Always remember it is impossible to predict future currency movements, although our analysts are recognised worldwide and HIFX is ranked as one of the world’s most accurate FX forecasters according to the Reuters monthly Forex Poll. Once registered with us, you will be assigned your own dealer who can explain the risks, inform you of market sentiment and explain how to protect yourself.

Why is understanding about currency volatility so important?
At HIFX we understand that buying or selling large amounts of currency can often be very daunting. It is important to understand that if you are buying abroad, you are exposing yourself to “currency risk”. Currency movements can make a big difference to the final amount you end up paying for your property because of the time it takes to complete the purchase and subsequently, this could cost you thousands of pounds.

For example, if you had agreed to buy a property, priced at €200,000 in December 2005 (when the GBP/EUR exchange rate was 1.488) it would have cost you £134,409. Had you neglected to fix the exchange rate at the time, that same property would have cost £138,217 by the end of January 2006 (based on a rate of 1.4470), an increase of £3,808 or 2.83 % in 3 weeks.

'Spot' and 'Forward' currency contracts – Remove the risk.

If you have all the money available to purchase your property abroad you may prefer to fix an exchange rate to secure your costs. You have a number of options. You can do a “spot” trade. This is where you buy all the currency now and your HIFX dealer will hold it on your behalf and transfer the funds abroad when you need them.

However, if you do not have all the funds available yet to buy currency on a Spot contract but you are worried that future exchange rates might increase your costs, you can still play it safe and buy a “forward” contract. To do this you only need to have access to 10% of the funds initially. It is simply a mechanism to “buy now, pay later” where you are no longer exposed to currency movements.

Making Regular Payments Abroad?
Once you have bought your property abroad, like many people, you may still need to buy and transfer money on a regular basis. Whether for mortgage payments, property running costs or living expenses, you can save time and money with HIFX’s Regular Payments Abroad (RPA) service. You can fix an exchange rate for up to 2 years, establish a direct debit with your UK bank and send the currency abroad for no charge. Complete peace of mind.

European Buildings and Contents Insurance
Our comprehensive insurance policies, underwritten by Norwich Union, are tailored specifically for overseas property owners and written in plain English. Choose from either our Eurolifestyle policy for Buildings, Contents and All Risks cover or our Holiday Homes policy for Buildings and Contents cover to ensure your property is properly protected.

Call us now on +44(0) 1753 859 159 or click here to email us for further information and a quote