This month sees the return of The Boat Race, an iconic annual event first held in 1829, and one of OQO London’s favourite sporting events held in the capital.

The Boat Race has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence between the Cambridge University Boat Club and the Oxford University Boat Club – a battle of strength, precision, and determination, taking place along the River Thames in southwest London.

Talks of the so called “Donald dash" reflects the trend of Americans, particularly the wealthy, seeking British citizenship and purchasing luxury properties in London.

The combination of political uncertainty in the US, the appeal of London's historic charm and culture, and a favourable exchange rate for the dollar are key motivations behind this movement.

Walthamstow is the new Hackney…. No wait, hear me out.

Haven’t you seen the couples pushing their designer buggies around Lloyd Park wearing matching camouflage jackets and beanie hats?

Didn’t you hear about the new Gail’s opening in the village?

Aren’t you aware that the new SOHO Theatre opens this summer?

What do you mean you didn’t know that Walthamstow is home to a vibrant craft beer scene, with several breweries to explore?

Walthamstow IS the new Hackney.

Negotiation is tough, particularly when both negotiating parties are looking to gain something from the other side- in the case of real estate, money or a ‘good deal’.

In the property world, negotiating is part and parcel of the process, whether you are the buyer or seller, there’s almost no avoiding it.

It’s that time of your again, the sun is starting to show its face, the daffodils are starting to appear, and people are beginning to smile again…. Spring is definitely on its way!

With the change in weather and mood comes the desire for buyers and sellers alike to start thinking about moving, and February and March are the key months where we always see a significant upturn in market activity.

Luxury homes in London’s commuter belt are now selling for an average of £150,000 below their original asking prices, indicating a shift in the once-thriving home counties property market according to a recent report by financial services provider Investec.

As assets begin to be liquidated in London and the clock potentially ticking before the new taxes come into play, NOW is a unique opportunity to purchase trophy assets in London as these individuals look to quickly off-load and sell-up.

The labour government will not stay in power forever and with the property market always moving in cycles, this could be the ideal opportunity to purchase one of these properties.

The home counties offer a perfect combination of English countryside, pretty regional towns and villages and excellent links to London which deems them ‘Commuter Belt’ locations.

Many of these regional cities offer their own unique and quintessentially British qualities with vibrant high streets teaming with boutiques, coffee shops, grocery stores and award-winning restaurants.

The London and Home Counties or ‘Commuter-Belt’ regions are highly competitive property markets, with desirable homes rarely coming to the open market.

When these in-demand properties do become available, they attract multiple, ready, willing and able buyers, creating a huge amount of competition.