Best Time to Buy in France Since Early 2022: Currency Exchange

Since the turn of the year, the GBP/EUR exchange rate has bounced it’s head on the ceiling of the highest rate we have seen in 2 and a half years. We are currently seeing trading levels teasing the 1.21 levels, meaning it is currently the best time to buy your French property from a budget perspective since early 2022.

For those currently in the process of completing on a property in France and paying your completion funds, you may want to consider your options when it comes to your finances. With the current global uncertainty following rate cuts, political changes, tariffs, and many more market-effecting events, the currency market is as volatile as ever.

What does this mean?

A property purchase typically takes 3-6 months between offer and completion. Since last summer we have seen the GBP/EUR rate hit a low of 1.1603 (8th August 2024), compared to recent highs of 1.20974 (February 21st 2025).

To put this in a buyer’s perspective, a property worth €250,000 currently costs you £8,800 less in just a 6 month period.

For those currently looking at their budget for their home in France, you will now find that the budget has increased a little.

Furthermore, those in the process of completing on their property may want to consider their options in making the most of this market movement.

This is where the expertise of a currency specialist can be very helpful, as Moneycorp can provide you with the opportunity to lock in a rate ahead of your payment (Forward contracts may require a deposit). This means, if you have some time before your payment is due, and you wanted to take advantage of the current rate, you can do so using a currency specialist. This would mean if the rate were to move out of your favour during those few months before your completion, you would not be affected by the movement.

What can you do to make use of this market movement?

Using a currency specialist opens the door to many options. It gives you access to competitive exchange rates and the expertise of experienced foreign exchange professionals whose role is to help you plan your transfer to make the most of your money. They will understand your situation and support you by tracking the rate and guiding you on the best time to trade, helping to make your money go further.

Here is an example of a few of the tools available to you and how they can benefit your currency exchange:

· Spot contract- A spot contract is an agreement between you and your FX provider to exchange money and buy foreign currency at the current exchange rate. This is the most

common and traditional form of currency exchange and is suited to addressing any imminent currency transfer needs you might have.

· Market order- Using a market order, you can target a rate of exchange, and if that rate is then hit, we could either buy the funds for you automatically or notify you of your permission to buy. With the same principle, we can set up a limit order to protect your transaction in case the rate falls below a certain level. This will suit those with flexible timing and who are optimistic that the rate might improve within their time frame. One of the advantages of the market order is to ensure that the currency is bought at the desired level, even if the market only touches that level very briefly – including when the markets are closed for trading.

· Forward contract- This allows you to fix a rate of exchange up to two years in the future in advance of payment. This tool is very popular among property buyers as it allows them to fix the full price of the property ahead of completion, giving them peace of mind and the certainty of how much they are going to pay for the property. But it is also a great way to take advantage of a positive rate movement. (Please note forward contracts may require a deposit.)

In order to take advantage of the exchange rates, it is key to plan in advance and to get in touch with a currency specialist such as Moneycorp early in the process.

It is never too early. At Moneycorp, you will get assistance throughout your journey, from the moment you start looking for a property and planning your viewing trips to when you secure a property and have to pay the deposit and plan for completion.

Getting familiar with the exchange rates will help you set up your budget prior to putting in an offer. Contacting a foreign exchange specialist will help you understand your options and protect your budget from negative fluctuations – at no cost to you.