We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

What would it take to build a £1m SIPP from nothing in 20 years?

Could someone with no SIPP today become a pension millionaire by 2046? Our writer explains that, while it may not be easy, it’s certainly possible.

| More on:
Bournemouth at night with a fireworks display from the pier

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Twelfth Magpie’s Premium Investing Services. Become a member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn more, and get a free 'Best Buy Now' stock!.

Just what would it take to open a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) today and grow it to a valuation of over £1m in the next 20 years?

The answer depends on the average annual return – and what is put in.

Should you buy Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc shares today?

Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first. Despite ongoing uncertainties from US tariffs to global conflicts, Mark Rogers and his team believe many UK shares still trade at substantial discounts, offering savvy investors plenty of potential opportunities to learn about.

That’s why this could be an ideal time to secure this valuable research – Mark’s analysts have scoured the markets to reveal 5 of his favourite long-term ‘Buys’. Please, don’t make any big decisions before seeing them.

Aiming high, but still grounded in reality

In my example, I presume a compound annual return of 10%. That includes dividends and share price gain, though any share price declines would eat into it.

The FTSE 100 currently yields 3%, though I think it is possible to target a higher level – say, 5% or 6% — while sticking to high-quality shares. Then, to hit the 10% goal, some overall share price growth is needed too.

The FTSE 100 is up 18% over the past year alone and 47% over five years. Over a 20-year period, there could well be both strong performance and weak performances, but carefully choosing a diversified portfolio of high-quality shares, 10% strikes me as a realistic goal.

How much to put in – and why a SIPP not an ISA?

In this example, I presume a monthly contribution of £1,395. For most ordinary rate taxpayers, that is a large amount. The same approach could work with less, but the SIPP valuation after 20 years would be correspondingly lower (and below £1m).

Even at £1,395 a month though, it adds up to an annual contribution below the yearly ISA contribution allowance.

Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. Readers are responsible for carrying out their own due diligence and for obtaining professional advice before making any investment decisions.

So why might someone tie their money up in a SIPP (with rules forbidding withdrawals before a specified age, currently 55) and not opt for the more flexible Stocks and Shares ISA vehicle?

A big draw could be the tax relief a SIPP offers. Putting £1,395 into an ISA costs £1,395. Putting £1,395 into a SIPP costs an ordinary rate taxpayer only £1,116 thanks to tax relief. For higher rate and additional rate income tax payers, it costs even less.

One share to consider

I said above that I think a 10% compound annual gain is an achievable (though not easy) goal. One share I have bought for my SIPP in recent months I hope can achieve it is Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RB).

The Dettol and Finish maker currently offers a dividend yield of 4.3%. It has grown its dividend per share for the past three years in a row. While past performance is not necessarily indicative of what may happen in future, I believe its cash generative business could hopefully support further growth in the shareholder payout.

With a portfolio of premium brands serving ongoing customer needs like household cleaning and its multinational reach, I think Reckitt’s business has good prospects.

I also see room for share price growth, following a 25% fall in the past five years.

The FTSE 100 member has suffered from large writedowns on an ill-fated nutrition acquisition. Historical product liability lawsuits remain a risk and the Middle East conflict could push up ingredient costs, posing a risk to profit margins.

From a long-term perspective though – like the 20 years in my example above – I see this as a durable and attractive business selling at an attractive price.

What income stock do we like better than Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc right now?

One of our Share Advisor analysts has just released a brand new stock report that we think is a must-read for any investor looking to try and generate potential income.

And the best bit is that you can see if for yourself, right now, absolutely free of charge!

No jargon. No hard sell. Just a clear look at an income share we think is worth your time.


Christopher Ruane owns shares in Reckitt Benckiser.

More on Investing Articles

Young black colleagues high-fiving each other at work
Investing Articles

This income stock could turn £10,000 into £20,610 within 10 years

By reinvesting the dividends paid by income stocks, it’s possible to build significant long-term wealth. James Beard explains how.

Read more »

Fans of Warren Buffett taking his photo
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in Warren Buffett’s portfolio 5 years ago is now worth…

Warren Buffett has beaten the S&P 500 over the last five years. But with the billionaire still backing one stock…

Read more »

Middle aged businesswoman using laptop while working from home
Investing Articles

£5,000 invested in a REIT today could provide a second income of…

Interest rates have left REITs deeply out of favour. But for patient income investors, 2026 could be a rare opportunity…

Read more »

View of the Birmingham skyline including the church of St Martin, the Bullring shopping centre and the outdoor market.
Investing Articles

How £10,000 could unlock £717 of passive income overnight!

James Beard explains how a portfolio of high-yielding dividend shares could quickly produce generous levels of passive income.

Read more »

Trader on video call from his home office
Investing Articles

Down 12% in a day! Why this FTSE 250 firm stays on my list of stocks to buy

The decision to buy turnaround stocks isn’t one to take lightly. But Stephen Wright thinks FTSE 250 company Vistry is…

Read more »

Young woman working at modern office. Technical price graph and indicator, red and green candlestick chart and stock trading computer screen background.
Investing Articles

Here’s why Greggs could be one of the UK’s best value stocks!

Even with UK shares at a record high, some FTSE 250 value stocks are being left behind. Could Greggs be…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Down 51% in a year! Could the stock market be wrong about this UK tech name?

Has the stock market overreacted to news from a UK tech company? According to management, revenues have only been delayed,…

Read more »

Tesco employee helping female customer
Investing Articles

Have a spare £10,000? This stock could produce a second income of £700 a year

Yielding 7%, there’s a FTSE 250 stock that could appeal to those seeking a second income from dividend shares. But…

Read more »