By Matthew Jones, Co-founder and Precious Metals Analyst at Britannia Bullion

In a period of persistent inflation, market volatility and concerns about currencies, gold is attracting renewed interest from investors and business leaders. The Royal Mint reports gold bullion purchases rose by 142% in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting a shift towards tangible assets.

One investor, Samantha Nelson, an interior designer from Croydon, began buying gold coins as part of her long-term savings strategy.

"I see gold more like a currency than stocks or shares," she says. "You can always sell a coin if you need to, and I don't trust the banks to protect my money."

She plans to hold her gold for around 10 years, valuing the security of a physical asset outside the banking system.

This reflects a wider trend. As investing becomes increasingly digital and complex, many investors are returning to simpler, physical stores of value. Gold offers that clarity, but buying it properly still requires structure and understanding.

Step 1: Understand why you're buying gold

Gold is not a short-term speculative investment. Its purpose is wealth preservation. It acts as a store of value and a hedge against currency weakness and financial instability.

It is not about quick gains but protecting purchasing power over time.

Step 2: Choose the type of gold

Options include coins, bars, ETFs, digital gold and mining shares. These are not the same.

For those wanting direct ownership, physical gold is the simplest option. It can be held personally or stored in allocated vaults in your name. Other products may track the price of gold but do not always provide ownership of the metal.

Step 3: Physical vs "paper" gold

Many financial products give exposure to gold without owning it. This introduces counterparty risk and reliance on third parties.

Physical gold avoids this. It is either in your possession or securely stored and allocated to you. That simplicity is a key reason that investors prefer it during uncertain times.

Step 4: Understand UK tax rules

Certain UK legal tender coins, such as Sovereigns and Britannias, are typically exempt from Capital Gains Tax.

This can significantly improve returns when selling. Gold bars, while often cheaper upfront, do not carry the same tax advantage.

Step 5: Coins vs bars

Bars tend to offer lower premiums and suit larger purchases. However, they are less flexible and not CGT-exempt.

Coins are more liquid, easier to sell in smaller amounts, and often more tax-efficient. For many UK investors, coins offer the best balance of flexibility and efficiency.

Step 6: Choose a reputable provider

Buying gold should never be rushed. A good provider will be transparent on pricing, clear in process, and focused on education rather than pressure.

Avoid companies that rely on urgency or hype. Gold is a long-term asset, and the buying experience should reflect that.

Step 7: Read reviews carefully

Look beyond star ratings. Focus on repeated themes such as trust, communication, delivery, and aftercare.

Strong providers tend to educate clients, not just complete transactions.

Step 8: Speak to a consultant

A good consultant should clearly explain products, tax, storage and resale options.

If you feel pressured to act quickly, that is a warning sign. Gold should be a considered decision.

Step 9: Decide how to store your gold

Storage is a key part of ownership. Home storage offers full control and no ongoing fees, but requires strong security and insurance arrangements.

Alternatively, professional vault storage provides high levels of security and is typically fully allocated in the buyer's name. This option involves ongoing fees but may be preferable for larger holdings.

Step 10: Understand your exit strategy

Before buying, investors should understand how they will sell. This includes whether a buy-back service is available, how pricing is determined and how quickly liquidity can be accessed.

Exit planning should be considered from the outset, not as an afterthought.

Taking a sensible approach

Gold investing is straightforward, but mistakes are common. Buyers often prioritise price over trust, choose products they do not fully understand, or overlook tax and liquidity considerations.

Others wait for perfect timing and never act at all.

Long-term success is less about timing and more about approach. That means understanding why you are buying, focusing on physical ownership, choosing tax-efficient products where appropriate, and carrying out proper due diligence.

Most importantly, it means planning for storage and exit before making a purchase. In uncertain times, a disciplined and informed approach matters more than anything else.

For further information visit Britannia Bulletin