Santa Cruz, Ilha da Madeira, Portugal

Interested in this property? Don't lose out to currency fluctuations changing the price you pay...

Many overseas buyers in Portugal do not realise they can lose thousands of pounds through adverse currency exchange rate movements.

The property buying process in Portugal takes time; it could be up to six months between seeing the property of your dreams and actually taking ownership. So how much would this €175,000 property cost you?

The exchange rate on the day you make an offer on your property in Portugal will not be the same as the rate you pay when you complete on your purchase, as currency markets move constantly. Any large rate movements may take it beyond your price range as the chart above illustrates the fluctuation and how much extra your property could have cost you.

The best way to avoid this significant risk is to plan your budget and currency strategy with an experienced currency specialist. They have been known to save you up to 4% compared to many high street banks, £4,000 for every £100,000, which soon adds up. They will also keep you up to date on market movements, help you set a rate in advance with a product called a Forward Contract - so you know exactly what you will pay for your property in sterling.

This is why we recommend Smart Currency Exchange Ltd. If exchange rate movements continue to be as unpredictable and as significant as they have been in the past then by not using Smart Currency Exchange Ltd your property could cost you £4,330 more.