How to Invest in Data Centres in the UK (2026 Guide)

Ruby Layram 18th Dec 2025 No Comments

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Data centres are fast becoming one of the most talked-about investment themes, and not just among tech obsessives.

From AI growth to cloud computing, streaming, remote work and rising digital demand, data centres are the infrastructure backbone of tomorrow’s economy.

But what does that mean for everyday investors? And how can you realistically invest in data centres from the UK?

Let’s take a look!

Also read: How to invest in AI stocks

Why Data Centres Are a Trending Investment

If you’ve heard the term “data centre” thrown around in the same breath as AI or cloud computing, there’s good reason.

1. Exploding Demand for Digital Services

More data is created every year than ever before, from social media to video streaming, online shopping, AI training, IoT devices, and remote work platforms.

All of this digital activity needs somewhere to live — and that “somewhere” is data centres.

2. AI and Cloud Computing Are Big Drivers

Artificial intelligence and cloud services rely on massive computing power and storage.

Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google and AI startups are building huge data centre fleets to keep up, and someone has to fund and operate them.

3. Long-Term, Sticky Revenue Models

Many data centres run on long-term contracts with corporate clients. That gives them a revenue stream that’s predictable and less volatile than some other sectors.

Think of them a bit like utilities for the digital age.

4. Supply Constraints

Land, power, cooling infrastructure, connectivity, all are finite.

The world isn’t building data centres fast enough to meet demand, which can support pricing power and returns.

All of this is why big institutional investors are pouring capital into data-centre companies globally, and why retail investors are starting to notice too.

Important Things to Consider Before Investing

Before you jump in, here are a few smart caution points to think about:

Data Centre Investing Isn’t “Risk-Free”

Like all investments, data centres have risks:

Economic downturns can reduce corporate IT spending
Power costs and regulation can squeeze margins
Geography matters (local electricity prices, grid reliability, cooling costs)
Some companies are expensive relative to current earnings

This isn’t a guaranteed goldmine, it’s a growth theme that still needs a thoughtful strategy.

Know Your Investment Timeframe

Data centre infrastructure tends to reward long-term investors, not short-term traders. Think years, not weeks.

If you’re already used to thinking long-term (like with pensions or index funds), this might feel familiar. If not, take your time and don’t rush in.

Familiarise Yourself With the Sector Landscape

There are a few distinct types of data-centre exposures:

REITs / Property Trusts: own and lease the facilities
Operators: manage and operate data centres
Infrastructure Funds: broader combination of fibre, towers and data centres
Tech Stocks with data-centre exposure: e.g., cloud providers

Each behaves differently and has different risk/return profiles.

Sustainability & Power Costs Matter

Data centres are energy-intensive. Regulation and power costs can have a huge impact on profits — especially in Europe, where energy policy is often more stringent.

Look for companies that emphasise efficiency, renewable energy use, and cooling innovation.

How to Invest in UK Data Centres

Here are the most accessible ways UK investors can gain exposure to this trend:

1. UK-Listed REITs and Property Funds with Data Centre Exposure

Some Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have direct or growing exposure to data-centre assets.

For example:

GCP Infrastructure Investments: focuses on digital infrastructure including data centres
LXI REIT: owns a UK data-centre portfolio

Check platform listings under data-centre or infrastructure categories, and always review:

property portfolio mix
lease lengths
tenant quality
power / sustainability policies

2. ETFs & Listed Funds With Data Centre or Digital Infrastructure Exposure

ETFs can provide diversified exposure without picking individual stocks:

Examples to research (UK platforms may list them):

Digital Infrastructure ETFs
Cloud computing or tech infrastructure ETFs
REIT index funds with digital property sub-themes

These allow you to buy a basket of multiple companies that collectively own or operate data centres.

3. International Stocks With Strong Data Centre Businesses

Many global companies, including some listed in the UK or accessible via UK brokers, derive growing revenue from data centres:

Equinix: a leading global data-centre operator
Digital Realty: one of the world’s largest data-centre REITs
Microsoft / Amazon / Google: cloud providers with massive data-centre footprints

These are more like tech / cloud plays with data centre exposure, rather than pure property assets.

4. Infrastructure Funds & Private Market Exposure

If you’re a more experienced or higher-net-worth investor, some private infrastructure funds focus on digital assets (including data centres), often through long-term institutional vehicles.

These typically have higher minimums and less liquidity, but they can offer a different risk/return profile.

A Simple Starter Strategy for Beginners

If you want to dip your toe in, without needing to pick individual companies, here’s a simple approach many investors use:

Step 1: Look for a UK or global data-centre / digital infrastructure ETF
Step 2: Add a REIT with data-centre assets to your ISA or SIPP
Step 3: Balance it with broader tech or global equity exposure
Step 4: Hold for the long term, and review annually

No need to go all-in on one stock or theme, blending exposure helps manage risk.

Final Thoughts

Data centres may sound technical, but the underlying idea is simple:

We’re living in a digital world, and someone has to power, store and transmit all of that data.

As demand keeps climbing, the companies and funds that support that infrastructure could present compelling opportunities, especially for long-term investors who are comfortable with growth themes.

Just remember:

Do your research
Understand what you’re buying
Stay diversified
Keep your goals in mind

Data centres aren’t a magic bullet, they’re one powerful building block you can choose to include in your broader investment plan.

Do you want to learn more about investing? Sign up for our fortnightly MoneyMagpie Investing Newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk

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How to Invest in Data Centres in the UK (2026 Guide)