Jasmine Birtles
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How to Invest in Berkshire Hathaway in 2025
Ruby Layram
12th Jun 2025
Fancy investing in Warren Buffett’s legendary company, Berkshire Hathaway, but not sure how to do it from the UK? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a total newbie or just looking to add a big-name stock to your portfolio, this guide will walk you through how to buy a slice of Buffett’s empire, all from the comfort of your sofa!
First Off: What is Berkshire Hathaway?
You’ve probably heard of Warren Buffett, aka the “Oracle of Omaha”, but what’s behind the name Berkshire Hathaway?
In a nutshell, it’s a massive American conglomerate that owns or invests in everything from Coca-Cola and Apple to insurance companies, railroads, and energy firms. It’s basically a giant basket of businesses handpicked by Buffett and his investing partner, Charlie Munger (who sadly passed away in 2023).
The idea? Buy high-quality businesses and hold them forever. Simple. Classic. Effective.
Why Would I Invest In It?
Great question. Here’s why Berkshire Hathaway might be worth a look:
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Diversified exposure: You get instant access to a wide range of businesses.
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Rock-solid reputation: Buffett’s been doing this for over 50 years- and he’s pretty good at it!
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No dividends, but strong growth: The company reinvests profits rather than paying them out, which has helped it grow steadily over time.
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It’s like a ready-made investment fund: Except you’re investing in a business, not a fund manager.
It’s a solid, long-term bet for those who want to grow their money slowly and steadily.
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Can you invest in Berkshire Hathaway from the UK?
Yes! Even though it’s an American company, you can invest in it from the UK. In fact, lots of UK brokers let you buy US shares with just a few clicks.
But here’s where it gets a little technical (don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple):
There are two types of Berkshire Hathaway shares:
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Class A shares (BRK.A): These are eye-wateringly expensive (think £400,000+ per share), so unless you’ve won the lottery, we’ll skip those.
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Class B shares (BRK.B): These are the ones most people invest in. Much more affordable, usually a few hundred dollars per share, and they still give you exposure to all the same stuff.
So you’ll want to look for BRK.B when investing.
Step-by-step: How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway (from the UK)
Right, let’s break it down.
1. Open an investment account that gives access to US stocks
You’ll need a broker or investment platform that lets you buy shares listed on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange). Some good UK-based options include:
- Interactive Investor
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Hargreaves Lansdown
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AJ Bell
Double check they offer Berkshire Hathaway Class B (BRK.B) shares.
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2. Fill out a W-8BEN form
This is a standard US tax form you’ll fill out via your platform. It reduces the tax you’ll pay on any dividends from 30% to 15% (though, fun fact: Berkshire doesn’t pay dividends, so it’s more of a formality in this case).
Most platforms guide you through it automatically.
3. Deposit your money
You’ll need to convert your pounds into dollars to buy US shares. Many platforms do this for you, but keep an eye on:
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Currency conversion fees
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Foreign exchange rates
Some brokers are cheaper than others here.
4. Search for BRK.B and buy your shares
Once your account’s funded, search for BRK.B and hit “Buy.” You can usually choose between:
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Market order: Buys at the current market price.
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Limit order: Buys only if the price drops to a certain level you choose.
Buy as much or as little as you like, you don’t have to buy whole shares with some brokers (they let you buy fractional shares).
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5. Keep an eye on your investment (but don’t obsess)
Berkshire’s a long-term investment. It’s not about quick wins or meme stock madness; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
So check in now and again, but don’t panic if the price wiggles up and down.
Can I Hold Berkshire Hathaway in a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Unfortunately, no. You can’t hold most US-listed shares directly in a Stocks and Shares ISA because they’re not traded on a UK stock exchange.
BUT, some platforms (like Interactive Investor and Hargreaves Lansdown) offer funds or ETFs that include Berkshire Hathaway, and those can go in your ISA.
Some ETFs to look at:
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iShares S&P 500 ETF: Berkshire’s a top holding
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Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF: Another one with BRK.B inside
So if you’re dead set on keeping things tax-free, that’s your workaround.
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Final thoughts
Berkshire Hathaway remains one of the most respected names in investing. Even with Warren Buffett now well into his 90s, the company’s built to last, with smart managers, loads of cash, and some of the world’s strongest businesses under its belt.
If you’re looking for a reliable, long-term stock to tuck away and not worry about, Berkshire Hathaway Class B could be a solid pick.
As always though, do your own research and remember: no investment is guaranteed. Diversify, think long-term, and don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose.
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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. Companies listed above are not necessarily endorsed by Money Magpie. When investing your capital is at risk.
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