Alex Michelin: How super-prime developments are shaping residential trends
The Valouran CEO talks us through how innovations once reserved for the world’s most luxurious homes are now filtering into the mainstream housing market - and redefining modern living.

Regarded as one of the most experienced and successful property developers in London, Alex began his career in investment banking before founding Finchatton in 2001. During this tenure, he has been responsible for the design, construction, and sale of more than two million square foot of real estate across the globe, including residential, hotel and retail. He has expert knowledge of financing and structuring property transactions, and in 2016, he co-founded CapitalRise, a property lending specialist.
First Look: Elicyon & HBA Residential complete new super-prime show apartments at The OWO
Two more marquee residences have been unveiled at the soon-to-open Raffles-branded scheme in Whitehall, with price tags of £14.75mn & £18mn.
Alex Michelin: Why London’s super-prime buyers are no longer driven by location
The significance of postcodes is fading, explains the influential luxury property developer, while demand for unique, individualised homes is rising.
Behind the Schemes: Delivering a ‘groundbreaking’ sustainable super-home in Knightsbridge
Leroy Smith of luxury design firm Rigby & Rigby talks us through a trailblazing project in Prime Central London.
Most read
Interview: New UK Sotheby’s International Realty MD Alex Isidro on what’s next for the luxury brokerage
PrimeResi quizzes the high-profile real estate agency's recently-appointed boss about bumper sales figures, brand-building, and why this business is 'all about people, not property'.
‘Landmark’ townhouse sale concluded in Chelsea
'Discerning buyers are focusing on best-in-class assets', says agency, confirming sale of near-£28mn trophy home as part of £100mn deal run.
Government proposes the ‘biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history’
Consultations have opened into significant & wide-ranging reforms that promise to 'rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership.'
By PrimeResi
Country house guru Sweeting joins high-end valuation firm
Longstanding Knight Frank figure has taken up a consultant role at James Wyatt's Parthenia.
Seven key themes in the global branded residences sector
From standalone towers to wellness-led living, these are the big trends shaping luxury branded residences worldwide.
Influential committee calls for ‘major reform of the whole property tax system’
'The case for major reform of the whole property tax system – from Stamp Duty Land Tax to Inheritance Tax to Council Tax and VAT – is almost unarguable,' says Sir Vince Cable.
By PrimeResi
Unseasonably slow September for London’s top-end property markets
Fresh analysis reveals the impact of pre-Budget jitters on the capital's high-value sales and lettings sectors.
London brokerage recruits former Savills agent to lead ‘quality-driven expansion’
Sean Tully has joined Sean Barrett's The Agency Group as Director of Growth & Recruitment.
By PrimeResi
Luxury developer Amara Property adds Sales & Acquisitions Director
Warren Leader has joined Rutu Buddhdev's team.
By PrimeResi
Property industry reactions: Tories pledge to ‘abolish’ Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty is 'a bad tax, an un-Conservative tax', says Kemi Badenoch.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
‘Westminster’s fastest-selling luxury residential development’ reaches completion
With 70% of apartments sold before completion, Native Land heralds 'not only a design triumph but a commercial success' at 100 George Street.
By PrimeResi
Savills installs new sales boss in Notting Hill
Dan Martin returned to the agency earlier this year following a stint at UK Sotheby’s International Realty.
Mark Wells: Are luxury estate agents safe in an AI world?
'Agentic' artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the market as we know it - so what can the property sector learn from the music industry, which faced a similar moment in 2008?
By Mark Wells
Five-star Belgravia project sets London price records
The Peninsula London has reportedly proved popular with billionaire buyers from the United States.
My Property Career: Quickfire Q&A with Camilla Dell
Recruitment guru Barry Collins chats with prime resi industry leaders & entrepreneurs, distilling decades of experience & career highlights into 60 seconds.