Key to a successful overseas property purchase is the secure transfer of funds to a foreign bank account – at a competitive exchange rate. We meet one recent British buyer who got things just right…

Relaxing at his Spanish apartment with his partner is particularly satisfying for Mark Sidwell, thanks to the savings and peace of mind he received by using Smart Currency Exchange for his currency transfers.

When Mark completed on his apartment in the Costa Blanca in March 2017, he used FCA-authorised Smart Currency Exchange to exchange his sterling into euros and send the funds securely to his Spanish bank account. Keen to make the most of his money and optimise the exchange rate available to him prior to his completion date, Mark was quick to tap into Smart’s expert one-to-one service.

“Smart were very professional,” confirmed Mark, who lives in Coventry. “After an initial chat with my account manager, he called me when he was able to offer a particularly favourable rate for that time. This resulted in a saving of around £2,300 compared to if I’d left exchanging my sterling till later. Once I’d agreed the transfer, Smart sent my euros to my Spanish bank account that same day.”

Mark’s apartment, for which he agreed a purchase price of €93,000 when he found it in October 2016, is in the Los Dolses area of the southern Costa Blanca. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony, accessed by a bedroom and the living area, and comes with underground parking and storage, as well as access to the communal swimming pool. He has bought it as a holiday home, where he can enjoy breaks with his partner Lynn, as well as family and friends.

What really stood out for Mark and Lynn when viewing the property was the location. Added Mark: “We’re not overlooked at all and from our balcony, we look onto trees as opposed to other apartments, which is great. At the same time, we’re not far from Villamartín Plaza for going out. And getting there from home is easy – Coventry is a short train ride away from Birmingham Airport, which has lots of flights to Alicante. Then the transfer to my apartment is around 45 minutes.”

Lying conveniently between Villamartín and La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa, and typically just 15 minutes’ walk from the lively Villamartín Plaza, the Los Dolses urbanisation is a favourite holiday home destination with British families. Beaches at La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca and Campoamor are just 5-10 minutes’ drive away, while the championship golf courses of Villamartín, Campoamor and Las Ramblas are all within 20 minutes’ in the car. The airport at Murcia-San Javier is less than 30 minutes away.