A global sporting event may be upon us, but for some this summer matters of even greater personal significance are happening closer to home. Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty tries to put things into perspective.

This August there will be a great deal of huffing and puffing going on in London. There will be running and jumping, throwing, swimming, rowing, diving, sailing and cycling - plus much more.

But for some, who won't actually get much closer to the Olympic stadium than their couches, there will be another demanding game to compete in this summer - home buying. Competitors won’t be representing their country but they may well be representing their families.

Like top-flight sport, home buying takes a great deal of preparation. It is not an easy undertaking. It can take the stamina of a Haile Gebreselassie and sometimes the sprint speed of a Usain Bolt. It takes the versatility of an Ashton Eaton, and the agility of a 16-year-old Russian gymnast, named Olga. Buying a home is not as pretty as Tom Daley in a 10-metre dive or perhaps as explosive as Chris Hoy in the velodrome. But winning this discipline - and it does take discipline - means dedication, planning and some sacrifices.

Winning the perfect home is a great personal achievement. But unlike so many sports there are no silver and bronze medals for being a runner-up. There is not even a gold medal for winning. But, besides satisfaction, comfort, safety, investment and shelter, there is one other prize for the winner - he or she can choose to plant a laurel in their new garden.

Whether you are competing for gold or for a new home this August, we wish you well.