How to stop exchange rates making your affordable French home unaffordable

For anyone planning a move to France, affordability is likely to be high on the list of concerns. With the right strategy, it’s absolutely possible to find a home that suits both your needs and your budget – but what many buyers overlook is how quickly “affordable” can shift if you’re not prepared for one thing: currency fluctuations.

Whether you’re buying a countryside cottage or a second home in a quiet village, your budget is only as strong as the exchange rate at the time you transfer your funds. That’s where a currency specialist comes in. They don’t just handle your payments – they can protect the value of your money, help you plan ahead, and make sure you’re not caught off guard.

Understanding real affordability

When buyers search for property in France, they often focus on the asking price in euros. But if your savings are in pounds – or any other currency – what you actually pay depends entirely on the exchange rate on the day your money is transferred.

That €150,000 cottage in Normandy might seem comfortably within reach. But if the pound weakens by just 5% between now and completion, it could cost you thousands more than you expected. For buyers working to a tight or fixed budget, that shift could make a previously affordable property suddenly unaffordable.

This is why a currency specialist is not a nice-to-have – it’s a key part of your financial planning. Unlike a bank, a currency specialist can help you lock in an exchange rate in advance, giving you certainty over what your purchase will actually cost.

How a currency strategy helps

A specialist such as Smart Currency Exchange offers tools that allow you to fix a rate today for a future payment – known as a forward contract. This can be especially useful once you’ve agreed on a purchase price, allowing you to secure your budget in sterling even if the euro strengthens over the following weeks.

They can also help you plan phased payments – such as deposits, balance payments, or renovation costs – to ensure you’re not making transfers at unfavourable rates. The support you receive is tailored, not automated, and you’ll have a named contact who understands your timeline and needs.

And unlike high-street banks, currency specialists often provide more competitive rates, with fewer hidden fees and delays.

Finding a property that fits your budget

Even with currency planning in place, you’ll want to focus on areas where your money goes further. Several departments in France consistently offer good value. According to data from Notaires.fr, regions such as Indre, Somme, Vienne, and Haute-Vienne have average house prices between €130,000 and €190,000.

If you’re open to renovation or looking slightly off the beaten path, there are still properties available for under €100,000. You’ll often find these in smaller villages, rural communities, or on the edges of more popular towns. A well-located project property can offer significant value – particularly if you’ve managed your currency exposure early in the process.

Viewing trips and preparation

Before you set off on a viewing trip, get your finances ready. This means more than just checking your savings. Talk to a currency specialist and understand what your real-time buying power is in euros. Get a rate quote. Ask what tools are available to secure that rate. You might be surprised at how much control you can have.

Estate agents in France may move quickly once you’ve made an offer, especially on competitively priced properties. Having a currency plan means you’re able to pay your deposit promptly and with confidence, rather than waiting days for a slow or uncertain international transfer.

Don’t let currency risk undermine your plans

Too many buyers come close to completing their dream move only to realise that the exchange rate has moved against them at the worst possible moment. This isn’t just frustrating – it can jeopardise the entire purchase or eat into funds you’d set aside for renovations, furniture, or living costs.

By planning ahead with a currency specialist, you can remove that uncertainty. You’ll know what your home will cost in your own currency, and you’ll be able to make informed decisions throughout the process.

Take the next step with confidence

Buying property in France can absolutely be affordable – but affordability depends on more than just the listing price. It’s about being financially prepared for every stage of the process.

Speak to a specialist like Smart Currency Exchange before you begin your search. With the right support, you can protect your budget, avoid surprises, and focus on what really matters: finding a home that marks the start of your new life in France.