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.
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£28mn Knightsbridge mansion sale sets 2025 benchmark
Recent mega-deal on Princes Gate 'reaffirms London’s appeal as a global property destination,' say agents.
Surrey mansion that ‘rivals the world’s most prestigious addresses’ pitched at £50mn
In Pictures: Inside one of the most significant super-prime listings of 2025 so far, the palatial Wentworth Place.
The Times: Who’s buying London’s most expensive new flats?
Investigation lifts the lid on £600mn worth of apartment sales at some of PCL's most prestigious new-build schemes.
Savills expands super-prime lettings operation; recruits new North London chief
Isabella Birch Reynardson's specialist division is expanding into high-value regional rental markets, while Stevie Walmesley has moved from DDRE to lead the team in North London.
By PrimeResi
John D Wood & Co adds five-branch agency in SW London
Well-known firm with operations in Battersea, Balham, Fulham & Clapham joins prime agency's expanding 'family of brands'.
Grosvenor names new CEO & CFO as profits jump
UK chief James Raynor to succeed Mark Preston as property empire's CEO.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes
Global buyers drive $115mn bidding at luxury property auction in London
High-value villas, ranches and vineyards were among the offerings at the latest Concierge Auctions event, held last week at Sotheby's London.
Waldorf Astoria-branded scheme in Abu Dhabi sells out on launch day
All 133 luxury new homes at Aldar's Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas were snapped up in less than 24 hours.
Expanding super-prime brokerage recruits APAC market specialist
United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty has brought in Savills high-flier Wai Kit Chan to boost its international reach.
LATEST ARTICLES
PCL dealmaker Harvey Cyzer on the state of play in Mayfair’s property market
The headlines may be bleak, but sales revenue at OB Private’s Mayfair office is up 228% year-on-year - so are smart buyers seeing what others aren’t?
By Harvey Cyzer
‘This isn’t just an expansion – it’s a transformation’: US mega-brokerage Douglas Elliman goes global
Major-league luxury real estate brand sets sights on Europe & beyond; high-profile alliance with UK-based Knight Frank 'mutually concluded' after 15 years.
Ex-Knight Frank partner to head sales at Jefferies London
John White has joined Damien Jefferies' expanding prime property brokerage after ten years at Knight Frank.
Rhodium brings in former LVMH director for global branded residences push
Luxury sector heavyweight Pierre Mallevays joins Dean Main’s super-prime firm as Strategic Advisor, as it eyes more international growth.
Berkeley unveils landmark gasholder conversion in south London
The major developer's latest project is delivering 199 new homes beside one of the UK's most iconic sporting venues