Buying property internationally can present several challenges, particularly concerning foreign currency and the transaction itself. Currency fluctuations can significantly impact the final cost of the property, with even a small shift in currency value having a major effect on the overall price — timing is therefore key.
Property law can also require the help of legal experts, as different countries have different approaches to local regulations, property rights and tax obligations. While you may be comfortable with the financing process in your own country, abroad it may appear more confusing due to an unfamiliar system, higher rates of interest or stricter lending criteria, particularly for non-residents. Combining this with a cultural/language barrier and negotiations can prove especially tricky when legal documentation is involved. It is therefore important to commit to thorough research when planning to buy property abroad, and currency hedging strategies should be a necessary part of your approach.
What is currency hedging?
Currency hedging is the implementation of financial strategies or instruments in order to protect an investment from fluctuations in exchange rates. For international investors such as property buyers, currency hedging involves locking in a specific exchange rate or creating a buffer against unwanted currency movement. These movements can be somewhat unpredictable, occurring due to global market conditions, political events or economic black swan events. If there is a significant delay between the agreement of purchase and the final payment, this can result in a painful blow for investors. The idea of ‘locking in’ an exchange rate on agreement, through a forward contract is particularly attractive, as it ensures the cost of the property is stable, regardless of outside currency movements. This allows for better forward planning and budgeting, where extra costs of moving, or renovations can be accounted for with certainty. Furthermore, certain financial instruments such as currency options may allow investors to benefit from favourable price movements, whilst protecting from negative shifts.
Key currency hedging strategies for buying international property
The following are a few of the most commonly used currency-hedging strategies for buying international property.
Forward Contracts
This is a financial agreement between two parties, where a transaction is agreed to be made at a predetermined exchange rate. This protects the buyer from any potential fluctuations in currency values. They are designed to be flexible, allowing the buyer and seller to agree on specific terms, including the amount of currency and the date of exchange.
Additional benefits include the lack of initial cost, with forward contracts generally not requiring an upfront payment.
Potential drawbacks can be the loss of ability for a buyer to benefit from favourable currency movements. If the market exchange rate improves after a contract is signed, the buyer is bound to their agreed rate, missing out on savings. Furthermore, as forward contracts are binding agreements, property purchase delays or transaction amount changes can lead to costly contract modifications.
Currency Options
For those who prefer a more flexible approach, currency options are a financial derivative that gives a buyer the right, but not an obligation, to exchange a specific amount of currency at a predetermined exchange rate. This is referred to as the “strike price”. This exchange can be made on or before a set future date. Based on market conditions at the time, the buyer decides whether to exercise the right to exchange the currency at the strike price.
Two types of currency options exist:
Call Option: The right to buy a currency at a specific rate
Put Option: The right to sell a currency at a specific rate
Benefits are similar to that of forward contracts, with protection against unfavourable movements, with added potential to profit from favourable price movements.
One of the key costs of currency options is the upfront cost, known as the premium. This is non-refundable and is paid regardless of whether the option is exercised or not. This premium can vary in price, often depending on factors such as currency pair volatility, length of contract and the strike price. The mechanisms of currency options can be more complex to understand, with buyers perhaps seeking professional advice to take advantage of these flexible benefits.
Multi-Currency Accounts
This is a bank account allowing the holder to store, send and receive funds in multiple currencies. This will allow the recipient to convert the money when they like, rather than the automatic instant conversions seen in traditional bank account transactions. These accounts can be a useful tool for international property investors, who are managing multiple transactions in different currencies, allowing them to limit the amount of conversions they make. They can often simplify the process of cross-border payments, avoiding the hassle of converting funds for every single transaction. Potential drawbacks include platform fees and spreads, with limited earnings through interest. It is also not as powerful a hedging tool as forward contracts or currency options, as it is still down to the account holder to make the call on timing the market, hoping to make a favourable exchange.
Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
One approach that avoids the pitfalls of timing the market is dollar-cost averaging. This refers to spreading out purchasing of a currency over regular intervals within an extended time period, regardless of the exchange rate. The idea is to reduce the impact of currency volatility, spreading out the risk rather than attempting to time the market with a single lump-sum investment. It can reduce the difficulties of ‘emotional’ decision-making, eliminating temptations to predict the best times to purchase currency, and panicking over short-term price movements. It makes for a very simple approach to financial planning, especially if spread into manageable payments over the course of a year, for example.
However, if significant improvements are made to an exchange rate, the buyer may only benefit partially. Furthermore, the higher frequency of purchases will lead to higher transaction fees, particularly if the broker charges per transaction. It may also be of little benefit in particular stable currency markets.
Conclusion
When buying property internationally, it is critical to manage your currency risk and protect your investment from the unpredictable nature of exchange rate fluctuation. Whether it’s a holiday home, rental property or long-term investment, choosing the right strategy for you can potentially result in huge savings in the final cost. From the strategies we’ve explored in this article, forward contracts are suited to those looking for certainty and stability in their transactions, while currency options provide flexibility, allowing for profit to be made from favourable market conditions. Multi-currency accounts are convenient platforms for managing multiple currencies, but may not offer you full protections against volatility. Dollar-cost averaging is a useful “hands-off” strategy for long-term investment, spreading risk over time, but with the downside of potential missed opportunity and higher accumulation of transaction fees.
As always, it is a good idea to consult expert help, as well as staying informed on global rates and economic conditions to make informed decisions. With any financial plan, contingencies should be factored into your budget to account for currency fluctuation to avoid any financial strain.
For more currency news and insight into the world of currency, make sure to stay up to date with our Expert Analysis, as well as our Market Commentary.
Caleb Hinton
Caleb is a writer specialising in financial copy. He has a background in copywriting, banking, digital wallets, and SEO – and enjoys writing in his spare time too, as well as language learning, chess and investing.
