For any one changing £/€ in large amounts,open up accounts with 2 or more currency firms and play them of against each other for the best rate.They all want your business and  just a few points of a cent increase on each euro bought can mean a couple more thousand in your pocket on the purchase of a property.Stick your neck out and be cheeky,it's worth it.

Hi Zeb,

www.currencysolutions.co.uk ask for Kaz (I think)
www.currencies.co.uk ; 01494 725353 ask for Tom Holian

It really is so easy,phone them up and ask to open an account,this may take a day or two and involves passport photos and a utility bill.
When your account is open,it remains yours and you can use it whenever you want,don’t be pressurised into doing a deal there and then.
www.xe.com is a benchmark as to how the pound/euro is doing so get your figures before you ask.Remember,these guys are paid on commission so they want your business,using this info you can play one off against the other for the best deal.we have saved at least 2 thousand euros this year on various deals.Foreign currencies (Tom Holian) have a deal going whereby they will transfer your money into your Spanish bank free,this takes about a week longer,it can save you 3- 6% in Spanish bank charges,(remember ,Spanish banks make charges on amounts going in to your account),the currency firms do make a small charge for the tranfer over.
Mine’s a Gin and Tonic….

Ian