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The Secret Agent worked for one of London’s top international real estate agencies for four years before setting up his own property-finding consultancy in 2004. He works with the rich and famous, sourcing high-end homes across London and sometimes the world. He previously worked in the film industry, between New York and Los Angeles, and has also lived in Paris, Buenos Aires, Venice and Nepal. He has a degree in art history and English literature and a Masters in creative writing.

The Secret Agent started writing for the Financial Times’s House & Home section in 2007 and has a novel in progress. - -

Doing deals in a rainforest

The Secret Agent’s BlackBerry buzzes through Rio de Janeiro’s cafés and cobbled streets as he tries to finish negotiations on behalf of clients while on vacation

No pleasing some folk ...

Sick and frustrated with glacial lawyers and clients who have no manners, the Secret Agent awaits the heralding of a new week

In with the arty party crowd

The Secret Agent hangs out with clients that are also art groupies for a non-stop social whirl during the the Frieze Art Fair and is left with little time to actually show properties

Aren’t we in a recession?

With property prices in prime central London higher than ever, the Secret Agent, at a loss over what to advise his clients, consults a pessimistic market-forecaster

Between city and country

A former American actress who is planning to rent out her Chelsea flat asks the Secret Agent where to buy a house before moving into her fiance’s Belgravia pad

Bad behaviour, bikes and booze

The Secret Agent breaks a self-imposed abstinence from alcohol after a frustrating week that saw the theft of his bicycle and his clients not being entirely straightforward

The silent treatment

Spending the week in Paris, the Secret Agent explores the city’s property market and picks up negotiating tricks from the world of fashion

Off-the-wall radiator

The Secret Agent is pleased to have The Thesp – who gives off warmth and energy – in his staff. He brings a certain ‘joie de vivre’ and difference into clients’ lives

Movers and Sheikhers

The Secret Agent has had a good week with two active dream clients, but dealing with vendors and people who demand kickbacks is proving to be frustrating

Confidence and candour

With the stronger euro tempting Europeans to buy in London, the Secret Agent plans to be upfront with his clients to make their flights worthwhile

Brits don’t care to share

Portrait of the artist at home

Making good my escape

Public service and private jets

A crusade and a quest

My daggers are drawn

Break-ups and breaks away

My daily dolce vita

End of an intense affair

Daylight snobbery