Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Strong Gbp Is Encouraging Property Investors to Look Abroad

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on June 19, 2015

3 min read

Last updated: January 22, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google

Wavy background with a globe symbolizing global property investment opportunities - Global Banking & Finance Review — This image features a wavy background with a globe, illustrating the rising interest in property investments abroad due to a strong GBP. It relates to the article's focus on how financial factors encourage investors to seek overseas opportunities.

Almost half (46%) encouraged to buy property abroad because of strong GBP
Nearly a quarter (23%) attracted to foreign business and residential lettings market
One in five looking abroad after Conservative victory in general election
Currency and exchange rates were either the main factor (16%) or had some influence on the decision (34%) to make an investment in half of all cases.

Nearly half (46%) of property investors are keen to take advantage of the strong pound to buy property abroad, according to new research by FXcompared Intelligence, the research division of money transfer comparison site FXcompared.

The study, commissioned in the aftermath of the Conservatives securing a majority in the recent general election, shows how a combination of financial factors are persuading property investors that now is the time to seek opportunities abroad for higher returns.

Daniel Webber

Daniel Webber

Almost a quarter (23%) of respondents are considering buying property abroad in the next 12-18 months due to the stronger economic climate for business and residential lettings in foreign countries, while the Conservatives winning the general election is also a significant factor with one in five (20%) stipulating this as a prime reason.

Easier access to mortgage funding (22%), changes to UK Stamp Duty and property tax (16%), access to pension funds (14%) and better mortgage deals abroad (12%) were noted as key drivers towards foreign property purchases post party election.

The research demonstrates that now is the ideal time to invest in property overseas due to the perfect storm of financial factors that means investors can get the best possible value for money.

Nearly a fifth (19%) are looking to invest in multiple properties at one location, while the same number (19%) think coastal locations offer the best return on investment.

A quarter (25%) are now focusing on bigger properties as they seek to capitalise on the current opportunities in the market especially as a stronger pound has made it more affordable.

Better weather (48%) is still the main lifestyle factor when considering foreign property ownership, but how easy the location of the property is to reach (42%), and finding an up-and-coming area (21%) are also aspects influencing decisions. While investors are looking for value for money, they are also keen to explore locations that offer them the chance to enter the foreign lettings market.

In 50% of cases, currency and exchange rates were either the main factor (16%) or had some influence on the decision (34%) to make an investment.

Daniel Webber, Co-Founder & Managing Director, FXcompared, said: “With unprecedented opportunities for overseas buyers given the low euro, property investors believe they can get more bricks and mortar for their money abroad.

“Over the next 12-18 months we could see a trend among residential and commercial property investors, focusing heavily on major European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and France.

“Aside from the financial reasons for pursuing foreign property ownership, lifestyle choices are still playing a big role too, with better weather and transport links major factors when choosing where to buy investment property.”

In terms of turn-offs, 43% are not interested in investing in countries where there is heavy regulation, while a lack of language skills (23%) and fears over how the property purchasing process (29%) works in certain countries are also causes for concern.