There are a number of options when you are looking to buy gold in the UK.
Physical gold.
If you are looking to invest in gold, then physical gold bars or coins are an excellent place to start. The royal mint has produced some world renowned bullion gold coins and there are various options when it comes to buying gold bars.
Buying gold coins, such as the Royal Mint British Britannia and Royal Mint British Gold Sovereign, is especially popular due to these specific gold bullions being British legal tender. Therefore they are Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exempt.
Another advantage is the fact you have the physical gold bullion in your possession. These coins or bars give you the complete power over your investment. With this in mind you must always think carefully about where to store your gold coins or gold bars, as this could pose a security risk.
Gold bullion bars are available in various shapes and sizes and some are available to buy online from a trusted dealer such as ‘bullion by post’ for example.
You can buy physical gold and silver in the UK from your local gold coin dealer, or there are a number of well established, trusted online gold bullion dealers that will deliver the gold bars or coins to your home.
The price of gold does fluctuate daily. Therefore, when looking specifically at the gold price daily, then physical gold does have a small drawback in the fact then it is more difficult to buy and sell quickly. The physical bullion of gold is considered more long term by most gold investors.
Online dealers.
Storing gold bullion or silver bullion yourself might be a concern for some investors. Another option for investing in gold, is via an online bullion dealer who could offer you the option of holding gold in a secure vault that you can buy and sell whenever you require.
This can be a potentially cheaper way to own gold in the UK, as the buy/sell rate is closer to the current spot price.
There will most likely be the obvious storage and insurance fees and you need to be aware of the rules regarding any capital gains tax due on investment.
Gold ETFs.
ETFs are bought and sold like shares. These track the price of gold and are usually a more liquid way for investors to buy gold based on the spot price.
ETFs involve various broker fees. So it may be best to do your research when looking into this option.
ETFs, ETC and ETN are very complex financial products that are mostly full of long, legal jargon. Therefore, you should be aware of all risks before investing.
Investing in gold is a personal preference. It is entirely up to you what option you feel is best for you. Some prefer the physical bullion in their hands, while other investors prefer to invest in gold to diversify their existing portfolio. Some look to trade more, so are more interested in the daily spot price, rather than the long term investment or safe haven aspect that is the reason many investors buy gold in the UK. Whether it be bullion bars, coins, storage or ETFs, gold is a great way to diversify any investment portfolio.
BullionVault lets private investors around the world access the professional bullion markets. You can benefit from the lowest costs for buying, selling and storing gold and silver.
4 Grams of FREE Silver on Sign up! VISIT BullionVault