Property investment in the UK comes in four main forms, from a buy-to-let flat to listed REIT shares, and what separates them is mostly costs, tax and how quickly you can sell. From 6 April 2027 individual landlords in England, Wales and Northern Ireland pay new property income rates of 22%, 42% and 47%.
To invest in shares in the UK you open an account with an FCA-authorised firm, choose an ISA, SIPP or general account, and buy on a stock exchange. Costs are dealing and account charges, currency conversion on overseas shares and 0.5% stamp duty reserve tax on most UK shares.
Start investing in the right order: clear expensive debt, build a cash buffer, use the tax wrappers, then invest money you can leave for five years or more in a low-cost spread of holdings. Here are the 20 things to know first, with the 2026 to 2027 figures.