The weakness of the pound against the euro has resulted in some Eurozone properties becoming 5-10 per cent more expensive that they were last summer. While the strength of the euro is good news for anyone selling a property in Greece, Spain or France, itââ¬â¢s not so good news for anyone looking to buy overseas or to spend time at their foreign holiday home.
We look at the weakening pound and what effect this has on overseas property.
Buying a Spanish or Italian property more expensive than last summer
The Guardian reports that the value of the pound hit a peak in August last year. At that time, ã1 could buy ââ¬1.285, compared with ââ¬1.18 today. And, with the pound set to weaken further, this could make things even more expensive for people travelling to their holiday homes in Spain, France or Italy.
The newspaper reports that ââ¬Ëeven if the pound slides no further, this summer families will find they are paying 7.5 per cent more for food and drink in countries that use the euro, such as Spain, Italy and Greece.ââ¬â¢
The newspaper also reported that ââ¬Ëanyone emigrating now will find that buying a property abroad now will cost a lot more than last Augustââ¬â¢.
While it is true that it is marginally more expensive to buy a property in Spain, France or Italy than it was last summer, sterling remains well above its all-time low against the euro.
Those people selling a property in Spain should take advantage of the strong euro now. Weââ¬â¢re finding many people selling their Spanish property online in order to take advantage of the preferential exchange rate.ââ¬Â
If you are planning to buy a holiday home, it could pay to lock in at the current exchange rate. Many FX brokers will let you take advantage of current rates in case the pound weakens further, which experts believe is certainly possible.
Andy Scott of HiFX told The Guardian: "With the potential for credit ratings downgrades and more quantitative easing from the Bank of England with the economy faltering, it's unlikely there'll be a resurgence of buying interest in the pound any time soon."
Author :
Nick
Marr
Are you looking to buy property in Italy ? Sicily , Cianciana , Pa , Umbria , Imperia
Are you looking to rent property in Italy ? Roma , Firenze , Milano , Venezia , Rome
Author
Nick Marr
I am an internet entrepreneur with a passion for driving big audiences and a love for real estate. I have had plenty of ups and downs which has given me the experience to help others launch their own businesses. I enjoy projects that save consumers time and money, challenge convention and add real value to peoples lives.