Introduction into Gold

Gold has been used to store wealth for centuries. Markets have evolved, platforms have multiplied, and options have expanded - but gold has remained, offering a simple and tangible form of protection.

The past couple of decades have been anything but calm. Financial crises, a global pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have all contributed to periods of volatility. Against that backdrop, it’s understandable that many look for something a little more grounded.

Gold has consistently demonstrated its ability to hold value over the long term, often keeping pace with, and a lot of the time, outpacing inflation. For that reason, it’s commonly used to preserve wealth, build long term wealth and add balance to a broader portfolio. You can see an example below of how gold has performed over 10yrs Vs a Cash ISA.

While it’s typically viewed as a steady, long-term asset, recent price movements have been more notable. Gold moved through £2,000 per ounce in 2024, before reaching above £4,000 in early 2026. An example perhaps, of the environment it tends to perform best in.

For a closer look at what may come next, you can view our annual forecasts here.

Why Invest in Gold?

As with any investment or form of saving, the decision ultimately comes down to the individual. But gold is rarely far from the conversation.

It’s often referred to as a “safe haven” — an asset that tends to hold, or increase, its value during periods of economic or geopolitical uncertainty. Given the past couple of decades, it’s perhaps no surprise that individuals and central banks alike have continued to turn to it.

Gold has also shown a consistent ability to keep pace with inflation over time. In an environment where price pressures are a recurring theme, that makes it a practical way to help preserve long-term wealth.

For a closer look at the benefits of buying gold, read more here.

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Physical Gold Vs ETFs

As the old saying goes, if you don’t hold it, you don’t own it.

There are a number of ways to gain exposure to gold, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These are typically managed by financial institutions and designed to track the price of gold, offering convenience and liquidity.

Physical gold takes a different approach. It’s tangible, owned outright, and not reliant on a third party to manage or administer it. For some, that distinction matters, particularly during periods of uncertainty when direct ownership can feel more reassuring.

Both routes have their place. But for those who prefer simplicity and control, physical gold offers exactly that.

Read more about the benefits of owning physical gold.

Where to Buy Gold?

As with any financial decision, it pays to do a little homework, particularly when deciding where to buy.

Start with the basics. Review a dealer’s website, but also look beyond it. Independent platforms such as Trustpilot, eKomi and Google can offer a clearer picture of customer experience.

There’s no shortage of bullion dealers, but longevity tends to count. A proven track record, strong customer feedback and a clear approach to security and storage are all worth paying attention to.

In short: trust, experience, and transparency matter.

Read more about where to buy gold.

When to Invest in Gold?

Gold is typically viewed through a longer-term lens. From that perspective, its less about worrying you missed buying during the last dip and more about the role it plays within a broader approach to preserving long term wealth.

Prices will always move (sometimes sharply), but it’s over longer periods that gold has tended to demonstrate its value. Focusing too closely on short-term spikes or pullbacks can miss the bigger picture.

That said, the last two decades been notable. Gold moved from around £250 per troy ounce in the mid-2000s to over £2,000 in 2024 before briefly surpassing £4,000 in early 2026. A reminder that while the path isn’t always smooth, the direction over time has been clear.

For a more detailed look at timing the market, read more here.

Gold Bars Vs Gold Coins?

Whether you’re new to bullion or more familiar with it, choosing between bars and coins is worth a little thought.

There’s no single right answer, as it all depends on what you’re looking to achieve. Factors such as premiums, overall investment value, how long you plan to hold, storage, potential tax considerations, and how you may choose to sell all play a part.

Bars tend to offer simplicity and lower premiums. Coins, on the other hand, can provide additional benefits, including CGT exemptions on certain UK legal tender.

In most cases, it’s less about which is “better” and more about what suits your approach.

Read more about gold bars versus gold coins.

Should I Buy Gold & Silver?

It’s a common question - gold or silver? In reality, many investors choose to hold both.

Gold is often seen as a form of financial insurance, valued for its stability during uncertain periods. Silver tends to behave differently. It can be more volatile, with price movements influenced not just by investment demand, but also by industrial use, meaning its more of a speculative investment.

That distinction is part of the appeal. Holding both can offer a mix of stability and potential growth, depending on how markets evolve.

Read more about the benefits of owning silver.

Do I Pay Capital Gains Tax on Gold?

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is charged on the profit made when you sell or dispose of an asset, whether that’s shares, property, or other investments.

In practice, many bullion investors never encounter CGT, either due to the size of their holdings or because they choose products that are exempt. For example, UK legal tender coins such as Sovereigns and Britannias, are CGT-free for UK residents.

As ever, it’s worth understanding how this applies to your own situation before buying.

Read more about paying CGT on gold.

Is Bullion Subject to VAT?

The good news is investment grade gold is VAT-free, which means the full amount you spend goes directly into the metal itself.

Silver is treated differently. VAT is currently charged on brand new silver, which can affect the overall cost of entry. That said, silver’s price tends to be more volatile, which can influence how and when returns are realised.

If you’re VAT registered, it’s worth checking with your accountant to understand how this applies to your own circumstances.

Read more about paying VAT on silver.

Where Should I Store my Gold?

One of the key advantages of physical gold is that you own it outright, which also means deciding where to store it.

There’s no single right answer. Some prefer to keep their holdings close to hand, others opt for professional storage. Both approaches have their place.

Common options include allocated storage, bank safety deposit boxes, home safes, or other arrangements depending on personal preference. Although allocated storage with BullionByPost is the most secure, each comes with its own balance of security, access and cost, so it’s worth considering what matters most to you.

Read more about storing your gold bullion.

Why Buy Gold Online at BullionByPost?

BullionByPost is the UK’s leading online bullion dealer, dispatching thousands of fully insured orders each month.

We helped pioneer the industry, moving bullion buying from stuffy jewellery stores, to an online environment, making it simpler, more transparent, and a little less traditional. Pricing is clear, availability is live, and the process is built around the customer.

We’re also an authorised distributor for a range of globally recognised refiners, including Umicore, Heraeus, PAMP and Metalor, as well as The Royal Mint.

In short, established supply, straightforward pricing, and a service designed to do what it should.

Read more about the bullion refiners we stock.