Buying property in France
Even at the height of the global financial crisis, France remained one of the most popular emigration destinations in Europe and thousands of foreign nationals purchase French property every year in order to enjoy the country’s great food, beautiful and varied countryside, favourable climate and colourful history.
With French property prices varying markedly from region to region, it really pays to have excellent exchange rates on your side – and that’s where TorFX can help.
Our exchange rates are highly competitive and, unlike most banks, we don’t charge transfer fees or commission so you can get much more for your international money transfers with TorFX.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a commercial or residential property, staying on top of the latest currency exchange market news can help you time your transfer more effectively and secure a better exchange rate. While tracking exchange rate shifts yourself can be time-consuming, TorFX eliminates the hassle by sending you regular market updates via email and keeping you abreast of any developments which could impact your transfer.
Signing up to our updates is free and comes with no obligation to trade. Once registered with TorFX you’ll also be assigned an account manager to offer additional support and guidance.
Additionally, you may want to look into the option of fixing a favourable rate in advance, giving you time to conduct your French property search without being impacted by currency volatility.
Achieving an excellent euro exchange rate will leave you with more money to invest in your French property so it’s well worth taking the time to talk things through with market-leading professionals.
If you’re buying a property in France, TorFX can offer you:
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A rate improver guarantee
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The ability to fix an exchange rate up to two years in advance
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Fast international transfers
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No transfer fees
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Regular market updates
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Expert support and guidance
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Dedicated account management
Buy property overseas with confidence
Make your property purchase a success with TorFX. Enjoy expert support, great exchange rates and zero transfer fees.
Other currency transfer services
Large transfers
Security and strong exchange rates are vital for large transfers. We’ll keep your transfer secure and get you a great rate.
Emigration
Whether you're transferring wages, pensions or savings, we’ll make your move overseas simpler and more secure.
Repatriation of funds
Bringing money back home? We’ll help you time your transfer and maximise what arrives in your account.
Frequently asked questions about buying property overseas
Buying property overseas involves several key steps:
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Research the market. Understand local property laws, costs, and legal requirements.
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Choose a reputable estate agent and legal advisor. Ideally choose experts with experience in international transactions.
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Arrange financing. Decide whether you’ll pay in cash or require a mortgage (local or international).
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Secure the property. Make an offer, pay a deposit, and complete the necessary legal checks and contracts.
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Transfer the funds. Send your payment in the required currency to complete the purchase.
Working with professionals familiar with overseas property transactions can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth process.
Yes, when purchasing property in a country with a different currency, you'll need to convert your funds into the local currency to complete the transaction. This is a crucial part of the process, as property payments – such as deposits, legal fees, and final balances – must typically be made in the seller’s local currency.
Working with a trusted foreign exchange provider can help you manage this efficiently, giving you access to competitive rates, expert guidance, and options to protect against exchange rate fluctuations.
Sometimes, but most countries have few if any restrictions on foreign ownership. Occasionally you might need to apply for a special permit, meet residency or visa requirements, or face limits on what type of property you can buy. It’s important to check the rules for your chosen country before you start your search.
Legal systems vary from country to country. You may need a local solicitor, an independent translator, and official documentation in the local language. It’s crucial to get legal advice from professionals with experience in overseas property purchases.
Deposit requirements vary, but expect to pay between 20% and 40% of the property’s value. If you're using a foreign mortgage lender, they may have different expectations than an Australian bank.
International property purchases often take longer than domestic ones. The process tends to take several months, with timeframes depending on the country, local laws, and whether you're financing the purchase with a mortgage.
Yes, once your account is set up, you can track transfers online or in our app. You’ll receive updates at every stage, so you always know what’s happening with your funds.
We’ll get in touch with you straight away if there are any issues, such as the payment bouncing.
Likewise, if you notice anything or have any concerns then get in touch with us. Our team can track the payment if need be.
Currency is our speciality, but many of our experts have a wealth of regional knowledge which they’ll be happy to share.
In addition, our parent company Redpin offers a secure property payment platform where buyers can pay sellers directly, without the need for an intermediary, inconvenient bank visits, or unnecessary fees.
We also try to publish useful content on our blog, including everything from tips on protecting yourself from fraud to articles about buying property overseas.