Knowledge pillar

Currency exchange when buying property in Spain

International buyers convert their home currency into euros to pay the deposit, completion balance and ongoing costs of a Spanish property. Using a high-street bank can cost 2–4% more in spread than a regulated FX specialist, and a forward contract can lock in the rate between offer and completion.

By Susan Hobbelin· Last reviewed · Editorial standards

Why FX matters on a Spanish purchase

Editorial draft pending — this section will be populated with sourced facts from official Spanish registries (Registradores, INE, Banco de España, Notariado) and market data (Tinsa, Idealista, ST Sociedad de Tasación). Topic: Typical exposure window.

Bank vs FX specialist

Editorial draft pending — this section will be populated with sourced facts from official Spanish registries (Registradores, INE, Banco de España, Notariado) and market data (Tinsa, Idealista, ST Sociedad de Tasación). Topic: Spread comparison.

Forward contracts

Editorial draft pending — this section will be populated with sourced facts from official Spanish registries (Registradores, INE, Banco de España, Notariado) and market data (Tinsa, Idealista, ST Sociedad de Tasación). Topic: Locking in completion-day rate.

Ongoing payments after completion

Editorial draft pending — this section will be populated with sourced facts from official Spanish registries (Registradores, INE, Banco de España, Notariado) and market data (Tinsa, Idealista, ST Sociedad de Tasación). Topic: IBI, comunidad, utilities in EUR.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use my bank or an FX specialist?

Editorial draft pending — this section will be populated with sourced facts from official Spanish registries (Registradores, INE, Banco de España, Notariado) and market data (Tinsa, Idealista, ST Sociedad de Tasación). Topic: Comparison.

What is a forward contract?

A forward contract locks in today's exchange rate for a payment made on a future date, removing currency risk between exchange of contracts and completion.