Buying Real Estate Overseas: A Currency Guide for Americans

Key takeaways

• Buying property abroad as a U.S. business comes with financial advantages—but currency fluctuations can raise or lower your total investment cost.

• Smart FX strategies like forward contracts, rate alerts, and multi-currency accounts help mitigate risk and secure favorable exchange rates.

• Bank fees and poor FX rates can quietly erode value; using a specialist provider like Xe gives you access to better tools, rates, and visibility.

• Whether you're making a one-time purchase or planning recurring international payments, planning your currency approach can protect long-term returns.
  
  

Introduction: Why currency strategy matters in global real estate

For U.S.-based businesses and high-net-worth investors, purchasing property overseas is a strategic move—whether for expanding operations, diversifying assets, or unlocking rental income abroad. But there’s a silent cost that can eat into your returns: foreign exchange (FX).

Even small shifts in exchange rates can increase your total cost by thousands—or save you the same amount. Without a currency strategy in place, investors risk poor timing, hidden bank fees, and unnecessary losses.

This guide outlines how to take control of your cross-border real estate transaction with smart FX planning.

Common currency pitfalls when buying overseas property

Currency strategies for U.S. buyers

1. Lock in your exchange rate with a forward contract

Avoid rate swings between the offer and closing date by using a forward contract to fix today’s exchange rate for a future payment.

Benefits:

• Price certainty in USD

• Protects your budget

• Ideal for large, scheduled payments

2. Open a multi-currency account

A multi-currency account lets you hold foreign currency and convert funds when rates are favorable.

Why it matters:

• Reduces frequent conversion fees

• Lets you pay local expenses directly in the local currency

• Offers flexibility and control over timing

3. Use dollar-cost averaging for gradual payments

If your property is paid over time (e.g., installments or construction stages), split transfers across multiple FX windows.

Benefits:

• Averages out currency volatility

• Reduces the impact of poor timing

• Useful for phased purchases or long-term projects

4. Set rate alerts and monitor FX trends

Use FX tools to monitor key currency pairs and act when market conditions are favorable.

Pro tip:

• Set alerts for your target rate (e.g., 0.95 EUR/USD)

• Automate the process so you never miss a favorable shift

5. Borrow in the property’s local currency (if possible)

Matching the loan currency with the asset currency protects you from FX mismatches.

Example: If you buy a property in France, consider taking a euro-denominated mortgage to align liability with the local market.

FAQs: Buying property abroad as a U.S. business

Can I pay in USD, or should I convert to local currency?
While some sellers may accept USD, most require local currency. Xe lets you pay in 130+ currencies with real-time rates.

How long do international property transfers take?
With Xe, most transfers settle within 1–2 business days depending on currency and location.

Are there limits to how much I can transfer?
No hard caps. Xe supports high-value transactions and works with businesses handling seven-figure deals.

Is my money secure with Xe?
Yes. Xe is regulated globally and uses enterprise-grade security and compliance protocols.

Can I automate recurring payments (e.g., for mortgage or rent)?
Absolutely. Xe’s scheduling tools let you automate regular transfers with full visibility.

How Xe supports your global property investment

Whether you're acquiring commercial property or diversifying your asset portfolio, Xe helps you stay in control of your money.

Some key features of Xe's solutions for property buyers include:

Competitive exchange rates: Get great rates without hidden fees—save more on high-value property payments.

Forward contracts: Lock in your rate now for future payments and protect against currency swings.

Rate alerts: Get notified when your target exchange rate is reached—then transfer with confidence.

Multi-currency support: Pay in 130+ currencies with tools designed for global business transactions.

Don’t let FX volatility eat into your investment. With Xe, you can plan, protect, and execute cross-border real estate deals with confidence.

The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Exchange rates, transfer times, and regulations may vary by country and are subject to change. Always consult qualified professionals before making financial decisions related to real estate or currency exchange. Xe is not a real estate advisor or mortgage provider.