Across the Pond & Above the Rest: The Vision Behind Luxury Collective UK

Compass Luxury sat down with agent John Eric to discuss his bold leap across the Atlantic and the launch of Luxury Collective UK, a boutique brokerage he co-founded with Anna-Louisa Yon that blends deep local expertise with a truly international perspective, serving clients in London’s most iconic neighborhoods.

What inspired you to launch Luxury Collective UK, and what was your vision behind expanding internationally?

Our expansion into London directly responded to the evolving needs of our global clientele, particularly Americans seeking trusted representation in a complex, unfamiliar, and often challenging market. They needed a brokerage that understood the intricacies of London’s property landscape and could translate expectations, align strategies, and deliver clarity across both sides of the Atlantic. The vision behind The Luxury Collective UK is to redefine the international buying and selling experience, bridging cultural and regulatory divides with precision, insight, and discretion.

For my business partner, Anna-Louisa Yon, and me, this wasn’t just a business decision; it was the realization of a long-held dream to work at the highest level in both the U.S. and U.K. markets. Personally, having spent decades in London, this expansion brought together my deep connection to the city with my passion for real estate, allowing me to help fellow Americans find their place here with confidence and ease.

Why London? What stood out to you about the city and its luxury real estate market?

London is luxury real estate personified. It is more than a global capital, it’s a cultural institution. With its unparalleled architectural heritage, world-class institutions, and extraordinary neighborhoods, it has long attracted those who seek both legacy and lifestyle. London truly stands out because it can be timeless without being stuck in the past. The city embraces its history while constantly innovating, honoring tradition even as it reimagines the future. From the stately elegance of Prime Central London to the energy of up-and-coming neighborhoods, London evolves with purpose and poise.

For us, this expansion was deeply personal. I often say I’m a Californian by birth, a Washingtonian by choice, and a Londoner by heart and soul. Anna and I genuinely love this city, its rhythm, elegance, and remarkable diversity. We wanted to build something in a place that inspires us, and London does that every day.

From the grandeur of super-prime residences to the excitement of helping someone purchase their first flat, we proudly serve clients across the entire spectrum, from Mayfair and Chelsea to Hampstead, Richmond, and beyond. London delivers with depth, sophistication, and soul. For those seeking a European lifestyle, this city offers something rare: the chance to live in a place that honors its past, leads in the present, and is always looking ahead. That’s what makes London truly extraordinary.

How does the London luxury market differ from major U.S. cities, and what unique opportunities do you see there?

Unlike New York or Washington, where buyer’s representation is institutionalized, London has historically leaned toward a more opaque, seller-oriented system. But that’s changing, especially in Prime Central London and affluent areas like Richmond.

In recent years, the influence of American buyers, particularly in the super prime arena, has reshaped the expectations of the marketplace. These clients arrive with a clear demand for fiduciary-level advocacy, and as a result, buyer’s agency has increasingly become standard in top-tier transactions. It’s a striking example of how global capital and cultural preferences are evolving the London model and why having the right team matters more than ever.

This is where we thrive. Our value lies in bridging two worlds: we bring the strategic discipline and clarity American clients expect, while operating with the local fluency and discretion London demands. We offer more than guidance for clients navigating an unfamiliar system, and we offer certainty. From expanded due diligence to lifestyle matchmaking, our bespoke approach eliminates uncertainty and unlocks opportunity in one of the world’s most sophisticated real estate markets.

Are there any specific neighborhoods or types of properties in London you’re most focused on or excited about right now?

While we work across the city, our focus is on London’s most iconic and architecturally significant neighborhoods—places where heritage, design, and lifestyle converge. Whether clients are relocating, investing, or moving within London, our approach is always bespoke, tailored to individual goals and expectations. We are especially drawn to neighborhoods that offer long-term value, aesthetic integrity, and enduring lifestyle appeal—a rare balance of historic charm and modern opportunity.

London’s most desirable areas are defined by their architecture, each telling a story of the city’s evolution. In Belgravia, grand Georgian terraces with white stucco façades line private garden squares like Eaton and Chester, exemplifying 19th-century elegance and symmetry. Mayfair blends classic refinement with constant reinvention, where Georgian townhouses and Victorian mansions sit alongside cutting-edge developments on Mount Street and Grosvenor Square. Notting Hill, once the heart of bohemian London, now charms with its polished rows of pastel-colored Victorian homes, wide leafy avenues, and communal garden crescents.

To the north, St. John’s Wood offers architectural breathing room, with elegant detached villas and Edwardian homes set back on quiet streets, many with the kind of privacy and gardens rarely found so close to central London. Holland Park, equally coveted, blends historic Victorian townhouses with bold modern residences, from glass-wrapped homes to discreet contemporary builds tucked behind traditional façades. Across these neighborhoods, architecture isn’t just beautiful, it’s livable, legacy-driven, and deeply connected to lifestyle.

At the same time, London is a city in motion. The rapid sell-out of the Peninsula Residences, an iconic addition to Belgravia connected to the five-star Peninsula Hotel, speaks to the growing demand for branded luxury and hotel-style living. These new builds add a contemporary layer to the city’s rich architectural fabric, merging high design, world-class service, and coveted locations. In London, legacy and innovation are not in conflict; they are partners, making it one of the most compelling luxury markets in the world.

On a personal note, while I love all aspects of Prime Central London, a few neighborhoods resonate deeply with me. Holland Park, St. John’s Wood, and Hampstead Heath are perennial favorites, each offering a distinct sense of place and lifestyle. And then there’s Belgravia, my London home base. From my favorite Waitrose to trusted dry cleaners, beloved neighborhood restaurants, and the ease of reaching Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, or Sloane Street in minutes, it’s an area that delivers convenience, elegance, and charm in equal measure.

What does Luxury Collective UK offer that sets it apart from other brokerages in London?

We are not a traditional London estate agency. As a boutique high street firm with a global perspective, we are uniquely positioned to serve American clients seeking clarity, discretion, and strategic insight in the London market. From our office in Berkeley House, just off Berkeley Square in Mayfair, we operate at the heart of Prime Central London, offering direct access to the city's most sought-after properties and private opportunities.

Our strength lies in translating complexity into clarity. We break the entire process down using American terminology and frameworks, ensuring our clients feel informed, empowered, and in control from the outset. From navigating leaseholds to understanding stamp duty, our job is to simplify the unfamiliar, and make every step seamless. We act as trusted estate agent advisors, offering nuanced guidance that blends U.S. business acumen with London market expertise.

Our approach is anticipatory, not reactive. We solve challenges before they arise and deliver concierge-level service that is bespoke, strategic, and deeply personal. Our curated network of top-tier professionals, solicitors, surveyors, private bankers, mortgage brokers, and tax specialists ensures that our clients receive white-glove treatment at every stage of the transaction. This is not a referral list. It is a fully integrated ecosystem, built to our standards of excellence.

From our Mayfair headquarters, we deliver a cross-border real estate experience unlike any other. For Americans seeking a home, an investment, or a fresh start in London, we provide certainty in a complex market and a trusted partner on both sides of the Atlantic.

For Compass agents with globally minded clients, what’s the best way to collaborate with you as a referral partner?

We love to collaborate, and we make it effortless. Compass agents are encouraged to contact us directly to discuss their clients’ goals, whether they’re seeking a second home, relocating, or investing in London’s prime neighborhoods. From the initial introduction, we take the reins with white-glove service, total transparency, and proactive communication throughout the entire process.

Every referral is handled with the highest level of care and discretion. As Compass agents ourselves, we understand the trust involved in handing off a valued client. We align expectations across markets, bridge cultural nuances, and ensure the experience reflects positively on everyone involved.

And if you’d like to join your clients during their search in London, we welcome it; come along as we tour properties together. We’ll handle every detail while ensuring you're part of the journey. Simply reach out, we’re ready when you are.