We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

Can I withdraw/close down my Lifetime ISA without incurring a penalty?

I opened a LISA in August 2020 but have found a property I want to buy now.  I have been told I cannot use the LISA for my property purchase because I haven't had it for a year.  Is this correct? I need the money now so can I withdraw all my money without incurring a penalty?  

Comments

  • eskbanker
    eskbanker Posts: 41,010 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Your original contribution will have been boosted by a 25% bonus - premature closure (within the first year) means that you lose that bonus but you can get back what you paid in, plus a tiny bit of interest.
  • Alexland
    Alexland Posts: 10,561 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 6 November 2020 at 8:07PM
    You are unable to use the LISA to support a property purchase unless it has been open 12 months but if you withdraw the money by 5th April 2021 then the withdrawal penalty has been reduced from 25% to 20% so the effect is you would get your original money back plus interest.
    £4000 + 25% bonus = £5000 but with a 20% withdrawal penalty would be £4,000
    After 5th April 2021 it would be £4000 + 25% bonus = £5000 but with a 25% withdrawal penalty would be £3,750



Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.6K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.5K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.6K Life & Family
  • 261.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.