Fixed rate savings bonds offer some of the highest interest rates on offer at the present time.  Fixed rate savings bonds offer a fixed rate of interest on a one-off lump sum deposit over the life of the bond – which is typically one year, 18 months, or two years.  Big high street banks like Santander, for example, offer a rate of 3.5% on balances over 10k for their two year fixed rate savings bond; this kind of savings product is geared up for the kind of money that you’ll require when saving up for a deposit on a home in Corfu. Check the Santander website for more on savings. Fixed rate bonds often carry a penalty charge if you need to access the money before the bond matures, and sometimes there is also a time delay in accessing your funds; so it is important not to place all of your savings in such a bond, in case of emergency.  Cash ISA accounts offer some of the best rates of interest possible in easy access savings accounts, largely due to fact that the interest gained in a cash ISA account is tax free, up to your annual limit (currently £5,100 this financial year).

If you have already maxed out your ISA limit for the current financial year, there are quite a few online savings accounts that offer a competitive rate of interest for an introductory period of one year.  These accounts offer instant access, and can provide real growth for the introductory period.  If you are properly organised, you can then move the money back out to a new account, with a new introductory offer, and in this way achieve real growth for your money while you save for your dream home in Corfu