Hope your spring is starting off well. Here in Nîmes, the weather has been wonderful, sunny days (for the most part). For real estate, things are starting to pick up again as well. Later this month, I’ll be posting a new villa for sale in the Sommières area.
I often meet with English speakers searching for advice on the real estate market and naturally they’re looking for a deal. I’m learning that the currency exchange space has the capacity to also account for some big savings, especially with high-end properties. I admit that I’m a bit new to it all, so last week, when Kaiden from Currencies 4 You reached out it was truly serendipitous. It turned into a quick Q&A. Enjoy!
Kaiden Shaw is a Business Relationship Manager who deals specifically with large international purchases and is based in the UK.
Les Terrasses Immobilier (LTI): Appreciate you taking the time. How are you doing?
Kaiden(KS): I’m doing well, just been fairly busy with clients as markets have been volatile.
LTI: Busy is good! To start off, what made you interested in Currencies 4 You?
KS: I joined Currencies 4 You because I wanted to be in a position where I could genuinely impact the outcome of a client’s transaction, not just facilitate it. In property, currency exchange is often treated as an afterthought, but on larger purchases it can materially change the total cost. That’s where I focus.
LTI: OK, great so a typical client will be someone who’s searching to make larger purchases, like at least €500,000.
In your own words, why choose Currencies 4 You? Can you talk more in-depth about your approach and how your team is able to save your clients money? More points if it involves a past deal and cherry on top if this was during a geopolitical climate like today.
KS: Most clients we work with initially default to their bank, where margins can sit around 3–4% on international transfers. We typically operate closer to 0.5% or better, depending on the size and structure of the deal. On a property purchase, that difference alone can translate into tens of thousands saved.
Where we add the most value, though, is in how we manage the timing and execution. We look at the client’s completion date, what’s currently driving the market, and whether it makes sense to secure the rate or leave some exposure. It’s not just about getting a better price, it’s about controlling the risk around it.
LTI: All right, that’s very interesting. Today, I’m learning a lot. The timing seems to be a major factor. Can you give us an example?
KS: I worked with an American client purchasing a property in Mougins for €2,000,000. They were planning to move funds through their US bank. By stepping in, we improved their USD to EUR rate by approximately 3.5%, reducing their overall cost by $82,640.
LTI: Wow. That’s a lot of savings.
KS: This becomes even more relevant in the current market. With ongoing geopolitical tension, inflation data, and central bank decisions from the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB) driving volatility, exchange rates are moving quickly. For clients working to fixed completion timelines, that movement can significantly impact the final property cost if it’s not managed properly.
Our role is to give clients visibility, pricing transparency, and control over that exposure, rather than leaving it to a bank rate on the day.
LTI: Ok, I understand much more than before. Like I said it’s great to learn about savings, when all we hear about is prices going up. Thanks for taking the time, Kaiden.
For those looking to get in touch. You can send him a message here. And here is the link to their website (link).
Passez une belle journée,
Chandler