London & Stamford, an Aim-listed property investment company, is close to sealing its first deal since floatingmore than a year ago, raising hopes of a real estate market revival during 2009.

The company, formed by veteran investors Raymond Mould and Patrick Vaughan, has agreed to acquire 1 Fleet Place in the City of London from Legal & General for about £75m. L&G began marketing the building almost a year ago, with an asking price of more than £100m.