We recently sat down with Steve Eakins from Lumon, a currency exchange expert who opened our eyes to one of the most overlooked tools in a landlord or investor's arsenal: foreign exchange (FX) strategy. Whether you're a non-resident landlord (NRL), buying from overseas, or planning an exit from the UK market, FX planning could significantly impact your returns.
The Currency Blind Spot in London Property
For decades, many London landlords have bought, sold, and rented property without giving much thought to currency fluctuations. But with more international investors in the market - and more UK-based vendors looking to exit to sunnier shores or global hubs - this blind spot could be costing thousands in lost value.
Steve shared examples of how shifts in FX rates have meant vendors could accept lower GBP offers and still walk away with more euros or dollars than if they'd sold at asking price six months earlier. For buy-to-let landlords transferring rental income abroad, the impact of currency swings can mean 5-10% more (or less) in your pocket over the year.
From Compliance Pressure to FX Opportunity
With rising compliance costs, tax changes, and an evolving regulatory landscape, UK landlords are under increasing pressure to maximise returns. But instead of squeezing tenants or compromising on property standards, smart investors are now looking at the FX strategy as a lever to pull.
It’s not just about timing the market. It’s about partnering with FX specialists who can offer forward contracts, rate alerts, and transparent comparisons that can lock in value or reduce volatility risk.
Lettings Isn’t Immune
Even though we ceased sales operations years ago to focus exclusively on lettings and management, this conversation hit home. Around a third of our landlord clients are either based overseas or regularly repatriate funds. Until now, we hadn’t fully appreciated just how much value could be gained by offering them access to professional FX services.
This isn’t about monetising every touchpoint. It’s about being a trusted advisor. Just as we connect clients with reliable mortgage brokers, insurance specialists, or tax accountants, we now see FX strategy as part of that essential ecosystem.
What This Means for You
If you:
• Own property in the UK but live or operate overseas
• Plan to exit your investment and relocate funds globally
• Are exploring acquisitions from abroad
• Manage or oversee funds for global stakeholders
Then currency strategy isn’t optional. It’s essential.
At base, we’re now actively identifying which of our landlords could benefit from FX optimisation — not just for their sake, but because it aligns with our mission: delivering intelligent, proactive, value-driven property management.
A Changing Market Needs a Broader View
As the UK property market becomes more globally integrated and price-sensitive, it’s time for landlords to think bigger. Currency planning may not be as sexy as refurb projects or rent hikes, but it’s one of the smartest plays a landlord can make.
We’ll be sharing more on this in the months ahead, including insights, tools, and partnerships to help our landlords make informed decisions.
In the meantime, if you’re a base client and think this might apply to you, let’s talk. Because sometimes, making more from your property isn’t about changing the rent. It’s about changing how you move the money.
