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Foreign investorsFinance and currency

Moving money for a UK purchase

The City of London from Waterloo Bridge · photograph by David Iliff, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

When buying a UK property from abroad, the exchange rate can eat into your budget, and delays in transferring funds can put completions at risk.

Unreviewed draft. Written by llama-4-scout-17b-16e-instruct on 2026-09-10 and not yet checked by an editor. Every rate and duty below is maintained by hand against GOV.UK and is not written by the model.

Understanding the exchange rate risk

When converting your money to pounds, the exchange rate can have a significant impact on the overall cost of your UK property purchase. The difference between the exchange rate you're offered and the market rate can add up, and it's essential to understand how this works to avoid unexpected costs. You may be charged a fee for the conversion, but it's often the difference between the exchange rates that has the most significant impact on your purchase.

Timing risks in transferring funds

The timing of your property purchase can be critical, and delays in transferring funds can put your completion at risk. Once your offer is accepted, you'll typically have a limited time to complete the purchase, and if the funds are not transferred in time, you may face additional costs or even lose your purchase. It's crucial to plan carefully and work with your solicitor and currency provider to ensure that the funds are transferred smoothly and on time.

Source-of-funds evidence and its impact on completion

Your solicitor will require evidence of the source of your funds to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. This can include documentation such as bank statements, proof of income, or identification. If this evidence is not provided promptly, it can delay the completion of your purchase, as your solicitor will need to verify the information before proceeding. It's essential to gather all the necessary documents in advance to avoid any delays.

Working with professionals to mitigate risks

To minimize the risks associated with moving money for a UK property purchase, it's essential to work with experienced professionals, including a solicitor and a currency provider. They can help you navigate the complexities of the process and ensure that everything runs smoothly. By understanding the potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can ensure a successful and stress-free property purchase.

Before you commit

  • Check the terms and conditions of your currency provider to understand any fees or charges that may apply.
  • Gather all necessary documentation, including proof of income and identification, to provide to your solicitor.
  • Plan carefully to ensure that funds are transferred in a timely manner to avoid delays in completion.

Work out your own numbers

The stamp duty calculator applies the non-resident addition alongside the ordinary rates for every UK nation. The purchase cost planner takes it further, into cash required and monthly commitments.

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Information, not advice. Version 3, last updated 2026-09-10. Nothing here is tax, legal, mortgage or investment advice, and rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.