Achieving the best Euro rate for the purchase of a property

Save on Large Currency Transfers

At Regency FX we help you achieve the most from the currency you are converting and find you the best place to purchase your Euros. What not many people know is the Euro rate to purchase property is different to that when you buy Euros in cash.

Why is that?

Well, it’s because the process takes longer as you have to wait for the sale to go through. So, the Euro purchase rate today may not be the same when your property purchase finalises. We explain why below. As an independent currency specialist, we have lower overheads than the banks enabling us to pass on the savings to you and access to the best place for you to purchase your Euros.

We can also discuss and agree on the right time to exchange your money, rather than using a bank or online-only platform and having to accept the rate they give you on the day.

All money transfers are conducted through safeguarded client accounts. Let us explain what a ‘safeguarded’ account is and how it benefits our clients. Regency FX keeps your funds in a separate account which blocks access by third parties and keeps your money safe. Read on, we go through the everything you need to know to find the best place to purchase Euros for your property purchase. It is crucial to get a good exchange rate when looking at purchasing a property in Euros.

What are the costs involved?

There are two main charges when looking at buying property in Euros.

1. Transfer fees
2. Exchange rates

Most people are aware of the transfer fees but not so educated on the exchange rate costs.

1. Transfer fees

Banks tend to charge a range of fees when transferring your Pounds to Euros.

A transfer fee is a standard fee that is charged per every transfer abroad.

Below I will show you what the main banks within the UK charge:

Santander charge £25.

NatWest charge £15 if the amount is under £5k or 0.3% if it is over £5k, with a maximum of £40.

Lloyds charge £9.50 and the receiver is charged £12.

Barclays charge £25 for a normal transfer or £40 for a priority transfer.

It is common for banks to also charge the recipient a fee, this might mean that you need to send more money to cover this fee!

An additional charge to look out for is a priority payment fee.

This is if you want your payment to go across faster.

If you make a mistake or want to change something involving your transfer then you will be charged for that too!

To avoid these fees, avoid using the banks.

Money transfer companies can do all the work for you and most of them do not charge fees!

The cost of the service provided is in the exchange rate that they offer you.

2. Exchange rates

With larger amounts of money, the exchange rate is a very important factor as it could cost you thousands or save you thousands.

The better the exchange rate is, the more money you will save!

Exchange rates are never standard! Money transfer companies and banks will set their own rates.

The main banks in the UK have an exchange rate margin of 2 to 4%.

For example, if you are purchasing a property in Spain for €240,000, if the bank adds a 3% charge when you want to transfer your Pounds into

Euros then that would cost you £6,400!

Banks do not offer competitive rates.

A lot of people still do not realise that there are other options out there for transferring money internationally rather than using the bank!

Money transfer specialists can offer competitive rates and provide excellent service throughout the process.

Why is currency exchange different for property purchases?

Timing of the transfer is more unknown

There is more waiting around with property sales and purchases as you have to wait for the legal side of things to go through correctly.

The more time that you are waiting around for, the riskier it is as the rates could dramatically change.

To put it simply, the price of the property, when it is changed back to Pounds, is changing everyday as the rate is moving.

It is the same when you are looking at buying a property as changes in the rate can alter the price you will have to pay for the property.

Over the last few decades, the rates have moved significantly.

They can move drastically even over a matter of days, weeks or months.

Imagine agreeing to buy a property, then the rates move dramatically and it ends up costing thousands more!

Money transfer specialists will watch the rates for you so you don’t have to, if the rate moves in your favour, then they can notify you!

With money transfer specialists you can lock-in an exchange rate for up to 12 months! This is called a forward rate.

This will ensure the safety of your money.

Bear in mind that services like this are not available with online-only operators.

The sum of money is bigger

Obviously, when looking at purchasing or selling property the amount of money you will need to convert will be a large sum.

The bigger the amount of money, the better the exchange rate.

Furthermore, the better the exchange rate, the more money you save!

Most companies will offer you a better rate when transferring large amounts of money.

Make sure to use a company that is regulated!

When transferring large amounts of money, it is important to make sure that your money is safe.

Make sure that the company you use is regulated by the FCA.

The FCA is the Financial Conduct Authority.

If a company is regulated by the FCA then it means that they are required to keep your funds in a separate, safeguarded client account, away from the company’s funds.

You can check to see if a company is regulated by the FCA by checking the FCA register online.

Comparison between Banks and Money Transfer Specialists

There are many differences between banks and money transfer specialists.

Many people feel that their bank is the more familiar option as their money is already in their bank account.

However, banks do not offer competitive rates and they have added fees!

Banks are best for small, irregular payments.

Money transfer specialists offer competitive exchange rates and have lower costs. They specialise in large amounts of money.

They also offer a much more helpful service.

Are there daily payment limitations?

You need to watch out for daily limits set by companies.

Many banks have daily payment limits.

In the UK, the main banks have an online limit of £50,000 to £100,000 daily; there is no limit when using a branch however, this can be costly and time consuming!

Banks have created these limits as the UK does not have any limits in place.

Most money transfer companies do not have limits on the amount you transfer!

For transfers such as a property purchase, this can be very handy.

Money transfer companies are similar but are they the same?

No, they are not the same.

Many money transfer companies are online-only.

This basically means that you have to do everything yourself.

Companies that are online-only are companies such as PayPal, TransferWise, CurrencyFair and Revolut.

These companies are better when it comes to small payments to friends or family.

With a property purchase you need to ensure that the company you use is secure, regulated and are able to transfer large amounts of money straight to a bank account.

You also need to make sure that they offer competitive exchange rates.

There are a lot of factors to consider when transferring money internationally.

Getting all the information right can be difficult.

IBAN numbers are used to identify foreign banks, and they can be very long and easy to get wrong.

Online-only platforms will leave you to sort all of this out yourself, this leaves a lot of room for mistakes especially if you are uneducated with money transfers.

Mistakes are not cheap either, they can cost you a lot of money.

Some money transfer specialists like ourselves at Regency FX, can check all the information over for you to ensure it is all correct before starting the transfer.

Many people like having someone to speak to when sending large sums on money internationally.

This gives people the reassurance that they need to ensure their money is safe.

Most money transfer companies will be in contact with you during the whole process so you know what is going on with your money without you having to check all the time.

Who are we?

Regency FX are a UK based independent currency broker, specialising in high volume transfers.

We pride ourselves on our premium level of customer service, you will be allocated your own personal account manager whom you will have direct access to.

All funds transferred through Regency FX are made using client segregated accounts in accordance with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) guidelines.

Get a free quote!

The important thing is the comparison, online rates shown on Google and other search engines are not always accurate for the consumer.

They can often refer to the rates that banks exchange at rather than what is available to you, the customer.

Even if you are just looking for property at this stage it is worth getting in touch to discuss your options.

We can monitor the market on your behalf enabling you to budget more effectively.

As a first-class currency transfer service, here at Regency FX we endeavour to get competitive exchange rates regardless of how much you are transacting.

Get a quote and see how we stack up.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Choosing the best option for International Money Transfers

International money transfers using Revolut

International money transfers using Revolut make it easy to send money abroad, whether it’s to support family, pay for tuition or manage everyday expenses. Understanding the fees, exchange rates and expected transfer times can help you make smarter decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

At Regency FX, we help clients get the most from their money when sending funds internationally. While Revolut can be convenient for smaller transfers, for larger sums, a specialist currency broker often provides significantly better rates and personal guidance.

This article explains how Revolut works for international transfers and why using a dedicated currency specialist like Regency FX can save you money and stress.

How Revolut Works for International Money Transfers

Revolut is a digital banking app designed for speed and convenience. It allows users to hold multiple currencies and send money abroad with just a few taps. The app supports:

• Standard bank transfers for supported currencies
• SEPA transfers for Euro payments within the EU
• SWIFT transfers for currencies outside the Eurozone

For many people, this is enough for day-to-day transfers. But for large sums, particularly over £50,000, there are limitations including rate fluctuations, transfer caps and potential fees that are not always obvious.

Fees for using Revolut for international money transfers

When making international money transfers using Revolut, you’ll notice that fees vary depending on your plan:

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While these fees may seem low, the hidden cost often comes from the exchange rate applied to your transfer.

At Regency FX, we offer highly competitive rates and minimal fees for high-value transfers, often saving clients thousands of pounds compared to app-based transfers.

Exchange Rates

Revolut previously offered interbank rates for most transfers but this is no longer guaranteed. Now, the rate displayed in the app can include markups for:

• Weekend and public holiday transfers
• Large sums above certain thresholds
• Less common currencies

For smaller amounts, this may not matter but for large transfers, even a tiny difference can be substantial.

At Regency FX, we monitor the market and advise clients on the best time to transfer. For transactions over £50,000, even a 0.5% improvement in the exchange rate can save hundreds or thousands of pounds. Unlike apps, we provide personal guidance and work with clients to maximise value.

Transfer Times

Revolut transfers are generally fast:

• SEPA transfers: Within hours - up to 2 business days.
• Other currencies: Typically 1–3 business days, depending on the recipient’s bank.

Delays can occur with large transfers due to verification checks or additional security measures. Banks or recipients may request further documentation when handling significant sums.

With Regency FX, all transfers are handled personally. We ensure secure and efficient delivery and our team can advise on timing to optimise rates and reduce delays.

When Revolut Works Well

Revolut is ideal for smaller or convenient transfers, especially if you want:

• Quick transfers to friends or family abroad
• Easy access to multiple currencies without visiting a bank
• Transfers under your plan’s monthly limit

However, for large, high-value transfers, the app may not provide the best value. Hidden markups, limits and potential fees can significantly reduce the amount your recipient actually receives.

Why Choose Regency FX

For high-value transfers, Regency FX offers clear advantages:

1. Better exchange rates - we provide rates much closer to the true market rate than most apps or banks
2. Lower fees - we minimise costs and provide transparent pricing
3. Personalised service - each client has an account manager guiding them through every transfer
4. Market monitoring - we advise on the best moment to transfer for optimal value
5. Security - all transfers are processed through segregated accounts following FCA guidelines

Even if you’re just comparing options, getting a quote from Regency FX before using Revolut could save thousands of pounds on a single transfer.

What to Consider for High-Value Transfers

When transferring large sums internationally, it’s important to consider:

• Exchange rate fluctuations: Timing can make a huge difference
• Transfer limits and verification checks: Large sums may be delayed by apps or banks
• Hidden costs: Look beyond advertised rates
• Regulation and security: Ensure your funds are protected

Regency FX handles all of these considerations on your behalf, giving clients peace of mind and maximising the value of their transfers.

Conclusion

While international money transfers using Revolut can be convenient for smaller sums, for high-value transactions such as property purchases, business payments or sending £50,000+ overseas. A specialist currency broker like Regency FX offers far more value.

We combine competitive rates, low fees, personalised service and market expertise to make sure your money goes further. Before making a large transfer with an app or bank, it’s worth speaking to us to see exactly how much you could save.

Get a free quote today and discover how to make international money transfers more efficient, secure and cost-effective.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

We are delighted to share some exciting news!

Cle France has partnered with Regency FX, a trusted and fully safeguarded currency exchange provider, to bring you even better service and exclusive benefits when transferring money internationally.

Why Regency FX?

Unlike other providers, Regency FX offers:

✅ Full transparency – Track and manage your transactions in real time via their secure online platform.

✅ Safeguarded transfers – All transfers are fully protected for your peace of mind.

✅ Preferential rates – Exclusive exchange rates available only to Cle France clients.

Whether you’re buying a property, making regular payments, or transferring funds for renovations, Regency FX makes the process fast, clear, and reliable.

Special Offer – Win a £250 Amazon Voucher!

To celebrate our new partnership, all clients who open a Regency FX account during July will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 Amazon gift voucher!

Don’t miss out - open your account today and start benefiting from the advantages of a smarter, safer currency exchange.

Set Up Your Account Now, it is quick and easy...

Kind regards, 
David Evans 
Co-Founder of Cle France.

France, just like every other country, has many holidays throughout the year.

It is best to leave the planning of your viewing trip to the experts at Cle France but if you are going to plan your trip and see multiple houses then be careful to avoid les jours fériés as these may catch you out. Estate Agents in France work so hard they are keen not to miss the opportunity of a Bank Holiday day off and making the bridge is a common practice for most business so let us explain.

With the creation of new holidays every year (such as National Doughnut Day — faites une croix dans vos calendriers [mark your calendars]! It’s June 2nd this year!), it seems that there’s something to celebrate every day. Whether you believe in celebrating doughnuts or not (and let’s be honest, you should as you only live once!), there are certain holidays that are nationally recognised.

Image courtesy of Eric Rocheblave.

These holidays, called les jours fériés, are public holidays, and public servants, employees in the public sector, and students generally have the day off!

This year, France has 13 public holidays. Can you name them? Answers are at the bottom of the post!

Of those 13, 5 take place in May. That’s a lot of days off! That’s almost 40% of days off in one month. Do you know the expression faire le pont? It literally means “to make the bridge,” but it refers to the idea of going from one end of something to another more than actually making a bridge. What it means is to make a long weekend. If a holidays falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, the French “make a bridge” to the next week.

For example, if the holiday is on Thursday, it doesn’t make much sense to come to work Wednesday, have off Thursday, return to work Friday, then have the weekend off. So what they do is have off Thursday AND Friday, plus the weekend. A four-day weekend! They font le pont from Thursday to Monday.

So what are the holidays this month? Let’s take a look!

Le 1er mai – La Fête du Travail – Labor Day

This holiday is sometimes called La Fête du Muguet. Le Muguet (lily of the valley) is picked and given to loved ones. Don’t want to pick any, or don’t have access to a field ? Don’t worry – there are stands on the road where you can purchase them. There are even regulations that allow organizations to grow and sell these flowers without taxes.

In the streets, you’ll see parades celebrating workers rights.

Le 8 mai – La Fête de la Victoire / le Jour de la Libération – Victory Day

This holiday is to celebrate the end of the Second World War and freedom. Freedom’s not just an American value :-p On this day in 1945, Charles de Gaulle announced the end of the war.

Many people attend church services on this day, and they watch the parades after. The atmosphere is generally quite happy.

Le 9 mai – Ascension

This is the 40th day of Easter and marks the day that Jesus Christ ascended to heaven after being crucified.

Some Christians attend special church services, but most people don’t do anything specifically related to the holiday. Since it’s a four-day weekend, many people may take a mini vacation.

Le 08 jun – Pentecôte – Pentecost Sunday or Whit Sunday

This is another religious holiday in May. Since it’s on a Sunday, the fact that everything is closed is nothing new. Some Christians will attend church services. Traditionally, trumpets will be blown during the service. This represents the wind that blew when the spirit descended into Jesus’s followers.

For many others, it’s just like any other weekend, except they don’t have to go to work the next day.

Le 09 jun – Lundi de Pentecôte – Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday

This day follows Pentecost Sunday. Much like the previous day, not a lot is done anymore. In fact, the French government decided to remove it from their list of national holidays around 10 years ago.  It was reinstated again after the death of many elders during a heatwave. The new holiday, called the Day of Solidarity, is to bring awareness to elderly people with disabilities. Some people do work on this day for no wages, and their money is donated to organisations. Not everyone does this, though.

Happy Holidays!

1. Jour de L’an (1er janvier)

2. Pâques (le 20 avril)

3. Lundi de Pâques (le 21 avril)

4. Fête du Travail (1er mai)

5. Fête de la Victoire 1945 (le 8 mai)

6. Ascension catholique (le 9 mai)

7. Pentecôte (le 08 jun)

8. Lundi de Pentecôte (le 09 jun)

9. Fête nationale (le 14 juillet)

10. Assomption (le 15 aout)

11. Toussaint (le 1er novembre)

12. Armistice 1989 (le 11 novembre)

13. Noël (le 25 décembre)

Blog submitted by: Alex at The French Property Network - Cle France.

This blog was originally posted on The French Language Blog pages.

Actually it is not that different to Easter celebrations in other mainly Christian countries, the French however as you would expect also have their own individual Easter traditions. Perhaps it may come as no surprise that given France's obvious culinary talents, many of the Easter traditions include and involve food.

Easter is an important holiday in France and there are lots of traditions that go with Easter so be sure to wish all your friends and colleagues an enthusiastic 'Joyeuses Pâques' (Happy Easter) !

Easter Weekend:

Good Friday is typically not recognised as a Bank Holiday in France and it is business as normal. Easter does however consist of a long weekend, and in some sectors, a week or two of holidays but generally it is only the Easter Monday that stands out as different to the normal run of things because every Sunday is still a rest day in France where most large shops and business are closed, unlike the UK these days. In addition to having the chance for a holiday, the French also take the opportunities of Easter to include visiting family and friends, and relaxing.

French Easter Morning:

French children have Easter egg hunts on Easter sunday morning. Eggs are usually chocolate ones and not hard-boiled ones, although the French also play games with raw eggs at Easter. A few Easter games exist, such as competitions throwing and catching eggs and seeing who can toss and catch an egg the longest without breaking it. Another game with raw eggs stems from the Catholic tradition in France. In this game, children each take a raw egg and roll them down a hill (simulating the stone rolling from Jesus' tomb). In this symbolic game, the child whose egg travels the farthest without breaking is the winner.

Easter egg hunts are usually for small chocolate eggs. However, French chocolatiers also have a long-standing tradition of creating oversized ornamental chocolate eggs that are given as gifts. These eggs, like most products from French chocolatiers and patissiers, often look too beautiful to eat!

How Do the French Celebrate Easter with Food:

In addition to the sweets, French families often make very special meals on Easter Sunday. As with all special French meals, it will usually consist of several courses, be accompanied by wine, and finish with a cheese plate and a delicious dessert.

French Easter Menus:

There is a French Easter tradition of serving lamb as the main course on Easter Sunday. While this is not necessarily always the case, many families still observe this tradition by making a rack of lamb braised with an herb rub or sauce. Other main courses would typically be meat, for example a ham or other choice cuts of meat. Turkey, which is very typical of Christmas, would not often be chosen as an Easter main course.

Preceding the main course, a lighter dish is usually served. This may be something like a quiche or perhaps a salad. Though soup is possible, a cold first course is more typical of a traditional Easter menu. Some families may eat both a salad and another first course.

Following the main course, expect a short break in which everyone remains seated at the table drinking wine. This break is usually followed with a traditional cheese plate with baguette. If you are making a French-style Easter dinner outside France, you'll have to rely on a local supermarket for some French cheeses (get a variety: one bleu, one camembert or brie, one harder cheese, and a goat's cheese if you can find it). In France, expect a few popular French cheeses, as well as a few local ones that you may never have seen or heard of before.

Lastly, Easter dinners are topped off with dessert. Very often, the dessert will include some chocolate, but may not be exclusively chocolate, such as a chocolate berry tart or an almond cake drizzled with a chocolate sauce. If you are in France, expect to spend a long time over Easter dinner, it is meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Blog submitted by: Alex at The French Property Network - Cle France.