Welcome to the UK
Talks of the so called “Donald dash" reflects the trend of Americans, particularly the wealthy, seeking British citizenship and purchasing luxury properties in London.
Several factors are driving this shift:
Politics: The number of Americans purchasing Prime and Super Prime London properties has surged in recent years, with wealthy individuals seeking stability amid political and economic uncertainty in the U.S.
Record Citizenship Applications: In 2024, 6,100 Americans applied for British citizenship, marking a new high.
Wealthy Buyers' Market Dominance: US buyers accounted for 40% of the £15 million-plus property purchases in London, filling the void left by restricted Russian buyers and Middle Eastern investors focusing on Dubai.
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.
London is home to many American companies with a significant presence including some notable employers with offices in London:
Google – Located in Kings Cross. The building, known as KGX1, is often referred to as a "landscraper" because its length (330 meters) is comparable to the height of the Shard
Apple – Like Google, located in Kings Cross
Amazon – Located in cool Shoreditch, on the edge of the ‘Square Mile’.
Goldman Sachs - Plumtree Court, serves as their European headquarters in the City of London
JPMorgan Chase - located in Canary Wharf, their European headquarters and is a hub for their financial services operations.
Microsoft – Their office is part of the Paddington Central development, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
Facebook (Meta) – Located in Fitzrovia. Their modern building, designed by Frank Gehry, serves as Facebook's UK headquarters and includes features like an incubator space for tech start-ups called LDN_LAB
Pfizer – Their main office in the UK is located in Surrey, a commutable Home County.
IBM - IBM's London office is located near Waterloo Station. This site serves as a hub for their operations in the UK and Europe.
McKinsey & Company – Located on Museum Street. This area is close to the British Museum and is part of the vibrant Holborn and Covent Garden area.
These companies are known for their global reach and often provide opportunities for international employment.
At OQO London, we have advised several clients from across the pond, however, our friends will need to adjust to some of our British ways!
Here are some notable differences between the US and UK:
Pace of Life: London tends to have a slower, more measured pace of life compared to many bustling U.S. cities like New York or Los Angeles. People in London often walk or use public transport more, while Americans, especially in suburban areas, rely heavily on cars.
Socializing and Community: London's pub culture fosters a sense of community, with pubs serving as casual hubs for social interaction. In contrast, U.S. socializing may revolve around private gatherings, dining out, or sports events. London's green parks also provide communal spaces for relaxation and recreation.
History and Architecture: Londoners are surrounded by centuries-old buildings, cobbled streets, and a sense of historical continuity, whereas much of the U.S. architecture is more modern, with a focus on spacious layouts and contemporary styling.
Healthcare: The UK offers a publicly funded healthcare system (the NHS), while the U.S. primarily relies on private healthcare, often tied to employment.
Work-Life Balance: In general, Londoners may prioritize work-life balance more strongly, with five to six weeks of vacation time being common. In the U.S., two weeks is often the standard.
Shopping and Store Hours: U.S. stores, including grocery stores, often have extended hours, sometimes operating 24/7. In London, many stores close earlier, and Sunday hours are more restricted.
Public Transport: London has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, including buses, the Underground, and national rail services. In many parts of the U.S., public transport is limited, and driving is the primary mode of travel.
Gun Laws and Crime: Strict gun laws in the UK make gun violence rare, providing a general sense of safety, whereas gun ownership and related crime are more prevalent in the U.S.
Diversity of Cuisine: While both places offer varied dining experiences, London's compact geography means you can easily explore cuisines from around the globe in close proximity. The U.S., with its size, offers regional specialities but may require traveling farther to experience diversity.
Language: It goes without saying that we share the English language, however, the British sense of humour is very different often characterised by its sarcastic tone with irony, subtlety and self-depreciation at its core.
London is a diverse, multi-cultural city with packed with history and culture whilst the surrounding Home Counties offer more quintessential ‘Britishness’.
Wherever our American friends choose to buy or settle, OQO London welcomes you and are ready to help you find your perfect ‘English Castle’.
