Using a second property as a pension?

They have a point. People who solely invest in pensions can have problems at retirement. It is about not putting all your eggs in one basket (investing all your money in one sector) A modern pension can invest in a multitude of investment funds including property. That said the return on property in recent years has meant that everyone is clambering to buy but history has shown that this will not last for ever. If just as you reach retirement property prices collapse this could delay your retirement. Historically the two beast areas to invest over the long term have been property and the stock market. It makes good economic sense to try to use both of these sectors when planning retirement.