Cape Town’s luxury property scene continues to turn heads internationally, with buyers from the US, UK, and Europe snapping up sea-view villas, heritage homes, and vineyard escapes. But while the city’s appeal is undeniable, there’s a hidden factor that can make or break your investment: foreign exchange.
“Currency fluctuations can have a massive impact on what you actually end up paying,” says Alexa Horne, Managing Director of DG Properties. “It’s not just about finding the right property - it’s about managing the money side strategically.”
You need a forex game plan if you're buying in rands but earning in euros, dollars, or pounds. Here’s what savvy investors need to know.
The High-Stakes World of Currency Conversion
All property sales in South Africa must be settled in rands. For international buyers, that means converting large sums, often in the millions, from foreign currency into ZAR. And in a volatile currency market like South Africa’s, timing is everything.
“Even a small shift in the exchange rate can make a serious dent in your budget,” Horne explains. “On a R10 million home, a 1% change can mean a difference of R100,000 - that’s a large portion of your transfer duties, gone.”
It’s not just the market movement that catches buyers off guard - it’s also the hidden costs. Many default to using their regular bank to handle the conversion, unaware of the high markups often buried in the rate.
“Banks can quietly skim 3 to 5% off the top,” says Horne. “They market it as ‘no commission’ or ‘free transfers’, but the true cost is in the exchange rate. On a large transfer, that’s tens of thousands effectively lost.”
Documents and Paperwork - Get Ahead of the Game
South African exchange control rules are strict, and large international payments require documentation to prove the legitimacy and origin of funds.
You’ll need to submit a copy of your passport, proof of address, and documents showing where the money is coming from - for example, a property sale, inheritance, or investment payout. In some cases, particularly for larger transfers, you may be asked to provide a summary of your source of wealth, especially if the transaction involves third-party contributions.
“It sounds more intimidating than it is,” assures Horne. “But the key is to start the process early - don’t wait until the last minute. We help clients get everything in place well before they need to transfer.”
Another common question is whether a local bank account is required. Not always. In many cases, funds can be transferred directly into the property attorney’s trust account, provided all compliance boxes are ticked and instructions are followed precisely.
Planning to Sell Later? Keep Your Paper Trail
One mistake international buyers sometimes make is not keeping thorough records of their inbound transfer. This can become an issue years down the line if they choose to sell and want to move the money (and any gains) back out of South Africa.
“If you’ve handled the transaction correctly and kept the necessary documents, repatriating your funds is straightforward,” says Horne. “But if you’ve cut corners on the compliance side, you could hit roadblocks.”
Three Smart Forex Moves That Save You Big
So, how do smart buyers protect themselves?
Firstly, consider locking in your exchange rate. If there’s a gap between signing the offer and transferring the funds, which is common, fixing your rate in advance can shield you from surprise currency dips. Forward contracts can often secure a rate for months, giving you certainty over your budget.
Alternatively, if you’re watching the market and hoping for a better rate, you can work with a partner who offers market tracking tools. These allow you to set a preferred rate and automatically convert your funds the moment that rate is reached - a far more effective approach than trying to time the market yourself.
Most importantly, make sure you’re working with a specialist. The right partner can offer tighter margins, transparent pricing, and guidance tailored to your situation, not just a one-size-fits-all service.
“Clients are often surprised by how much control they can have over the forex process,” says Samuel Paine, a senior consultant at Baumann, a specialist cross-border currency provider that helps international clients manage large transfers for South African property purchases.
“With the right strategy - whether that’s locking in a forward rate or placing a limit order — you can avoid overpaying and gain peace of mind. The key is to start early and work with a team that understands both the real estate and currency sides of the deal. With an experienced property advisor and the right forex strategy, international buyers can avoid the common traps — and make confident, well-timed decisions.”
“This is not the time to wing it,” concludes Horne. “Luxury property buyers are often meticulous about location, finishes, and long-term value, but sometimes the forex side is left too late - and that can cost dearly.”
For expert guidance on managing Forex the right way, contact Lesley McDowell +44 (0) 7837 966392 | lesley.mcdowell@baumannpartners.com | www.baumannpartners.com.
