If you are considering purchasing a property abroad, you are probably working to a budget. One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of changing your money into foreign currency.

Exchange rates quoted by high street banks are significantly worse than those available through a specialist currency dealer. Do not be fooled by claims of "zero percent commission" often advertised by the banks, the real test is the exchange rate itself, which will often be 1 - 2% better by using an independent broker. On a deal of £200,000, that could mean saving as much as £4,000.

In addition to offering extremely keen exchange rates, dealing through a currency broker will also give you access to a variety of tools and dealing mechanisms designed to help you get the most from your transaction, and protect you from foreign currency risk.