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- The Standard Life Annuity Rates Tracker reveals that average annuity rates reached 7.65% in September 2025, a year-on-year increase of nearly 10%
- Payback period is now just 13 years, with a 65-year-old needing to live to 78 to start receiving more than they invested
- Rate surge means that total lifetime income from an annuity increases by £14,000 - £15,000 for a healthy 65-year-old
Annuity rates saw an uplift in September 2025, rising by 9.68% compared to the same period last year, according to the Standard Life Annuity Rates Tracker. The average rate reached 7.65%, supporting an annual improvement in possible retirement income year on year.
In addition, the headline rate of 7.65% represents a significant shift in retirement planning dynamics, translating to a payback period of approximately 13 years, meaning a 65-year-old retiree would begin receiving more than they initially invested from the age of 78. This is an improvement of nearly 10 years compared to when rates were at their lowest.
A healthy 65-year-old with a £100,000 pension pot could now expect to receive an annual income of up to £7,650 - an increase of £670 compared to September 2024, when the average rate stood at 6.98%. This could translate to an additional £14,000 for a healthy 65-year-old man, and £15,000 for a healthy woman over the course of their retirement. To illustrate the impact, that extra £670 is around the average cost for a weekend getaway for two within the UK, covering travel, accommodation, and dining.**
| Annuity rates – September 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Average annuity rate September 2025 | Average annuity rate September 2024 | % change in rates | |
| 60 | 6.93% | 6.27% | 10.49% |
| 65 | 7.65% | 6.98% | 9.68% |
| 70 | 8.38% | 7.81% | 7.32% |
Pete Cowell, Head of Annuities at Standard Life, said: “Annuity rates remain strong and continue to offer valuable income certainty for retirees, following a slight dip since May. Notably, at today’s rates, a 65-year-old would need to live to 78 to break even—almost a decade earlier than during the rate lows. In addition, around half of customers could qualify for an enhanced annuity, unlocking even higher income and a shorter payback period.
“Annuities remain a crucial way for retirees to ensure they get what they want from their retirement income, as research from National Annuity Day*** revealed that just over a third (35%) of UK adults over 50 want a ‘steady and stable’ retirement income, while an additional quarter (24%) want to always be prepared with both a regular income and reserve for bills and costs. This demand for income certainty, alongside market conditions—including economic and regulatory factors—will continue to drive demand, especially with the planned IHT changes expected in 2027, which are prompting more people to consider annuities as part of their financial planning.”
Total lifetime income*
According to the Tracker, a healthy 65-year-old male who bought an annuity in September 2025 at a rate of 7.65% could expect a total lifetime income of £154,000. For a female of the same age, the expected income was £171,000.
Meanwhile, a healthy 70-year-old who bought an annuity in September 2025 could expect a rate of 8.38%. For a man, this would provide a total lifetime income of £134,000, while a woman could expect to receive £151,000.
| Total expected income: September 2025 – male | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total expected income (September 2025) | Total expected income (September 2024) | Total expected income difference | |
| 60 | £170,000 | £154,000 | £16,000 |
| 65 | £154,000 | £140,000 | £14,000 |
| 70 | £134,000 | £124,000 | £10,000 |
| Total expected income: September 2025 – female* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total expected income (September 2025) | Total expected income (September 2024) | Total expected income difference | |
| 60 | £188,000 | £169,000 | £19,000 |
| 65 | £171,000 | £156,000 | £15,000 |
| 70 | £151,000 | £140,000 | £11,000 |
*Based on a pension pot of £100,000. Total expected income figures are based on life expectancy statistics from the Office of National Statistics, based on age annuity is first purchased. Total expected income includes annuity income only and rounded to three significant figures.
Improving rates with age
While buying an annuity earlier in retirement can lead to a higher total income over time, annuity rates generally improve with age. This means that those who delay purchasing an annuity may benefit from more favourable rates later in retirement.
As of September 2025, rates for a healthy 60-year-old were 6.93% compared to 8.38% for a healthy 70-year-old. This results in an annual income of £6,930 for a 60-year-old versus the £8,380 a healthy 70-year-old may expect to receive on a £100,000 pension pot – a difference of £1,450.
Pete continued, “It’s important to remember that annuities offer flexibility and can be tailored to suit different retirement needs. While some people might prefer the certainty of a lifetime annuity, others might choose to keep part of their savings in reserve, and you don’t have to annuitise your entire pension pot. Meanwhile, for those who want to adjust their spending more regularly, a fixed-term annuity can provide a way to secure income over the short term, giving retirees the security of knowing their bills will be met while providing an element of flexibility.”
- Ends -
About the Annuity Rates Tracker
The Tracker, developed by Standard Life, monitors current average annuity rates across the market for those annuitising at ages 60, 65, and 70. It also shows the total lifetime income from an annuity and the extent to which annuity rates improve with age, as well as the total income possible from a fixed-term annuity.
Media enquiries
* Annuity rates data provided by AMS Retirement. Accurate as of September 2025
** United Kingdom Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to United Kingdom: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses | Budget Your Trip
*** National Annuity Day research
For further information, photos, video content or interviews, contact:
Samantha Griffith
PR Manager
Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group
07752 465345
samantha_griffith@standardlife.com
Notes to editors
- Standard Life is a brand that has been trusted to look after peoples’ life savings for 200 years.
- Today it proudly serves millions of customers who come to Standard Life directly, through advisers and through their employers’ pension scheme.
- Standard Life is part of Phoenix Group, one of the largest long-term savings and retirement business in the UK. We’re proud to be building on 200 years of Standard Life heritage together.
Our products include a variety of Pensions, Bonds and Retirement options to suit people’s needs, helping our customers to invest and save for their future. We’re proud to offer a leading range of sustainable and responsible investment options. - We support our customers on their journey to and through retirement with comprehensive, easy-to-understand guidance and access to our in-house financial advice service, so they can invest in the right way for their needs and plan a future they feel confident about.
- The value of investments can go down as well as up and may be worth less than originally invested.