When buying a high-end property overseas, even the smallest exchange rate move could cost you €10,000+. Here’s how to protect your money.
If you’re planning to buy a premium property at Porta de Mar – with residences starting from €770,000 – one of the most important financial factors isn’t the price tag. It’s the currency exchange rate.
When your savings, income or investment funds are in pounds, US dollars or Swiss francs, you’re at the mercy of the markets. Even a 1% fluctuation in the GBP/EUR rate changes the cost of a €770,000 home by €7,700. That’s a lot of value riding on something you can’t control.
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And a 1% change frequently happens during the course of one – over the several weeks or months of a property purchase it could easily be a 10% change.
With new-build stage payments spread over time, the risk isn’t just on completion day — it follows you throughout the purchase.
So what can you do?
The smart solution: fix your rate in advance
Rather than waiting and hoping the exchange rate is favourable when it’s time to transfer funds, there’s a simple way to lock in certainty: a forward contract.
This lets you fix today’s exchange rate for up to 12 or even 24 months in advance, no matter what happens in the currency markets. You only need a small deposit to secure the rate, and your budget is protected: full stop.
You can avoid stressing over the exchange rate
This is particularly valuable at Porta de Mar, where buyers often make payments in stages across many months. With a forward contract in place, each stage payment stays consistent in your home currency, even if the pound or dollar weakens dramatically before the final instalment.
Real examples, real savings
Smart Currency Exchange, our trusted partner, has helped thousands of overseas buyers avoid losses caused by sudden currency swings. In some cases, clients have saved tens of thousands by fixing their rate early.
Imagine this: between putting down a deposit and making your final payment, the pound weakens by 5% against the euro. On a €770,000 property, that’s a hit of over £30,000. Would you rather absorb that cost – or prevent it entirely with a smart strategy?
Most buyers would rather remove the risk of loss than gamble on the chance of gain.
More than a transfer service
Smart Currency Exchange has been the UK’s leading name in property-focused foreign exchange since 2004. They’ve helped over 100,000 people move money safely, quickly and cost-effectively, earning more than a thousand 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.
They’re also the official currency partner of Zoopla and Your Overseas Home, and work closely with developers like Porta de Mar to offer:
- Free one-to-one advice from a dedicated account manager
- Forward contracts and rate alerts tailored to your timeline
- Faster, lower-cost international transfers than most banks
- Support coordinating with your solicitor and our sales team
Setting up an account is free and takes just a few minutes, but the value it can add to your property purchase is enormous.
What about ongoing transfers?
Many of our buyers continue to live part-time abroad or rely on income from the UK, Switzerland or the US after they’ve bought. If you’ll be receiving a pension, investment income or rental payments in a different currency, Smart Currency’s Regular Payments Plan can stabilise your income and remove exchange rate stress for good.
You’ll know exactly how much you’re receiving in euros each month, which means easier budgeting for everything from community fees and utility bills to long lunches by the sea.
Ready to protect your Porta de Mar purchase?
If you’re buying at Porta de Mar, speak to a currency expert before you transfer a single euro. We’ll help connect you with Smart Currency Exchange so you can:
- Lock in your exchange rate
- Plan your payments with confidence
- Avoid nasty surprises from market fluctuations
Every euro matters — make sure every one of yours is working for you.
