Transferring Money to Spain: What International Property Buyers Need to Know in 2025
Thinking about buying property in Spain? You’re not alone.
From sun-drenched villas on the Costa del Sol to chic apartments in Barcelona or countryside fincas in Andalusia, Spain continues to attract international buyers looking for a better lifestyle, investment potential, or a dreamy second home.
But amid all the excitement, there’s one part of the buying process that’s easy to overlook and it could cost you thousands if you get it wrong:
Transferring your money.
Whether you’re sending USD, GBP, CAD, or another currency to Spain, here’s what you need to know before converting your funds into euros.
Why Currency Strategy Should Be Part of Your Buying Plan
International property purchases typically involve large sums of money. That means even a small movement in the exchange rate can have a major impact on how much your home in Spain ends up costing.
A difference of just 2% in the exchange rate on a €300,000 property could cost or save you €6,000. That’s a new bathroom or half a year of tapas and tinto de verano!
If you’re still budgeting in your home currency (like pounds, dollars, or Canadian dollars), the exchange rate matters more than you think.
Why Using Your Bank Isn’t Always the Smartest Option
Most buyers default to using their regular bank for international transfers. But this often means:
Poor exchange rates (with hidden margins)
High transfer fees
Zero flexibility or support
Banks are convenient but not cost-effective for large overseas payments.
A currency provider (like Moving Currency) offers:
More competitive exchange rates
Personalised support and payment tracking
Tools like rate alerts or forward contracts
Want to Lock in a Good Rate? You Can.
Spain’s buying process can take time, especially if you're buying off-plan or waiting for legal paperwork to finalise. Exchange rates might fluctuate while you're still sorting things out. That’s where a forward contract can help. It allows you to:
Lock in today’s exchange rate
Transfer the money later (up to 12 months ahead)
Protect your budget against market movements
This gives you certainty, even if your timeline stretches out longer than expected.
How Property Payments Work in Spain
Here’s how the typical process goes:
Pay a deposit when signing the reservation or purchase agreement.
Pay the balance at the notary on completion day.
Your funds usually need to be sent to:
A Spanish lawyer’s client account
The property developer (for new builds)
Or the seller’s legal representative
You’ll need to provide proof of funds and ensure the money arrives on time, especially in Spain, where delays can lead to penalties or even loss of deposit.
At Moving Currency, we make sure your funds are transferred securely, tracked properly, and delivered exactly when and where they need to be.
When Should You Start Planning Your Transfer?
Ideally: as soon as you’re serious about buying in Spain. Even if you haven’t found “the one” yet, we can help you:
Understand how much your budget translates into euros
Monitor rates in the background
Be ready to act quickly when you do sign a contract
The earlier we chat, the more options you’ll have and the more peace of mind you’ll gain.
We’re Here to Make It Easy
Buying in Spain should be exciting, not stressful. We help clients from the US, UK, Canada and beyond send money to Spain with confidence.
At Moving Currency, you’ll get:
A dedicated contact (no call centers)
Clear, practical advice
A friendly team who understands how Spanish property purchases really work
Let’s Talk Spain
Ready to transfer? Still browsing properties? Somewhere in between?
Book a free chat with Claire
Or visit www.movingcurrency.com
We’ll help you save money, avoid costly mistakes, and enjoy a smoother ride into Spanish homeownership.