A home in London, or in the country nearby, has now become one of the most desirable purchases for wealthy international people – particularly for Russian buyers attracted by its safe and cultured environment, favourable tax regime and its status as one of the world’ s financial capitals. London is now, arguably, the world city, home to wealthy people who appreciate all that it has to offer them and their families.

Its real estate market is now one of the most valuable and sophisticated in the world reflecting the way that the city has grown over the centuries, protected by complex zoning laws, owned by large landed estates and formed into an interconnected series of villages that are now internationally famous names like Mayfair, Belgravia and Chelsea. Prices in these areas range from £5,000 to £20,000 per square metre.

In the central prime market there are, at any one time, somewhere around 10,000 individual properties being sold by over 200 real estate agents. There is no multiple listing system, as in New York, nor a reliable central database. In the country areas surrounding London there are less properties – but only very few that are really first class.

The real estate agents are only working on one side of the transaction – that of the seller and they are only interested in getting the highest price possible for the properties they are selling. They are not interested in whether the property is suitable or what is the right price.

Property Vision has been in business for 24 years and now employs over 50 people to do only one thing – look after the interests of buyers . We meet our clients to establish what they want, get to the best properties first (which are often not on the open market) and then negotiate the lowest price possible. We are interested in what the property is worth – not the asking price

Property Vision is the market leader and innovator in advising buyers and is now owned by HSBC Private Bank – a connection that can be enormously helpful in the financing of any property.

This is not a service that is only used by international buyers. Well over half of Property Vision’s clients have lived in the UK for many years. They appreciate that no one else in London and around has the breadth and depth of expertise as Property Vision.

We also have an education consultant to help our clients choose and access the best schools for their children.

The service that Property Vision offers is not for everyone. Our clients understand that most of the best properties are not on the internet, nor on the open market, that the potential for making expensive mistakes is large and that in a sophisticated market sophisticated buyers need advice.

Confidentiality is, of course, at the heart of what we do.

In order to help us provide a first class service for our Russian clients we have a Russian speaking expert who would be delighted to speak with you or visit you on one of her frequent visits to Russia.

If you would like further information please speak either to Gulnara Long or to Peter Mackie on +44 (0)20 7823 8388.