International money transfers for buying property abroad

Buying property abroad often means making a large payment in another currency by a fixed date. You may need to send a deposit first, make staged payments along the way and transfer the final balance at completion.

Currencyflow lets you see the exchange rate available to you upfront and understand the margin you're paying before you decide. We charge a transparent 0.25%-0.40% margin, depending on transfer size, with no Currencyflow payment transfer fees.

If your completion is weeks or months away, you can use a forward contract to fix an available exchange rate for an agreed future payment. If your timing is more flexible, you can set a target rate and wait to see if the market reaches it.

You'll also have someone who knows your transfer and can help you plan the different payments involved. You can reach us by phone, WhatsApp or email whenever you want to talk things through.

Before the currency side even comes into it, it's worth being clear on what you actually need. If you're moving for work, look at cities with good job prospects and transport links. If it's for retirement, healthcare access and ease of getting around matter more. If the purchase is part of retiring overseas, our retiring abroad guide covers the money side of the move, from the completion payment to converting a pension once you're settled. Property prices vary hugely by region, so it's often worth looking just outside the obvious expat hotspots, you may find somewhere just as appealing for considerably less. And a holiday visit isn't the same as living somewhere, if you can, visit during the off-season to see what the area is really like before committing.

Buying overseas usually means working with three types of specialist, not just one.

Estate agents know the local market and can help you find a property that suits your budget and requirements. Look for one with experience helping overseas buyers as well as local purchasers.

Solicitors handle the legal side, which can work very differently from the UK depending on the country. An independent solicitor, ideally one regulated by a recognised local professional body, can help protect your interests throughout the purchase.

Currency specialists help you plan the international payment involved in the purchase. On a property-sized transfer, exchange-rate movements can materially change the amount you need to send in your home currency. Planning the currency transfer alongside the property purchase can help you understand that cost before completion.

There's more than one way to finance an overseas property, and which one suits you depends on your situation.

Cash is the simplest route if you have the funds available, no loan repayments, and it can strengthen your position when negotiating. Getting a strong exchange rate on the transfer matters most here.

Releasing equity from a UK property can be more straightforward than arranging a new loan, but it's worth thinking through the impact on your existing mortgage repayments first.

A mortgage, either from a UK lender or one based in the country you're buying in, is the other main route. A UK lender offers familiarity and deals in English, though coverage is often limited to popular destinations. A local lender may know the market better and offer different rates, but the process can be more complex, and it's a decision worth taking proper advice on.

Whichever route you take, we can help with the part that's ours: moving your money securely and at a fair rate. If you already own a place abroad and think you'll sell it around buying this one, our selling property abroad guide covers the currency side of the sale.

This page gives general information only, not financial, tax, or legal advice. For anything specific to your situation, speak to a qualified professional in the country you're buying in.