Currency Information – The Good Life France https://thegoodlifefrance.com Everything you ever wanted to know about france and more Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:33:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/thegoodlifefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-Flag.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Currency Information – The Good Life France https://thegoodlifefrance.com 32 32 69664077 Transfer money to France the right way & save money https://thegoodlifefrance.com/transfer-money-to-france-the-right-way-save-money/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 09:32:48 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=273690 When it comes to moving to France or buying a home in France, most of us just don’t have time to sort everything out that we know we should – like setting up an account with a foreign exchange company. But those few minutes it takes to set up an account with Currencies Direct and […]

The post Transfer money to France the right way & save money appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

When it comes to moving to France or buying a home in France, most of us just don’t have time to sort everything out that we know we should – like setting up an account with a foreign exchange company. But those few minutes it takes to set up an account with Currencies Direct and transfer money to France the right way can save you a small fortune.

Take Ben G. for instance. He accepted an offer to relocate from the UK to France for work for two years, with a view to staying longer. His family were excited but had a lot to do to prepare for the move. Rent out their house, sort out the removals, re-route the post, find schools for the kids and heaps more.

Transferring savings was also on the list. They had £75,000 in their account. A colleague recommended that Ben open an account with Currencies Direct. He gave them a call and spoke to them about his requirements – he wanted to transfer the whole lot and didn’t want to lose money to a bad rate. He also didn’t want to pay any transfer fees for sending his money from one bank to another.

Save money on your currency transfers

Why lose money to bank transfer costs and a poor rate? Why work so hard to just give it away? He opened an account with Currencies Direct which was quick and easy. And since he and his wife agreed that they didn’t need to move the money straight away, they decided to see if the GBP/EUR rate of 1.12 might get better. Their Account Manager kept them informed of the currency movements over the next few weeks by email.

When GBP/EUR hit 1.17 Ben used a forward contract to fix the rate ensuring he could hold that rate – to use when he wanted to transfer the money, not have to do it straight away.

By the time he decided to transfer the money the rate had fallen back to 1.14. When it comes to currency transfers, small fractions can make a big difference. The short time it had taken to open an account and fix the rate gave his family €2250 more for their transfer – and they avoided transfer fees.

Once living in France, they used the Currencies Direct app to move funds to and from France quickly and securely. They also used the Currencies Direct multi-currency debit card to spend like a local in France – and in the UK. The card means you get the excellent rate from Currencies Direct without transfer fees rather than paying constant bank fees.

Currency Transfers to France from around the world

If you’re moving abroad you may need to make currency transfers to cover relocation costs, living expenses, a property purchase or rent. You might also need to arrange the transfer of wages, a pension or other forms of income as well as international school fees or bill payments. Says Calum Harkiss of Currencies Direct “We’re here to help you get the best possible return on these transfers with excellent exchange rates, no transfer fees, award-winning customer support and specialist services and the dedicated support of a currency expert. You can move your money 24/7 online, with their app or if you prefer, talk things through with your account manager. We provide services that allow you to buy funds in advance when the rate’s right or fix and target exchange rates for future transactions. Whatever you need we’ll explain how it works best for you, so you can make the most of your money.”

“The strength of the US dollar means more Americans are purchasing property overseas than ever before. And they are using Currencies Direct to fund international property purchases, repatriate an inheritance, send money to friends and family or purchase goods from overseas. Our US banking services can help you save time and money. We have a US based office with US operating hours available to facilitate seamless international payments and local currency accounts for US-based clients to simplify international transactions, reduce risk or transaction errors, delays, rejected payments and friction with US banks.”

Find out more and open an account, and apply for the currency card with Currencies Direct: currenciesdirect.com

Self-discosure: The Good Life France is a happy client of Currencies Direct.

The post Transfer money to France the right way & save money appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
273690
How to save money on your French property purchase https://thegoodlifefrance.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-french-property-purchase/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:49:21 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=272591 Currencies and the foreign exchange market fluctuate daily in response to a range of political, social, and economic factors and data releases. For instance a general election, budget announcement, inflation rate change, interest rate change can all impact the currency rate. There are ways to ensure that you maximise the best rates to help your […]

The post How to save money on your French property purchase appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

Currencies and the foreign exchange market fluctuate daily in response to a range of political, social, and economic factors and data releases. For instance a general election, budget announcement, inflation rate change, interest rate change can all impact the currency rate. There are ways to ensure that you maximise the best rates to help your hard-earned money go further. We’ve put together some top tips for how to save money on your French property purchase.

Transferring money

Using a high street bank to transfer money abroad will potentially lose you money because banks typically charge 3-5% more than currency specialists in unfavourable exchange rates in commission fees. Plus bank charges which can be as much as £30. And some French banks also deduct charges on receiving funds.

But there are ways to save money and avoid those unfavourable bank rates and charges.

The best option for transferring your money is to use a transfer specialist like Currencies Direct who are one of Europe’s leading non-bank providers of Currency Exchange and international payment services.

You can set the level of your currency exchange rate before your move if you want, so you are not at the mercy of day-to-day currency fluctuations, which can save you a lot if currency rates work against you. 2022 saw the pound-to-euro rate fluctuate by 6%  around, £4200 per £100,00. If you had transferred £100,000 into euros in July 2023 when GBP/EUR hit 1.160 you would have got €116,00. To get that same amount on 2 January 2024 you’d need to have paid £700 more than six months before.

There are no transfer fees – and you get the best available rates, unlike with a bank.

It’s easy to set up a free account. You can do it all online, and there’s always a real person to speak to on the phone, not a chat bot. 24/7.

Speak to an expert

Currency experts can you help you control your budget and understand any risk. They’ll help to manage your payments for you to maximise your return and there are several ways to do this. For instance, you can lock in a rate – called a forward contract. As an example – if you’re buying a house and know you’ll have to pay out a large sum in a few months’ time, and you think the rate is good today, you can lock that rate in, regardless of whether the rate falls, before your transfer is due. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Or you can book a market order – an instruction that when the market hits a certain rate, Currencies. Direct will exchange your currency.

You can also make regular payments too. Simply schedule them for when they’re needed so that nothing is forgotten.

Multi-currency Card

Another way to save money is with a Currencies Direct multi-currency card which allows you to pay in several currencies including £, US$ and Euros. You can withdraw money from ATMS and use it anywhere a Mastercard® is accepted. There are no monthly card fees. No recurring fees. No upfront fees. And you get the same competitive exchange rate you’d get if you were doing a currency transfer – not the usual (less favourable) ATM rate. This works whether you’re a home owner in France (and several other countries) or enjoying a holiday there.

Security

You want to know your money is safe, so always check the rating and reputation of a currency transfer company. Currencies Direct have the highest credit rating from Dun & Bradstreet who provide trusted commercial data about business globally. Currencies Direct have won multiple awards for Best Currency Broker and Best Money Transfer Provider. Their Trust Pilot reviews are overwhelmingly 5* – and with a client base of 325,000 users, that’s seriously impressive.

There are real people you can talk to by phone, LiveChat and email 24/7. And they have more than 25 offices on 4 continents.

They work hard to provide stress-free, worry-free, safe, and secure payment at the best price for you.

Find out more, speak to an expert, open an account: currenciesdirect.com

This material is for information only and does not constitute any offer or solicitation to buy or sell. Such data and information of this web page are provided for personal use only and shall not be furnished to any other person or entity for any reason.

The post How to save money on your French property purchase appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
272591
Multi-currency travel card https://thegoodlifefrance.com/multi-currency-travel-card/ Mon, 16 Oct 2023 08:58:55 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=254151 Taking care of payments while you travel just got easier with the introduction of a currency card from one of the leading currency exchange providors. Currencies Direct offer a multi-currency debit card that allows you to pay in pounds sterling, US Dollars, Euros and Australian dollars, direct from your currency wallet. The card is currently […]

The post Multi-currency travel card appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

Taking care of payments while you travel just got easier with the introduction of a currency card from one of the leading currency exchange providors.

Currencies Direct offer a multi-currency debit card that allows you to pay in pounds sterling, US Dollars, Euros and Australian dollars, direct from your currency wallet.

The card is currently available for customers based in the UK, France, Spain and Portugal, with more countries to be added soon.

Benefits of multi-currency card

There are no monthly card fees. No upfront fees. No recurring fees. Ad it’s free to order.

You can use your Currencies Direct multi-currency card in multiple currencies including GPB, EURO, AUD, USD, CAD, DKK, CHF, HKD, JPY and many more. And the card can be used in more than 200 countries – anywhere Mastercard® is accepted.

You can withdraw money from ATMs, all at Currencies Direct’s competitive exchange rate, not the usual ATM rate (see a comparison to bank rates on their site, it’s incredible the savings you can make on your currency transactions).

And with instant notifications in the Currencies Direct app, you can track their spending abroad and stay in control with features like the ability to freeze/unfreeze your card.

24/7 customer support (award winning customer support at that).

If you have Apple Pay, you can use your Currencies Direct card from you iPhone or Apple Watch. Also works with Google Pay.

How to get your multi-currency card

You can register in minutes through the app – available in the App Store or Google Play

Currencies Direct have been helping people save time and money on their currency transfers since 1996 with excellent exchange rates, no transfer fees and exceptional customer service.

You can find out more about the multi-currency card here: currenciesdirect.com

Currencies Direct are the winners of the 2023 Best Business FX Provider award (Business Moneyfacts), and Best Currency Broker award (Good Money Guide). They are authorised by the FCA as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI). And have a level 1 credit rating with Dun & Bradstreet (that’s the highest you can get).

The post Multi-currency travel card appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
254151
Currencies Direct – currency transfers that save you money https://thegoodlifefrance.com/currencies-direct-currency-transfers-that-save-you-money/ Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:06:34 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=240617 The currency market moves about from day to day, sometimes up, sometimes down. But when you’re looking at paying the deposit on your dream house in France or needing to send funds to pay bills or for things like building work – the last thing you need is more stress and uncertainty, or shelling out […]

The post Currencies Direct – currency transfers that save you money appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
Pile of Euro notes

The currency market moves about from day to day, sometimes up, sometimes down. But when you’re looking at paying the deposit on your dream house in France or needing to send funds to pay bills or for things like building work – the last thing you need is more stress and uncertainty, or shelling out more in costs. And that’s where a trustworthy foreign exchange money transfer company can really help you.

What are foreign currency money transfers all about?

Most of us don’t know the ins and outs of foreign exchange, but we do know that our bank usually charges commission or doesn’t pass on the best exchange rate available. Many of us don’t look for a different way to get a better rate because it might seem too much bother. But actually, nothing could be further from the truth. The whole system of foreign exchange has moved on leaps and bounds in recent years and makes it easy for clients to take advantage of the best market rates experts can provide.

Currencies Direct for instance, make setting up an account on line easy and quick. They have staff at the end of the line you can talk to – not just a chat bot. They’re happy to give advice. They have no hidden fees, zero transaction costs and secure the best exchange rate on your behalf. And they have an e-license which means they can securely hold funds with zero risk to clients. They have a level 1 credit rating (the highest you can get). 25 branches worldwide. Trade in 40 currencies and make up to 600,000 payments per year. They were also the first money transfer provider in Europe and have been around for decades.

Importantly, they can make payments that arrive in minutes – not days later. As anyone who’s ever needed to transfer money abroad knows, waiting for a payment to come through can be the sort of stress you just don’t need.

Currency exchange tips for French home buyers

When it comes to buying a property overseas there’s plenty of paperwork to complete and lots to consider. But one thing that you can save time, stress and money on is the transfer of funds. Not just for the deposit, but any mortgage payments and ongoing costs such as electricity and phone bills.

Transferring funds via currency exchange experts like Currencies Direct can save you a fair bit of money. They’re at the end of the phone to help with any questions and to give advice, and not just about money. Whether you’re at the stage where you’re considering which region is best for you, what your budget is, or ready to pay the deposit or balance – they’ll be happy to offer advice on your best options when it come to currency questions.

How does setting up a foreign exchange account work

First register for free – simply complete a quick and easy online form. Let Currencies Direct know what currency you need and where you want to send it and they’ll come straight back with a live rate. You confirm, they will book the payment and you send the funds to their segregated account and they will make the payment same day on all major currencies. Simple. Secure. Stress free.

You can also instruct to be notified when the market rate reaches a level that suits you, and then make your transfer. Make a one off payment or set up regular payments such as a mortgage. If your bank charges say £25 per transfer and you’re paying a mortgage 12 months a year, that’s £300 you could spend on something much more fun. And you’re probably not getting the best rate either. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending a large sum or small money transfer – why waste it when you can save money.

Currencies Direct help you manage your transfers and payments online with ease and securely.

The Good Life France uses Currencies Direct who specialise in overseas property purchases. Registration is easy and secure, plus there are no added fees. They save their customers thousands of pounds with their advantageous rates of exchange and guidance. You can speak to one of their experts over email or phone. Find out more about currency transfers here: currenciesdirect.com

The post Currencies Direct – currency transfers that save you money appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
240617
How to save money on your currency transfers to France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-currency-transfers-to-france/ Sat, 26 Nov 2022 11:09:20 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=194640 The currency market moves about from day to day, sometimes up, sometimes down. But when you’re looking at paying the deposit on your dream house in France or needing to send funds to pay bills or for things like building work – the last thing you need is more stress and uncertainty not knowing which […]

The post How to save money on your currency transfers to France appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

The currency market moves about from day to day, sometimes up, sometimes down. But when you’re looking at paying the deposit on your dream house in France or needing to send funds to pay bills or for things like building work – the last thing you need is more stress and uncertainty not knowing which way the currency wind blows. And that’s where a foreign exchange money transfer company can really help you to save money on your currency transfers to France.

What are foreign currency money transfers all about?

Most of us don’t know the ins and outs of foreign exchange, we don’t need to. But we do know that our bank usually charges commission. And we do know that they’re not usually giving us the best rate available. Many of us don’t look for a different way to get a better rate because it might seem too much bother. But actually, nothing could be further from the truth. The whole system of foreign exchange has moved on leaps and bounds in recent years and makes it easy for clients to take advantage of the best market rates experts can provide.

Currencies Direct for instance, make setting up an account easy and quick – it’s all online. They have staff at the end of the line you can talk to – not just a chat bot. They have more than 20 branches around the world, trade in more than 40 countries and have experts watching and analysing the market constantly and providing live exchange rates.

They’re happy to give advice. They have no hidden fees, zero transaction costs and secure the best exchange rate on your behalf. Currencies Direct were the first money transfer provider in Europe and have been helping to move money at the best rates for almost 30 years. They are fully authorised and have level 1 credit rating with Dun & Bradstreet which may not mean much to most of us but essentially it’s the highest credit rating available.

Importantly for their clients, they can make payments that arrive in minutes – not days later. As anyone who’s ever needed to transfer money abroad knows, waiting for a payment to come through can be the sort of stress you just don’t need. Especially when you’re sitting in the notaire’s office waiting to be handed the keys to your dream home. Or you need to pay a bill. Or have euros in the bank when you need them.

Currency exchange tips for French home buyers

When it comes to buying a property overseas there’s plenty of paperwork to complete and lots to consider. But one thing that you can save time, stress and money on is the transfer of funds. Not just for the deposit, but any mortgage payments and ongoing costs such as electricity and phone bills.

Transferring funds via Currencies Direct can save you a fair bit of money. They’re at the end of the phone to help with any questions and to give advice.

How does setting up a foreign exchange account work

First register for free – simply complete a quick and easy online form. Let Currencies Direct know what currency you need and where you want to send it and they’ll come straight back with a live rate. You confirm, they will book the payment and you send the funds, they accept debit cards or bank transfers, to their segregated account and they will make the payment as soon as they receive your funds. Simple. Secure. Stress free.

You can also instruct them that you want to be notified when the market rate reaches a level that suits you, and then make your transfer. Make a one off payment or set up regular payments such as a mortgage. If your bank charges say £25 per transfer and you’re paying a mortgage 12 months a year, that’s £300 you could spend on something much more fun. And you’re probably not getting the best rate either. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending a large sum or small money transfer – why waste it when you can save money.

Currencies Direct help you manage your transfers and payments online with ease and securely.

The Good Life France uses Currencies Direct. Registration is easy and secure, plus there are no added fees. They save their customers money  with their advantageous rates of exchange and guidance. You can speak to one of their experts over email or by phone… Find out more about their currency transfer services here: currenciesdirect.com

The post How to save money on your currency transfers to France appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
194640
Cut the cost of currency transfers to France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/cut-the-cost-of-currency-transfers-to-france/ Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:48:57 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=186614 If you’re moving money to or from France you’ll want to get the best return possible on your currency transfers. But how do you make sure you get the best rate? We asked Calum Harkiss at Currencies Direct who have been helping people maximise their currency transfers for almost 30 years, to explain the process […]

The post Cut the cost of currency transfers to France appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

If you’re moving money to or from France you’ll want to get the best return possible on your currency transfers. But how do you make sure you get the best rate? We asked Calum Harkiss at Currencies Direct who have been helping people maximise their currency transfers for almost 30 years, to explain the process why timing is important when transferring money overseas…

The currency market is always moving, so picking the right time to make a transfer can be tricky. Even a seemingly small discrepancy in the exchange rate you secure can make a massive difference to how much you receive, and rates can shift by as much as 5% in a matter of weeks.

Over the last ten years we have seen several historic shifts in the currency market due to events like the EU referendum, Covid-19, Brexit, the war in Ukraine and (most recently) the turbulent political situation in the UK.

In 2022 alone the GBP/EUR exchange rate has seen a wide range of fluctuation. Over a short period of time, if you had £100,000 euros to transfer you would have received €121,000 at the higher rate, but €6,000 less when exchange rates were at their lowest. When you transfer money through Currencies Direct, we’ll provide, and agree, an exchange rate with you over the phone, online or via our app. We can help you buy currency to use at a later date, we set rate alerts and we send your currency as soon as we receive your payment. It’s simple.

No transfer fees for your currency transfers

And it’s not just the timing of your transfer that’s important, the exchange rate you receive can be very different depending on the provider you use to move your money abroad.

While most banks will offer you uncompetitive exchange rates and tag on transfer fees, as a leading currency provider, Currencies Direct will make sure you receive exceptional exchange rates, potentially saving you thousands on larger transfers.

What’s more, we don’t charge transfer fees and we offer a range of specialist services to help make your money go further.

Whether you want to fix an exchange rate ahead of making a transfer, buy currency in advance or target an exchange rate higher than the current market level, Currencies Direct can help. currenciesdirect.com

Find out more and get advice at: currenciesdirect.com or contact Calum Harkiss:  +33 (0) 631 559 607 or email calum.h @ currenciesdirect.com.

The post Cut the cost of currency transfers to France appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
186614
Buying Property in France: The Process https://thegoodlifefrance.com/buying-property-in-france-the-process/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:11:43 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=85072 Once you have found your dream French property, it’s important to make sure you know how to secure it and make a successful purchase. We asked the experts at Currencies Direct to take us through the basic steps you need to follow for buying a property in France – from the offer to taking possession […]

The post Buying Property in France: The Process appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

Once you have found your dream French property, it’s important to make sure you know how to secure it and make a successful purchase. We asked the experts at Currencies Direct to take us through the basic steps you need to follow for buying a property in France – from the offer to taking possession of the keys…

Get your documents and finances in order

Making an offer is just the first stage. Before final contracts are authorised, a pre-contract needs to be signed – the compromis de vente. 10 days to have passed – a cooling off period. During this time, the seller is prevented from accepting other offers. You will need to provide various documents such as birth/wedding certificates, copy of passport (with at least six months validity before it expires), etc. At this stage it’s a good idea to appoint a currency exchange specialist who will work with you to ensure that the whole process goes smoothly. They will make sure that funds are transferred on the right dates, a deposit at the end of 10 days, and the remaining amount on completion of the buying process.

Appointing a notaire

You will need to appoint a legal specialist – a “notaire.” Their job is to draw up the contracts. The seller and buyer may share the same notaire or appoint one separately. A notaire is the only entity who can register the transfer of ownership with the French land registry. They will check that all documents are genuine. By law, they. must provide the buyer with all information about the agreement. Their presence guarantees that the transaction is secure and that the title of ownership is clear. They also collect related taxes on behalf of the state.

The amount of money that the notaire’s collect depend on the net value, age (whether existing or new build), location (departmental taxes vary from one area to another) and type of property. New builds require also require registration taxes plus VAT at the rate of 20% on the purchase price (except for sales between private individuals).

Even though these costs are called “notaire’s fees”, the notaire only receives around 1% of the property sale price. The rest is for registration costs and tax. The buyer covers the notaires fees, if there is more than one notaire, they split the fee in half.

Pay a deposit to the notaire

After signing the preliminary contract, you need to pay 10% of the sale price as a deposit to the notaire. Currencies Direct can help with this, they’ll transfer the money on the correct date, at the best rate. At this point, it’s a good idea to open a French bank account. Again you’ll need to provide documentation which the bank will specify.

Sign the contract

It usually takes 2-3 months to complete all the paperwork after which you will need to go to the notary’s office to sign the deed of sale – Acte Authentique de Vente. This concludes the legal handover of the property. The funds to pay the notaire’s fees need to have been transferred before the contract is signed. Currencies Direct will work with you to ensure that the money is paid in good time and at the best rate to suit you.

Use a currency specialist

It can be much more economical to use a currency transfer specialist rather than a bank. Currencies Direct will ensure you get competitive exchange rates, and they’ll make sure that your funds are protected from currency fluctuation. They’ll help you navigate the currency market too, taking into consideration your specific needs, goals and budget. And unlike banks – they don’t charge a transfer fee.

The last thing you want or need when you’re buying your dream home in France is to worry about currency transfers. What you do want and need is peace of mind when sending money overseas, to know that you’re getting the best rate and be sure that there will be no hidden fees. Currencies Direct are renowned for their excellent client service and they have helped thousands of clients with their house purchase in France.

Buyers Guide for property purchases in France

Currencies Direct have created a helpful Buyers Guide full of useful tips to help you with your property purchase. Get it free here:

They also run regular French property and lifestyle shows in the UK where all the best experts in the business are on hand to help make those France property dreams come true.

The Good Life France uses Currencies Direct. Registration is easy and secure, plus there are no added fees. They save their customers money  with their advantageous rates of exchange and guidance. You can speak to one of their experts over email or by phone… Find out more about their currency transfer services here: currenciesdirect.com

The post Buying Property in France: The Process appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
85072
Getting a loan for your French property purchase https://thegoodlifefrance.com/getting-a-loan-for-your-french-property-purchase/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 12:11:42 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=83180 When it comes to buying a house in France, a euro mortgage is definitely worth considering. It’s a good idea to start the borrowing process early. Knowing you have the finance sorted can help you plan expenses with confidence. And you might find you get a more favourable borrowing rate as well as being in […]

The post Getting a loan for your French property purchase appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
Half-timbered house in Normandy, France, bright pink flowers growing under the windows

When it comes to buying a house in France, a euro mortgage is definitely worth considering.

It’s a good idea to start the borrowing process early. Knowing you have the finance sorted can help you plan expenses with confidence. And you might find you get a more favourable borrowing rate as well as being in a strong position to negotiate with sellers.

Mortgages in France

If you borrow from a French institution, you will be allowed to borrow up to one-third of your total gross monthly income. Without a “stable” monthly income, it will be very difficult to secure a loan. French lending agencies and banks prefer to lend to salaried employees. They favour those working for the same employer the last three years.

French mortgages offer both variable and fixed rates from 1.50%-2.50% (2020). And require a deposit of 15% to 25% of the property’s purchase price. The maximum for a repayment loan is 85% with a 25 year maximum term. Or 75% maximum for an interest-only mortgage and 15 years maximum term. Interest only mortgages require the client to have assets eg a home in the UK. They are usually more difficult to obtain.

It is also possible to borrow from a UK-based bank (pre Brexit) but many buyers find borrowing for a French property from a French bank is easier.

Getting in touch with a French lender that specialises in offering mortgages to British expats might save you a lot of time and aggravation, as they will tell you exactly the requirements and help you get the best possible deal.

Fixed or variable-rate?

While a fixed-rate mortgage might offer the security of standard and consistent payments, it is usually more expensive than a variable one whose rate fluctuates depending on the movement of interest rates. It can either go either way in terms of benefits to the borrower.. In France, most mortgages are fixed-rate.

Life Insurance

If you take out a French mortgage you’ll need building insurance as well as life insurance, both products might be offered by your lender. Life insurance guarantees that you can repay the loan. In some cases you might be asked to provide further documents such as a general medical examination certificate or blood analyses. Some policies require more information, such as where you travel to regularly.

Use a currency specialist

Specialist currency brokers can save you lots of money in the long term as a French property owner. Transferring sterling to euro can involve fees such as bank charges. However a currency transfer specialist such as UPFX can organise your transfers without extra costs while offering you competitive exchange rates. They can help you plan for your specific needs and budget, and offer helpful guidance about the property buying process (UPFX free property guide).

UK Government guidance on Buying a home abroad

The post Getting a loan for your French property purchase appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
83180
Universal Partners FX –  currency transfers that save you money https://thegoodlifefrance.com/universal-partners-fx-currency-transfers-that-save-you-money/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 09:36:23 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=82837 The currency market moves about from day to day, sometimes up, sometimes down. But when you’re looking at paying the deposit on your dream house in France or needing to send funds to pay bills or for things like building work – the last thing you need is more stress and uncertainty. And that’s where […]

The post Universal Partners FX –  currency transfers that save you money appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
Pile of Euro notes

The currency market moves about from day to day, sometimes up, sometimes down. But when you’re looking at paying the deposit on your dream house in France or needing to send funds to pay bills or for things like building work – the last thing you need is more stress and uncertainty. And that’s where a foreign exchange money transfer company can really help you.

What are foreign currency money transfers all about?

Most of us don’t know the ins and outs of foreign exchange, but we do know that our bank usually charges commission or doesn’t pass on the best exchange rate available. Many of us don’t look for a different way to get a better rate because it might seem too much bother. But actually, nothing could be further from the truth. The whole system of foreign exchange has moved on leaps and bounds in recent years and makes it easy for clients to take advantage of the best market rates experts can provide.

Universal Partners FX for instance, make setting up an account on line easy and quick. They have staff at the end of the line you can talk to – not just a chat bot. They’re happy to give advice. They have no hidden fees, zero transaction costs and secure the best exchange rate on your behalf. And they have an e-license which means they can securely hold funds with zero risk to clients. They’re also listed as an authorised foreign exchange payment service by the UK Government’s Crown Commercial Service.

Importantly, they can make payments that arrive in minutes – not days later. As anyone who’s ever needed to transfer money abroad knows, waiting for a payment to come through can be the sort of stress you just don’t need.

Currency exchange tips for French home buyers

When it comes to buying a property overseas there’s plenty of paperwork to complete and lots to consider. But one thing that you can save time, stress and money on is the transfer of funds. Not just for the deposit, but any mortgage payments and ongoing costs such as electricity and phone bills.

Transferring funds via currency exchange experts like UPFX can save you a fair bit of money. They’re at the end of the phone to help with any questions and to give advice, and not just about money. They also have an in-house property expert who can help you with advice on the whole process of buying from start to finish what ever stage of the buying process you’re at. Whether you’re at the stage where you’re considering which region is best for you, what your budget is or ready to pay the deposit or balance – they’ll be happy to offer advice on your best options when it come to currency questions.

How does setting up a foreign exchange account work

First register for free – simply complete a quick and easy online form. Let UPFX know what currency you need and where you want to send it and they’ll come straight back with a live rate. You confirm, they will book the payment and you send the funds to their segregated account and they will make the payment same day on all major currencies. Simple. Secure. Stress free.

You can also instruct to be notified when the market rate reaches a level that suits you, and then make your transfer. Make a one off payment or set up regular payments such as a mortgage. If your bank charges say £25 per transfer and you’re paying a mortgage 12 months a year, that’s £300 you could spend on something much more fun. And you’re probably not getting the best rate either. It doesn’t matter if you’re sending a large sum or small money transfer – why waste it when you can save money.

Universal Partners FX help you manage your transfers and payments online with ease and securely.

The Good Life France uses Universal Partners FX who specialise in overseas property purchases. Registration is easy and secure, plus there are no added fees. They save their customers thousands of pounds with their advantageous rates of exchange and guidance. You can speak to one of their experts over email or phone… Find out more about currency transfers and how they can help with the property purchase process here: UPFX.co.uk

The post Universal Partners FX –  currency transfers that save you money appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
82837
How to make the most of your money when it comes to currency exchange https://thegoodlifefrance.com/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-money-when-it-comes-to-currency-exchange/ Mon, 09 Apr 2018 09:19:32 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=68293 With more than 25 years of experience, Universal Partners FX aims to take the mystery out of foreign exchange and provide clients with an excellent service, competitive rates, market insights and the right currency strategy to help save money. Introducing UPFX Often people default to their bank for international money transfers, because it seems easier. […]

The post How to make the most of your money when it comes to currency exchange appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>

With more than 25 years of experience, Universal Partners FX aims to take the mystery out of foreign exchange and provide clients with an excellent service, competitive rates, market insights and the right currency strategy to help save money.

Introducing UPFX

Often people default to their bank for international money transfers, because it seems easier. But there are cheaper and more convenient alternatives. At UPFX, the process of foreign exchange and money transfer is simple and secure. Their team of global currency specialists mean you have an experienced person to talk to for advice. And they help you save money. Their online platform is convenient, quick and simple to use.

There are no hidden fees

Whether you’re purchasing an overseas property or perhaps moving savings internationally, when you exchange currency and transfer it through a bank, you’ll typically be charged a margin of up to 5% above the daily exchange rate. Banks will often add a hefty transfer fee as well, which many clients aren’t aware of.

With UPFX, you’ll get a quote based on the best exchange rate available and there are zero transaction costs.

Secure transfers

Getting started with UPFX is simple. They are regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) which means your money is secure. And, if you have any questions, you can simply call their dedicated dealing team for assistance 24/7. It’s a secure, efficient process. And especially at times of unpredictable markets, talking to the experts can help you manage risk and save money.

It’s absolutely free to get a personal quote and consultation.

The Good Life France uses Universal Partners FX who specialise in overseas property purchases. Registration is easy and secure, plus there are no added fees. They save their customers thousands of pounds with their advantageous rates of exchange and guidance. You can speak to one of their experts by email or phone…

The post How to make the most of your money when it comes to currency exchange appeared first on The Good Life France.

]]>
68293