Currency Zone
Zoopla recommends Smart Currency Exchange to anyone making international money transfers, especially when buying a property abroad.
Why choose a property specialist for your FX?
Changing your currency to buy a property abroad is very different to other transactions. Not just in the quantity of euros, dollars or other currency required, but also in the length of time the transaction takes.
Buyers need to be aware of “currency risk”. While buying a property abroad has never been safer, volatile exchange rates remain a completely unpredictable risk for your money and your property-buying budget.
The good news is that Smart Currency have been working with property buyers abroad since 2004. They know all the ins and outs of an international property purchase and will steer you round potential pitfalls.
Get a currency quote
But why not use your usual bank for the payment?
| Smart Currency Exchange | High street bank | |
|---|---|---|
| A specialist in international property | ||
| Helping you set your property budget | ||
| Identifying risks to your budget | ||
| Option to fix your rate for the year ahead | ||
| Being available on the phone during the transaction | ||
| Making the transaction safely | ||
| Offering on-going support post-purchase |
Currency risk, and how to avoid it
A typical property purchase takes several weeks, so between agreeing to buy a property abroad at a certain price in euros or dollars and paying for it, the exchange rate will change. Indeed, it’s perfectly normal for a currency pair to move by 5 or more percent during a typical property purchase.
That means the price you pay in your own currency will change, probably by thousands of pounds, maybe by tens of thousands of pounds, before you come to pay. Fortunately, a property specialist like Smart Currency Exchange, unlike a high street bank or an app-only service, can remove that risk.
How we work with you
When you have registered for your free account (it only takes a few seconds and you don’t need to transfer any money at this point), your account manager at Smart Currency will explain your options.
Maybe you need to make an overseas transaction straight away, or maybe you will be paying later but wish to fix that day’s exchange rate for the year ahead. Whatever you need, your account manager will explain your options and ensure you make the transfer that achieves your aims and you are comfortable with.
Smart Currency is proud of the relationships forged with clients. Read some Trustpilot reviews and you will see how often the account manager is praised individually.
You also have the option to use our online services and set up regular automated payments for bills or even rental income after you become a homeowner.
Why Zoopla recommends Smart Currency Exchange? On the phone, not just online
We know that buying a property abroad is so exciting, but it can be a little stressful too. That’s why your account manager will always be available on the phone; ready to explain what’s happening in the currency markets or offer a little reassurance on completion day!
UK-based and authorised
Smart Currency has offices in the UK and Europe and is head-quartered in West London. It is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (FRN 504509) for the provision of payment services.
A service you can trust
Smart Currency has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot (December 2023) from close to 2,000 client reviews. It has a Refinitive (LSEG) credit risk rating of 89 (of 100), with an implied rating of A+ and a probability of default of 0.09%. Creditsafe rating 66 (Low Risk).
Award winning
Smart Currency is a three times winner of ‘Best Finance Company’ in the West London Business Awards.