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
Mapped: Comparing values & performance across Prime Central London
From Bayswater to Westminster, this is how London’s top neighbourhoods are stacking up in 2025.
Major prime agency installs new lettings boss
Daniel Fisher will lead the 153-year-old firm's lettings business into its 'next chapter'.
Knight Frank launches new Windsor office
Agency looks to boost presence in the Home Counties with latest addition to its network.
Prime Purchase recruits well-known Home Counties buying agent
Mark Crampton has returned to the Savills-owned buying agency.
By PrimeResi
Rumourmill: Reeves mulls new property levy to replace stamp duty
Treasury said to be weighing charge on £500k+ homes, with council tax overhaul also on the table.
Luxury brokerage adds Chelsea, Knightsbridge & Belgravia specialist
Joe Mason has joined United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty as Sales Director.
From Acquisitions to AI: How Polly Ogden Duffy is future-proofing John D Wood & Co
Inside the strategic moves, market insights, and bold ambitions shaping one of the best-known brands in prime property.
Ranked: The cost of buying, owning & selling a $2mn property around the world
New research goes beyond the listing price to reveal the true cost of a high-value residence, from Singapore to London.
In Pictures: Residence One project in Knightsbridge ‘sets a new benchmark for mews living’
Reworked freehold property on Ennismore Gardens Mews is being pitched at £8.35mn.
Landmark Westminster office block with development potential sells for £245mn
Queen Anne's Mansions is currently home to the Ministry of Justice; its new owner is 'exploring all potential avenues for the site’s future.'
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Savills names new head of global residential development consultancy
Branded residences specialist Louis Keighley has stepped up to lead the London-based division after nine years with the firm.
Four Thoughts: Prime resi experts weigh in on the latest pre-Budget tax rumours
A top research boss, a super-prime valuer, a tax guru and a veteran agent make sense of the speculation as silly season peaks.
House prices keep climbing as ONS reworks UK HPI
The Office for National Statistics has updated the methodology behind official UK house price data, resulting in lower inflation readings.
By PrimeResi
PCL developer highlights outside space price premium as park-side tower breaches sales milestone
Almacantar puts terraces in the spotlight for summer sales drive at The Bryanston.
Dubai super-prime developer hires ex-1508 London regional director
Joe Chamberlin joins 25 Degrees to lead next phase of firm's 'explosive growth.'