Currency exchange
International currency exchange for property buyers
On a property purchase, the exchange rate usually costs more than the mortgage arrangement fee. We introduce clients to regulated currency specialists who quote a live rate, fix it where you need certainty, and move the funds to the notary or solicitor on the day it matters.
How much can you save using a currency specialist instead of a bank?
High-street banks typically build a margin of 2% to 4% into the exchange rate on a property-sized transfer, often with a transfer fee on top. A specialist currency provider usually quotes 0.2% to 0.8%, so on a €1,000,000 transfer the difference is commonly €12,000 to €30,000.
- The saving is in the spread, not the advertised fee — always compare the rate you actually receive.
- A forward contract can fix the rate for up to twelve months, so a purchase price agreed in euros stays fixed in your home currency.
- Staged transfers suit purchases with a deposit, interim payments and a completion balance.
- We are not a currency provider; we introduce clients to regulated specialists and stay involved alongside the finance.
Last updated Reviewed by our Clifton International team alongside our currency partners.
Choose your destination
Currency exchange by where you are buying
GBP / USD / AED → EUR
Currency exchange for Spain
Fund a Spanish purchase, the 10% arras deposit and completion at the notary, with forward contracts to fix the euro cost between exchange and completion.
Get a quoteEUR / USD / AED → GBP
Currency exchange for the UK
Move funds into sterling for a UK purchase, expat mortgage deposit or refinance, including regular transfers to service a UK mortgage from abroad.
Get a quoteAt a glance
Bank, online app or currency specialist — which should you use?
For a property-sized transfer the difference between these routes is measured in thousands, not basis points.
| Route | Typical margin | Rate certainty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-street bank | 2% – 4% | Spot only | Small transfers where convenience outweighs cost |
| Consumer transfer app | 0.4% – 1.5% | Spot, limited forwards | Regular smaller payments and running costs |
| Currency specialist (broker) | 0.2% – 0.8% | Spot, forwards up to 12 months, limit orders | Property purchases, deposits and completion payments |
| Private bank FX desk | 0.3% – 1% | Spot and forwards | Existing private-bank clients transacting alongside lending |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Indicative margins for transfers above €250,000, reviewed August 2026. Actual pricing depends on amount, currency pair and provider.
Corridors we handle most
Where our clients are sending money from
United States
USD to EUR or GBP — the largest corridor we see for Spanish purchases, and the one where bank spreads cost the most.
United Arab Emirates
AED and USD to EUR or GBP, including staged transfers for buyers paying from Dubai or Abu Dhabi accounts.
United Kingdom
GBP to EUR for Spanish purchases, deposits, running costs and mortgage payments.
Eurozone
EUR to GBP for UK purchases and refinances by European buyers and expatriates.
Frequently asked
Currency questions from buyers
What is a forward contract and when should I use one?
A forward contract fixes an exchange rate now for settlement on a future date, usually up to twelve months out, against a deposit of typically 5% to 10%. Use one once you have agreed a purchase price in a foreign currency and want the cost in your own currency to stop moving.
Do I need a currency specialist if my bank already offers transfers?
Your bank will complete the transfer, but the rate it applies usually carries a margin of 2% to 4%. On a property purchase that is normally the single largest avoidable cost in the transaction.
Can I pay a Spanish notary directly from a foreign account?
In practice most Spanish completions are settled from a Spanish account or by bank draft arranged in advance, so funds usually need to arrive in euros a few days before the notary date. Plan the transfer around the notary appointment, not the other way round.
Is currency exchange regulated?
Yes. The specialists we introduce clients to are authorised payment institutions, and client funds are safeguarded in segregated accounts. We are not a currency provider ourselves and do not hold client money.
Do you charge for the introduction?
No. There is no cost to you for the introduction, and you are free to compare the quote against your own bank before proceeding.
Next step
Ready to price your transfer?
Tell us the amount, the currencies and roughly when you need the funds. A currency specialist will come back with a live quote within one working day.
Get Your Currency Quote
Two quick steps — a specialist will respond within one working day.
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Speak to us about the currency leg.
Most buyers think about the mortgage first and the exchange rate last. Getting both priced at the same time is usually where the money is saved.