The 13 Best High Return Investments In the UK | 2025/26

In 2025, investors have access to a wider range of opportunities than ever before, each offering unique risk profiles and potential returns. From stable government bonds to leveraged cryptocurrencies, there is truly something for everyone.

Please note: the information provided here has been curated based on publicly available information on each of the markets and assets. The content is purely for an educational and information perspective. It should not serve as investment advice, nor should it be received as any form of recommendation to invest into any or all of the assets.

Naturally, we all strive for strong returns—whether achieved over the years or within minutes, with minimal risk or substantial exposure, it’s the ultimate goal. To help you navigate these opportunities, we’ve prepared a visual overview of the risk-return profiles, highlighting some of the best high-return investment options available to UK investors today.

1. Cryptocurrency
2. Angel Investing (Without Tax Reliefs)
3. High-Risk Single Stocks
4. Private Equity
5. EIS & SEIS Investments
6. High-Yield Corporate Bonds (Junk Bonds)
7. Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P)
8. Property bonds
9. Lower-Risk Single Stocks
10. Dividends from Established Companies
11. Rental Properties
12. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
13. Bonds (Government or Investment-Grade)

Higher-risk, higher-return investment opportunities

To get started, let’s examine some of the most compelling ways investors can grow wealth, albeit with increased risk.

While these investments offer the potential for significant returns in lower timeframes, they also come with the possibility of challenging situations and sometimes considerable losses. However, while some of these options might initially seem higher risk, a deeper exploration can uncover some worthwhile opportunities that effectively balance risk and reward.

Let’s dive into these higher-risk, high-return investment opportunities and examine the potential they might hold.

1. Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency has become synonymous with high returns on investment, with some assets experiencing annual returns of well over 1000% during peak periods. The decentralised nature of cryptocurrencies and their potential for rapid appreciation have attracted a serious global following and can no longer be ignored.

However, this market is highly volatile, with prices capable of dramatic swings in short timeframes. While this volatility appeals to many investors, it also means the risk is significant—offering the potential for rapid gains but equally steep losses.

Extreme volatility isn’t present in all coins, Bitcoin, for instance, is more stable than smaller, lesser-known coins. Still, Bitcoin has experienced volatility of roughly ±45% over the past 10 years. To put this into context, it’s about 4.8 times higher than the S&P 500’s volatility of ±9.64%.

A well-informed strategy and a readiness to navigate this volatility are essential for any form of success in this space. Despite the risks, the transformative potential of blockchain technology continues to drive interest and innovation in the cryptocurrency market, making it something that really can no longer be ignored.

2. Angel Investing (Without Tax Reliefs)

Angel investing is a dynamic avenue for those seeking high-return investments, offering the potential for average returns that can exceed 20% annually, with studies showing that successful angel investors often earn a return of 2 to 3 times their initial investment over a period of 3 to 5 years.

This form of investment involves providing capital to early-stage companies in exchange for equity. However, the risk can be substantial, especially when investing in companies not eligible for tax relief schemes like Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) or Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS). Without these reliefs, the investor bears the full brunt of the risk, as early start-ups have a higher failure rate.

Although a loose term, angel investing can involve taking on a role within the company, ranging from an advisory position to full-time involvement. This personal engagement can mitigate some of the risk, as your performance can directly impact the company's success and, in turn, your investment.

3. High-Risk Single Stocks

Investing in high-risk single stocks can offer significant returns, often exceeding 10% per annum with no real upper limit. While this approach is among the best investment options for high returns, it demands a deep understanding of the market, the ability to withstand volatility, and, most importantly, the right mindset.

The risk of loss is considerably higher than with diversified investments, but for those with a strong risk appetite and strategic insight, the potential rewards can be substantial.

Take $MARA (Marathon Digital Holdings)—a high-risk stock that closely follows Bitcoin’s price movements. As I write this, $MARA is up 9%, after rising 10% the previous day and dropping 12% the day before. This level of volatility is typical for the stock, highlighting both the risks and the significant opportunities it presents to certain investors.

Investors could navigate high-risk stocks in various ways. For instance, purchasing financially strong companies during a market dip and aiming for a quick rebound over a few days or months can be a viable strategy. However, this requires time spent studying the market, conducting thorough due diligence on both individual stocks and the broader economy, avoiding over-commitment to a single position, and ensuring sufficient capital is available to average down if necessary.

If you’re not after this style, identifying companies with the potential for long-term innovation can be a useful strategy. By ignoring short-term movements and committing to a long-term plan, investors could better position themselves for robust future growth.

By identifying companies with strong growth potential and innovative business models, investors can capitalise on market opportunities and achieve impressive returns, as well as take advantage of market shifts that might be less apparent to others.

4. Private Equity

This investment avenue involves acquiring equity in private companies with the aim of improving their value before selling them for a profit. It generally requires a medium to long-term commitment - often spanning several years - and carries risks related to market conditions and company performance.

However, the potential for high return on investments makes it an attractive option for those willing to engage in thorough due diligence and strategic planning.

As of Dec. 31st 2023, private equity funds have delivered an impressive average annual return of 13.1% over the past 25 years, significantly outpacing the 8.6% average return posted by the S&P 500 during the same period. It’s important to note that most investors will see returns that are either significantly higher or lower than this figure, as is the nature of private equity.

By investing in private equity, investors can gain access to exclusive opportunities and potentially benefit from the growth of innovative companies, positioning themselves for substantial financial gains.

5. EIS & SEIS Investments

Whilst EIS and SEIS investments are effectively venture capital investments, we have included these as a separate section as, due to the generous tax reliefs, Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes (SEIS) can offer very high target returns but with reduced risk due to the attractive tax incentives available. 

Early-stage venture capital can target returns of 10x or more, and the EIS tax reliefs such as 30% income tax relief, capital gains tax deferral, and loss relief. One drawback of EIS/SEIS investments is the longer time frame - shares can not be easily sold, and the opportunity to do so generally only occurs when the company is sold or floats on a stock market (with average timings for successfully exited companies being 3 to 7 years).

With EIS and SEIS investments being one of the core focuses at GCV, we only present a select number of carefully curated EIS opportunities each year. These opportunities are designed to deliver exceptional returns—with our exits to date delivering returns of up to 75x for our investors—while offering substantial tax relief. Our dedicated investment team meticulously evaluates over 750 opportunities annually, offering only the best to our investor network.

In addition, through GCV Labs, our dedicated venture builder team, we work alongside a number of our portfolio companies to enhance their growth and scalability, ensuring they achieve their full potential. This close connection allows us to provide deeper insights and support across various areas, from software development to marketing strategies.

By joining GCV Invest, our exclusive network for experienced investors, you gain access to EIS-eligible opportunities that target an average of 10x returns.

To better understand how these investments could benefit you, use our EIS calculator, which offers insights into the potential financial advantages and tax reliefs available for your investment.

6. High-Yield Corporate Bonds (Junk Bonds)

High-yield corporate bonds, often referred to as junk bonds, offer interest rates that can exceed 10% annually but usually hover around the 5% mark. These bonds are generally issued by companies with lower credit ratings, presenting an opportunity for high returns whilst carrying a higher risk of default.

To mitigate some risk, some platforms offer diversified portfolios of high-yield bonds, meaning your investment can be spread across multiple issuers, each offering varying interest rates. This approach can be beneficial, as it's less likely that multiple companies will default at once. However, compared to investment-grade corporate and sovereign bonds, high-yield bonds tend to be more volatile during market turmoil. During these times of economic stress, defaults may spike, making this asset class more sensitive to the economic outlook than other sectors of the bond market.

High-yield bonds share attributes of both fixed income and equities, making them a valuable component in a diversified portfolio. Investors must carefully evaluate the issuing company's financial health, the prevailing market conditions, and the broader economic environment to make informed decisions.

Despite the higher risks associated with these bonds, they can offer a valuable balance of income and growth potential, making them an attractive option for investors willing to accept a higher level of risk.

7. Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P)

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending offers returns averaging 7.36% p.a over the last decade, higher than many traditional savings accounts, especially as rates begin to fall. These innovative platforms connect investors directly with borrowers, bypassing traditional financial institutions.

While the risk of borrower default exists, careful assessment of creditworthiness and diversification can help mitigate some of this risk. P2P lending remains an appealing option for those seeking higher yields with a moderate risk profile. As the market evolves, investors can benefit from increased transparency and improved risk management tools, which continue to enhance the overall attractiveness of this method of investing.

8. Property Bonds

Property bonds can be a great way to benefit from exciting property development projects without becoming a developer or taking a personal equity position. These bonds tend to yield 4% to 8% per year, depending on the term, with some, like Carlton Bonds, offering up to 10% per year on a 4-year bond,  but be cautious of any promising significantly higher returns as they may indicate high risk. They can provide inflation-beating returns, and in many instances, offer the ability to be held in a tax-advantaged account such as an Innovative Finance ISA.

Despite offering solid returns, property bonds often receive less publicity due to marketing restrictions, making them an underutilised investment option. 

However, as with any investment, there are risks. Delays or issues with a development could impact bond payments and market downturns might mean you don't get the expected return. Property bonds still make for an appealing option for those seeking high returns, especially if your ISA allowances aren't used up.

Exploring Lower-Risk, High-Return Investments

Let's delve into what must be some of the most appealing investment opportunities: low-risk, yet still respectably high-return investments. Here are seven of them.

9. Lower-Risk Single Stocks

10. Dividends from Established Companies

11. Rental Properties

Investing in rental properties can provide a stable income stream, with returns typically ranging from 5% to 8% annually, depending on location and market conditions. While the property market can fluctuate, under the current trends, properties in desirable areas tend to appreciate in value, offering a reliable source of returns. This makes buy-to-let a popular choice for those seeking relatively secure investments with solid returns, particularly when factoring in capital appreciation.

However, buy-to-let investments require active management, including property maintenance and tenant relations, making them more labour-intensive than say stocks or ETFs. Rising costs, taxation, and regulatory changes have also made the sector increasingly less attractive, particularly given the growing ease of alternative investment methods, including indirect property investments like property bonds.

Additionally, property investments are fairly illiquid, meaning it can take longer to access funds compared to selling shares for example. As a result, those considering buy-to-let should be prepared for a long-term commitment and carefully assess whether the potential returns justify the ongoing demands and risks.

12. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), widely considered to be safe, high return investments, have become a popular choice for investors seeking diversification and professional management, with the flexibility of trading like individual stocks. ETFs typically track an index, sector, commodity, or other asset, offering exposure to a wide range of investments. This diversification helps reduce risk, making ETFs an attractive option for those looking to balance risk and reward.

For example, the S&P 500, a common benchmark for ETFs, has delivered an average annual return of approximately 10% over the last 100 years. This impressive track record certainly highlights the potential for exceptional long-term inflation-beating growth.

For most people, investing in an ETF is one of the best long-term strategies. Consistently investing in something like an All-World Fund provides extreme diversification, which is likely to grow at a pace slightly ahead of inflation. One key point to stress with this type of investment is the importance of ignoring short-term market movements.

Having a portfolio of solely passive investments like this may not appeal to certain individuals or active investors who prefer hands-on strategies that target higher returns. For those seeking more tailored approaches, there are plenty of other investment options on this list that may suit your style better.

13. Bonds (Government or Investment-Grade)

Government and investment-grade bonds offer predictable returns, often yielding 1% to 4% annually. While bonds don’t usually fit within a discussion on high-return investments, their inclusion here is relevant given current market conditions—UK 10-year gilt yields reached their highest level since 2008, now offering just under 5%.

For investors who prioritise minimal risk over aggressive growth, gilts could serve as a way to outpace inflation over the next decade. However, it’s important to recognise that these remain modest returns compared to the higher-yield opportunities discussed. Unlike investments that benefit from compound interest, gilts offer fixed, near-risk-free returns, which—while appealing in today’s market—still represent a lower-yield option in the long run.

Final Note

Investing in 2025 clearly offers something for everyone, whether you’re chasing high returns through riskier opportunities or seeking lower-risk options. The key is to align your investments with your risk appetite, financial goals, and tax circumstances.

For those facing high tax liabilities, investments through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) could be an excellent option, offering the potential for substantial returns whilst also bringing generous tax reliefs that significantly mitigate risk. On the other hand, if you’re more risk-averse, options like government bonds or ETFs can provide reliable returns while helping to counter inflation.

Ultimately, the best investment is the one that works for your unique situation—balancing risk, reward, tax efficiency and the future you want to build.