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.
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.
What to read next
London’s super-prime market ‘remains resilient’ as international buyers secure trophy homes
£10mn-plus deals were flowing in PCL during Q3 as top-end purchasers reacted to some political certainty.
The developer’s view: Why delivering super-prime homes in London is getting tougher
Andri Chanturia examines the challenges facing the capital’s top-end projects - from planning bottlenecks to rising build costs and global supply chain delays - and how delivery strategies are adapting…
‘The London market has turned a corner,’ reports super-prime agency despite slump in £15mn+ sales
41% fewer ultra-prime sales were agreed in Prime Central London in the first half of this year compared to 2024, but Beauchamp Estates thinks the market is now 'levelling out'.
By PrimeResi
Most read
Super-prime construction firm builds leadership team
Knowles makes trio of senior appointments amid ‘increasing demand’ for top-end services in London and further afield.
Rare receivership sale completed on Eaton Square
Lateral Belgravia penthouse sells above guide after drawing ‘very high’ viewing numbers.
High-profile developer wins £1.9mn SDLT battle over Chelsea mega-mansion
Upper Tribunal dismisses HMRC appeal in long-running tax dispute.
‘A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’: Historic Cotswolds estate hits the open market
Grade II* mansion in 230 acres, used as a school for more than a century, has the potential to be reborn as a spectacular private residence.
Developer offers £42k private school sweetener to homebuyers
Two years of fees are on the table at a north London scheme as firms look to tempt purchasers with increasingly inventive incentives.
Former CBRE director launches independent advisory
Rian Strauss says international clients often have plenty of advisers, but still lack someone 'who can look across the whole situation'.
‘2026 likely to prove one of the lowest years for London transaction volumes on record,’ warns Foxtons boss
Major estate agency's profits hit hard by 'materially lower' sales volumes and 'short-term volatility' in the lettings market.
By PrimeResi
Savills completes $1.1bn real estate investment bank acquisition
The big deal 'accelerates Savills strategy to scale in North America while strengthening its leadership position in both EMEA and Asia Pacific.'
By PrimeResi
Knightsbridge Gate nears sell-out after £30mn double deal
Middle Eastern buyer picks up two neighbouring apartments at the luxury PCL scheme, leaving just one residence available.
In Pictures: Goddard Littlefair completes contrasting show residences at The OWO
‘What drew us in was the idea of two residents with quite different ways of living’, says design studio, revealing two takes on life at the Raffles-branded Whitehall landmark.
LATEST ARTICLES
Revealed: Rightmove’s ten most viewed property listings of 2026 so far
It's an eclectic bunch, ranging from a £250k cliff-edge cottage to a £20mn Gothic mansion, via a mediaeval Scottish castle and a Victorian Manchester villa.
By PrimeResi
Former CBRE director launches independent advisory
Rian Strauss says international clients often have plenty of advisers, but still lack someone 'who can look across the whole situation'.
Forbes Global Properties lands in South Africa
Luxury brokerage network signs Keegan Steyn's Cape Town firm as its first representative on the continent.
Family offices & bulk investors turn out for Saudi property showcase in Mayfair
Chancery Rosewood hosts second UK-Saudi exhibition as organisers claim £65.7mn of opening-day sales and reservations.
8/10 UK adults believe lifetime gifts trump inheritance, but most hold back
Research flags 'a genuine shift in how people think about wealth, away from the traditional inheritance model and towards active giving during their lifetime.'
By PrimeResi