3 top UK shares to buy

Rupert Hargreaves takes a look at three top UK shares to buy, all of which he would acquire for his portfolio as the economy recovers.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

When I am looking for investments for my portfolio, I like to concentrate on what I believe are the market’s best shares. With that in mind, here are three top UK shares to buy today, which I would add to my portfolio. 

Shares to buy

When looking for top UK shares, I focus on company fundamentals rather than stock price performance. That is why I would buy easyJet (LSE: EZJ).

The low-cost airline operator has a robust business model and a high level of brand recognition among consumers. While the pandemic has devastated it, these qualities should help the enterprise stage a strong recovery as the aviation market rebounds. Initial indications show that customers are already booking in solid numbers for 2022, not just with easyJet but with the whole industry in general. 

While I could select any other aviation enterprise to buy to play this theme, easyJet remains my top pick for the reasons outlined above.

Even though I rate this as one of the top UK shares to buy, I am well aware that it also faces challenges. These include rising costs and the risk of another wave of coronavirus, which could destabilise the aviation industry’s recovery. 

Top UK shares

As well as easyJet, I would also acquire homebuilders Barratt Developments (LSE: BDEV) and Bellway (LSE: BWY). I think these are some of the best shares to buy now, and the reason why is simple. 

The UK housing market is experiencing two tailwinds that are driving both prices and demand higher. Ultra-low interest rates and a lack of new-builds are pushing up demand. Meanwhile, a lack of properties coming to market is restricting supply. 

These top UK shares are rising to the challenge. Barratt is targeting an output of 20,000 homes a year in the near term. In its last fiscal year, the group completed 17,200 properties

After a slight setback in 2020, Bellway’s output rose back above 10,000 properties in the year to the end of July. To meet the growing demand, during the year, the group spent more than £1bn on land with room for just under 20,000 properties, a record for the business. In its 2019 financial year, it acquired just over 13,000 plots. 

These output and buying figures support my conclusion that these homebuilders are rising to meet the challenges of the UK property market and are some of the top UK shares to buy today. As property prices continue to expand, they should reap rewards from their growth plans. 

Of course, there is no guarantee property prices will continue to increase indefinitely. The sudden jump in supply or an increase in interest rates could send demand plunging. This may be bad news for these firms that have invested billions in new developments. 

Despite these risks, I would buy both of these top UK shares for my portfolio today. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Young Black man sat in front of laptop while wearing headphones
Investing Articles

As revenues rise 8%, is the Croda International share price set to bounce back?

The latest update from Croda International indicates that sales are starting to recover from the end of 2023, so is…

Read more »

Happy young female stock-picker in a cafe
Investing Articles

Q1 results boost the Bunzl share price: investors should consider the stock for stability

As the Bunzl share price edges higher, our writer considers whether this so-called boring FTSE 100 stock looks like a…

Read more »

Bus waiting in front of the London Stock Exchange on a sunny day.
Investing Articles

The top 5 investment trusts to buy in a resurgent UK stock market?

These were the five most popular investment trusts at Hargreaves Lansdown in April. And they're not the ones I'd have…

Read more »

woman sitting in wheelchair at the table and looking at computer monitor while talking on mobile phone and drinking coffee at home
Investing Articles

The smartest dividend stocks to consider buying with £500 right now

In the past few years, the UK stock market’s been a great place to find dividend stocks paying top yields.…

Read more »

2024 year number handwritten on a sandy beach at sunrise
Investing Articles

Why this FTSE 100 company is the first I’m buying for my 24/25 Stocks and Shares ISA

As a new Stocks and Shares ISA year gets underway, it’s time to start searching for my next additions. Barclays…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How much passive income would I make from 945 National Grid shares?

National Grid shares pay a healthy dividend that, over time, can produce a sizeable passive income if the dividends are…

Read more »

British flag, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and British flag composition
Investing Articles

These 7 UK shares turned £50k into £550k

Investing in individual UK shares can be a very lucrative strategy. Over the last two decades, these seven stocks have…

Read more »

Tanker coming in to dock in calm waters and a clear sunset
Investing Articles

Up 14% in a day! Is this embattled FTSE 250 company on the road to recovery?

The sudden price surge in a lesser-known FTSE 250 stock caught my attention today. I decided to find out what’s…

Read more »