You’ve found the yacht. The price is agreed. What it actually costs you in sterling depends on how you handle the exchange rate between now and completion. Most buyers don’t think about this until they’re ready to transfer, by which point the rate may have already moved against them.
This guide covers where to buy, what to have in order before you complete, and how to approach the exchange rate so it doesn’t move your budget in the wrong direction.
Where to buy: the markets that consistently attract international buyers
A few markets consistently come up when buyers are looking abroad, each with a different profile depending on what you’re you’re looking for.
Italy: is home to some of the most prestigious yacht builders in the world, including Benetti, Pershing and Riva. If you’re buying new and want European craftsmanship, Italy is hard to look past. Prices reflect that reputation, but so does the quality.
France: The French Riviera is one of the most established yachting markets globally, with strong supply of both new and pre-owned vessels and a welldeveloped brokerage infrastructure that makes the buying process relatively straightforward for overseas buyers.
United States: Florida, around Miami and Fort Lauderdale, offers one of the largest pre-owned yacht markets in the world. More choice typically means more negotiating room, and dollar pricing can work in your favour depending on where sterling sits at the time.
Greece: Greece offers quality vessels at prices that often undercuts Western Europe. The market is competitive and there are good deals to be found, but the due diligence process matters more here than in most markets. Budget for a thorough independent survey.
Turkey: Turkey has built a strong reputation in yacht manufacturing over the past two decades, particularly in the luxury segment. Prices are generally more favourable than comparable Western European options, and the build quality from established Turkish yards is well regarded internationally.
Key considerations when buying a yacht from abroad
Buying a yacht internationally involves more moving parts than a domestic purchase. These are the areas worth getting ahead of before you’re deep into the process.
Regulations and compliance: Each country has different regulations regarding yacht sales, taxes and registration. It is advisable to seek legal or tax advice specific to your buying country before committing to a purchase
Inspection and surveying: Independent marine surveys are essential to validate condition and value of the yacht, particularly when physical inspection is limited.
Shipping and delivery: Transporting a yacht internationally to your desired location introduces additional cost and logistical complexity that must be factored into total purchase price.
Currency exchange rates: Exchange rates move constantly and even small shifts can have a significant impact on your budget in either direction.
Why timing matters in international payments
Currency markets move constantly in response to economic and political developments, often with little warning. If your funds are in sterling and the yacht is priced in euros, the rate you get at the point of transfer affects your actual cost in pounds. On a €500,000 purchase, a 1% movement in the exchange rate is approximately £4,300 at current rates. Exchange rates can move by that amount in a matter of weeks.
There is also the question of transfer costs. Bank charges and intermediary fees can add to the total cost of an international payment. Understanding the full cost of the transfer, not just the headline exchange rate, is worth factoring in from the start.
Exchange rate movements can work in either direction. The figures above are illustrative only and based on approximate rates at the time of writing. Past rate movements are not indicative of future performance
How buyers typically manage the currency side of a yacht purchase
When transferring money abroad, there’s no single right answer for buyers. It depends on your timeline, the size of the purchase, and how much certainty you want over the final cost.
These are the main options:
Spot Contract
A spot contract allows you to secure today’s exchange rate and complete your yacht payment immediately, with funds typically sent within two working days, though timelines can vary depending on the destination and intermediary banks involved.
It is most suitable when a yacht deposit or final balance must be paid quickly to meet contractual deadlines.
Forward Contract
A forward contract enables you to lock in today’s exchange rate for a future payment, providing certainty over cost while you plan ahead. A deposit secures the rate. This is commonly used for yacht builds or agreed future completion dates.
Example: A buyer commissioning a €1.2 million yacht in France locks in an exchange rate three months ahead using a Forward Contract. When the final payment is due, the cost is already fixed, protecting their budget from currency volatility during the build period.
Regular Payment Plan
A regular payment plan (RPP) automates recurring international expenses, helping you manage ongoing costs with consistency and less manual administration. Eligibility criteria apply — speak to your currency specialist to find out more.
It is ideal for marina fees, maintenance, insurance and other ongoing ownership costs.
Example: A yacht owner in Spain sets up a Regular Payment Plan to cover monthly marina fees and maintenance costs in euros, ensuring payments are made automatically.
Limit Order
A limit order allows you to set a preferred exchange rate for your purchase, with your transfer automatically executed once exchange rates reach your chosen level.
This is suited to buyers who want to optimise timing without actively monitoring currency markets.
Example: A buyer acquiring a €500,000 yacht in Greece sets a Limit Order to target a stronger exchange rate. When the market reaches that level, the transfer is automatically triggered, and the transfer executes at the target rate.
How Lumon can help
Planning the exchange rate side of a yacht purchase early gives you more options and more control over the final cost.
Lumon has supported over 70,000 clients with international payments for more than 25 years. A dedicated currency specialist will work through your options with you. Speak to a real person, not a queue or a chatbot, and get help choosing the approach that fits your timeline and budget.
