial building for the business
- Use the SSAS to loan back funds for a property conversion
- Receive rental income directly into the SSAS, tax-free
Today, their SSAS has not only grown faster than a standard pension, it’s become a core part of their legacy planning.
Should You Consider a SSAS for Your Family Business?
If you’re running a limited company and want to:
- Grow your business and pension at the same time
- Build a family wealth structure that outlives you
- Keep control of your investments
- Use your pension as a funding tool
- Reduce tax across generations
…then it’s time to explore your options.
At GoldHouse
We help family-run businesses think bigger, plan smarter and build lasting legacies. If you want to understand how a SSAS could transform your family’s future, from pension strategy to property investment, book a discovery call today.
Your family’s future deserves more than just good intentions. Let’s structure it, together.
