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February 28, 2024 | 2 min read

A Comprehensive Guide to Tax-Free P2P Lending and Property Investment through IFISAs

The investment landscape has transformed with the advent of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, presenting a compelling alternative to traditional saving methods. In the UK, the Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA) has emerged as a significant innovation, merging the advantages of P2P lending with the benefits of tax-efficient savings.

By Jacob Baxter
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What is an IFISA?

An IFISA enables individuals to use their annual ISA allowance for lending funds through P2P platforms. This innovative approach allows for earning interest that is free from income tax, providing a unique opportunity in the realm of personal finance.

Investing in Property through an IFISA

In addition to typical P2P lending, IFISAs offer avenues for property investment. Investors can channel their IFISA funds into property development or mortgages, thereby enjoying the dual benefits of real estate investment and the tax efficiency associated with ISAs. Returns can vary based on market conditions.

How Does P2P Lending Work?

Through IFISAs, investors lend money directly to borrowers via online platforms, bypassing conventional banking channels. This direct lending approach often yields higher returns than traditional savings accounts, albeit with a higher associated risk.

The Risks Involved

While IFISAs offer the lure of higher returns, they come with risks not found in cash ISAs. Notably, IFISAs are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which means there's a tangible risk of losing capital if borrowers default or if the lending platform faces financial or operational difficulties.

Potential Returns & Diversification

Despite these risks, the prospect of higher returns compared to traditional savings vehicles can make IFISAs an attractive option for many investors. They represent a more dynamic component in a diversified investment portfolio. To help mitigate the inherent risks of P2P lending, it's good practice to diversify investments across various loans and platforms. This strategy can help spread risk and potentially stabilise returns.

Final Thoughts

IFISAs can offer an innovative and potentially lucrative option for savers who are prepared to take on the associated risks. This includes the opportunity to delve into property investment in a tax-efficient manner.

For comprehensive insights and to explore how you can maximise your financial returns through property investment using an IFISA, register now to explore the offerings and strategies.

YOUR CAPITAL IS AT RISK IF YOU INVEST

Investment opportunities available via Acorn Property Invest are exclusively targeted at exempt investors who are experienced, knowledgeable and sophisticated enough to sufficiently understand the risks involved, and who are able to make their own decisions about the suitability of those investment opportunities. All investors should seek independent professional investment and tax advice before deciding to invest. Any historic performance of investment opportunities is NOT a guide or guarantee of future performance and any projections of future performance are not guaranteed. All investment opportunities available via Acorn Property Invest are NOT regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and you will NOT have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and may not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).