sold house - looking for short term savings

fjweaver

As of next week i'll have around £200k from the sale of my house after my divorce. I'm renting while I look for somewhere to buy so I'm looking for the best place to put the money with quick access for when I find somewhere.
Am also tempted to buy £30k in premium bonds during this time - I know it won't gain interest but might get lucky!
Want to get on the mortgage ladder asap and hoping to have found/bought within 6 months so is quite short- term.

Would be grateful for any advice/ideas

thanks
Frank

qpop

£85,000 @ 3.2% in Birmingham Midshires
£85,000 @ 3.1% in Santander
£30,000 @ 3.05% in Skipton BS
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/savings-accounts-best-interest
The reason I'd say £85,000 in each would be to get the maximum FSCS cover for the deposits. Arguable you'd be more sensible to put £80,000 in each and £40,000 in the third as then any interest you make is covered.

If you opt for annual interest and then close the account after six months the interest should be paid on closure.

Or you could always put the last £30,000 in premium bonds, but be aware the "long-term win expectation" is equivalent to a (tax-free) AER of 1.5%.
See here for Martin's explanation: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/premium-bonds