Why use Smart Currency Exchange when you transfer funds to France?

By using Smart Currency Exchange to transfer funds to France instead of a bank, you could avoid losing thousands of pounds to suddenly changing currency markets.

It cannot be emphasised strongly enough how important it is to consider the risk exchange rates pose when you transfer funds to France. If you make an offer on a property in euros and the exchange rate moves between then and you paying the deposit, you’ll find yourself unexpectedly paying more than you’d calculated.

The live currency market is a risky place

The price of currency fluctuates by the second as it gets traded on the live currency market. This means the price of the property you are purchasing in France in sterling will also fluctuate second by second – so, over the course of days, weeks and months, this price could change dramatically.

The rate of exchange you receive when you transfer your pounds into euros will have a direct impact on the end cost of your property.

What does this mean in practice when you transfer funds to France?

For example, imagine you agreed to purchase a €300,000 property when the rate hit an eight year high of 1.40. The price in sterling would be £214,286. However, if you completed on the property a few days later the rate would have sunk to 1.36. The price in sterling would have moved to £220,588 – a loss of over £6,000.

The most common exchange rate process for most buyers in France will be to find their ideal property, find out the day’s exchange rate, and base their decision to purchase on that rate. However, by the time they get around to going to transfer funds to France, the price of the property could be vastly different, as a result of the exchange rate fluctuations.

A currency exchange specialist will help reduce the risk

One of the best ways to combat this is by using a currency exchange specialist and taking advantage of the tools they offer. For example, you could use a forward contract to set the exchange rate. This would effective ‘fix’ the purchase price of your French property in sterling. This way, you know exactly how much it will cost in pounds, as well as euros. Not only that, it will not be subject to any further rate fluctuations.

Why use Smart Currency Exchange?

As soon as you know you are going to purchase a property in France, we recommend signing up with Smart Currency Exchange – ideally, at least six months before you plan to buy – to give them time to assess your needs and work out a personal currency strategy on your behalf.

Once you are signed up with Smart Currency Exchange, you will be assigned a named personal trader. They will be with you throughout the entire process – so you won’t be shuffled from person to person. They’ll advise you on the effects of fluctuating currency rates based on a personal knowledge of your needs. Additionally, they’ll monitor and assess the market for you and the different ways you can transfer currency abroad – so you can minimise risks and maximise your savings. Finally, your trader will not be paid on commission, so they will offer you truly impartial service.

Smart is the UK’s only currency specialist focused on property transfers and we have worked together successfully for over a decade. Our readers find them extremely useful in safeguarding their money, leaving over 1,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. As well as your personal trader protecting your budget, Smart will equally give you access to free reports and guides about foreign exchange – tailored entirely to property buyers. Smart can also assist you with repatriating funds to the UK, or if you need to regularly transfer funds to France (such as your pension or mortgage payments).

Smart Currency Exchange is the only currency specialist focused specifically on the overseas property market, making them perfectly placed to assist with your transfers.

About Smart Currency Exchange

Smart Currency Exchange was set up in 2004 to help clients control the risks of sending and receiving payments internationally, and since then has become an expert in the overseas property market, working as a trusted partner of other overseas specialists such as Property Guides, Rightmove and Your Overseas Home. Smart Currency Exchange’s account opening and payment transfer system is safe, fast and easy. All client funds are held separately in segregated client accounts with the Bank of Ireland in the United Kingdom, with whom Smart Currency Exchange has worked closely with since 2004.

Benefits of Smart Currency Exchange

Smart Currency Exchange customers benefit from the following:

• Risk-controlled transfers
• Safe and secure transactions
• Dedicated personal trader
• No transfer fees or commissions
• Authorised by the FCA

To find out how much you can save (and how to save it!), call Smart Currency on 020 7898 0541 or get a free quote here.