Buying London star Alex Bourne has sold properties for anything between £1 million and £200 million – so has the TV star ever encountered extreme diva attitudes in the process? The entrepreneur, who launched his own real estate agency catering to the ultra-wealthy, London House, revealed all in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.
Despite virtually turning houses upside down to cater to clients’ redesign visions, and finding everything from private chefs to recording studios for those on his books, Alex says wealth doesn’t necessarily equate to being demanding. “Some people are extremely divaish [but] that doesn’t come with a price tag,” he exclaimed.
“We deal with the whole spectrum of people… pop stars, Hollywood A-listers, international royalty, multimillionaire entrepreneurs – and, like, all of us, everyone’s different.” Alex has even given David and Victoria new neighbours, after selling “several” properties on the exclusive Cotswolds street they live on.
However, one of his favourite experiences was dealing with a Middle Eastern royal family member, who purchased a £17 million Knightsbridge townhouse. The profits from that sale kicked off Alex’s property business, and he has fond memories of “building up a friendship” with him.
“He hadn’t been in London before, so we went out and purchased rugs with him, found him a personal chef and security, and it built up a long-term relationship with that gentleman, who in turn has sold with us five times over,” he explained. “I think the real treat about what we do is becoming friends with our clients. Some people describe us as a private members’ club,” Alex continued, adding that he’s been invited to buyers’ weddings and bar mitzvahs after successful sales have gone through.
Despite that, there can be curveballs, with Alex revealing that “life-changing deals” have sometimes fallen through, and the tough negotiation process can mean “friendships really get tested”.
“[That can happen] in the middle of a transaction, but ultimately you will [then] go out for lunch or dinner with them the next day, so it’s all about collaboration!” he exclaimed.
Meanwhile, he takes “unusual requests” in his stride, revealing: “We’ve found chefs for people, recording studios, car showrooms – lots of requests, and we don’t just stop at selling property.
“We sell the whole lifestyle – we go above and beyond for our clients.”
Alex, a former actor who switched careers after a decade to provide more security for his wife Rachel Stevens and their two children, has promised his role in the Buying London TV show will provide hours of entertainment.
Viewers will experience the intense “pressure” behind the scenes of “the biggest deals in prime central London” and a “window into iconic homes” being snapped up by the capital’s most elite clients.
“You get a sneak peek into properties you might never see in everyday life,” he added.
Discover more about London’s discreet prime real estate experts here.