About Us
Who we are
When the history of London property gets written, we'd definitely like to be seen as the early visionaries of co-living, the first to really "get it right".
Landlords
We’re not an estate agency, but we are lettings experts. The basic model is simple enough: we lease a property from a landlord on a 3 to 5-year agreement, and then we rent out the rooms to working professionals. We do all the hard work so the landlord doesn't have to.
Tenants
For tenants, it's a new-and-improved "2.0" version of communal London living. For instance, all of our properties have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and we send a cleaner every week. For professionals wanting to make their mark in London, it takes away a lot of hassle to not have to sit around the kitchen table figuring out who owes what for the heating.
Our Story
Meet the founders of London Shared. Kim and Jake met as estate agency colleagues in 2004. A few years later, on a beach in Thailand, they bumped into one another, nearly by accident. Sitting on the sand sipping cocktails (though Jake swears it was beer), they swapped ideas for making a bigger dent in the UK property industry, and hatched a plan to do it. Back in the Big Smoke, they pooled their nous, ambition, and experience, and together they established London Shared in 2007. The idea? To rent properties from landlords, provide rooms to working professionals, and make co-living easy for all.
Jake Willis
Co-Founder and CEO
Half-British, half-Kiwi, Jake initially went to hospitality school with the plan to run bars and hotels and suchlike. In 2004, he sailed for the north England, arriving in Liverpool, where his dad was a university lecturer. "Straightaway I answered an ad for a sales job. Whoops - it ended up being selling flashing pens door-to-door! So I quit after the first day and went to London." He pulled pints at the White Horse, now adjacent to London Shared's home office. Jake moved on to a small coffee kiosk outside the headquarters of a large estate agency, where he picked up the notion that the property business might be more lucrative. After being asked to interview, Jake managed to get the job and the nickname “coffee boy”. He spent about 3 years of so working his way up the ranks of the agency before taking a sabbatical to a Thai boxing camp in Thailand, and the rest is history… Jake’s big into his health and fitness, with his passion being training and competing in a martial art called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (“basically I get beaten up a lot”). He is a big foodie, with a love of fine dining just as much as random street food. He also likes attempting to be a MasterChef at home with varied results. When not doing the usual travel and meeting up with friends he can be found in the park, trying to stop his dog Mango from eating everything in sight.
Find Out MoreJake Willis
Co-Founder and CEO
Half-British, half-Kiwi, Jake initially went to hospitality school with the plan to run bars and hotels and suchlike. In 2004, he sailed for the north England, arriving in Liverpool, where his dad was a university lecturer. "Straightaway I answered an ad for a sales job. Whoops - it ended up being selling flashing pens door-to-door! So I quit after the first day and went to London." He pulled pints at the White Horse, now adjacent to London Shared's home office. Jake moved on to a small coffee kiosk outside the headquarters of a large estate agency, where he picked up the notion that the property business might be more lucrative. After being asked to interview, Jake managed to get the job and the nickname “coffee boy”. He spent about 3 years of so working his way up the ranks of the agency before taking a sabbatical to a Thai boxing camp in Thailand, and the rest is history… Jake’s big into his health and fitness, with his passion being training and competing in a martial art called Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (“basically I get beaten up a lot”). He is a big foodie, with a love of fine dining just as much as random street food. He also likes attempting to be a MasterChef at home with varied results. When not doing the usual travel and meeting up with friends he can be found in the park, trying to stop his dog Mango from eating everything in sight.
Geovana Teran
Managing Director
Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Geovana came to London when she was 18 with the intention of enrolling in uni to study IT. Luckily for her the minimum age to enrol was 19, and after a yearlong programming course she realised it was not quite as fun as it sounded (apparently it sounded fun…). After hearing a friend rave about how good it was, she decided to do something totally different and study hospitality management at Southbank University. Geovana worked at the Holiday Inn while she studied, initially what was meant to be an internship lasted 4 years and several promotions. After working as an assistant manager at the Rathbone Hotel she decided to move into the property industry, working as an assistant reservations manager for a serviced apartment company and then a property manager at a larger estate agency. She has been in the UK for 9 years now, doing her best to sample all the restaurants of London but also trying out new recipes with her husband. When not travelling she loves watching movies (comedy) and TV series (unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is her current favourite), however she is also partial to a bit of old school fun such as jigsaw puzzles and board games (we are yet to confirm whether she cheats at Monopoly).
Find Out MoreGeovana Teran
Managing Director
Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Geovana came to London when she was 18 with the intention of enrolling in uni to study IT. Luckily for her the minimum age to enrol was 19, and after a yearlong programming course she realised it was not quite as fun as it sounded (apparently it sounded fun…). After hearing a friend rave about how good it was, she decided to do something totally different and study hospitality management at Southbank University. Geovana worked at the Holiday Inn while she studied, initially what was meant to be an internship lasted 4 years and several promotions. After working as an assistant manager at the Rathbone Hotel she decided to move into the property industry, working as an assistant reservations manager for a serviced apartment company and then a property manager at a larger estate agency. She has been in the UK for 9 years now, doing her best to sample all the restaurants of London but also trying out new recipes with her husband. When not travelling she loves watching movies (comedy) and TV series (unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is her current favourite), however she is also partial to a bit of old school fun such as jigsaw puzzles and board games (we are yet to confirm whether she cheats at Monopoly).
Saba Shamim
Head of Property Management
Born in Pakistan and raised in the UK, Saba studied hospitality management at London South Bank University. After a few years working at a number of high-profile hotels, Saba got the call up from London Shared to join our Property Management team. Saba has a love for good food, and not so good food - in fact, she is London Shared's number one supplier of chocolate and sweets to the rest of the team! Saba's love of travel has taken her around the world exploring many different countries. When not travelling, Saba spends most of her time entertaining her cheeky 1 year old niece.
Find Out MoreSaba Shamim
Head of Property Management
Born in Pakistan and raised in the UK, Saba studied hospitality management at London South Bank University. After a few years working at a number of high-profile hotels, Saba got the call up from London Shared to join our Property Management team. Saba has a love for good food, and not so good food - in fact, she is London Shared's number one supplier of chocolate and sweets to the rest of the team! Saba's love of travel has taken her around the world exploring many different countries. When not travelling, Saba spends most of her time entertaining her cheeky 1 year old niece.
Tom Rasmussen
Sales Manager
Another proud Kiwi on the team, Tom moved all the way from Auckland, New Zealand, after a successful 8 years helping grow an award-winning property management company in Auckland. After studying Property at the University of Auckland, Tom moved into property management and quickly found his passion in new business and growth departments, helping clients find the right solution for their investments and guiding them through the process from start to finish. Tom can quickly discover what's important to each of his clients and tailor an individualized plan to help them achieve their goals and create wealth maximization. If there is one thing Tom misses most about home, it's the ocean. Tom grew up on the water, sailing as a young lad and then rowing flat water for 8 years before moving into Surf Boat Rowing and Surf Life Saving for Piha SLSC. You will often find Tom wandering around the rowing clubs in Putney, wondering if he still has got it. We haven't seen him jump in a boat yet, but think it's only a matter of time…
Find Out MoreTom Rasmussen
Sales Manager
Another proud Kiwi on the team, Tom moved all the way from Auckland, New Zealand, after a successful 8 years helping grow an award-winning property management company in Auckland. After studying Property at the University of Auckland, Tom moved into property management and quickly found his passion in new business and growth departments, helping clients find the right solution for their investments and guiding them through the process from start to finish. Tom can quickly discover what's important to each of his clients and tailor an individualized plan to help them achieve their goals and create wealth maximization. If there is one thing Tom misses most about home, it's the ocean. Tom grew up on the water, sailing as a young lad and then rowing flat water for 8 years before moving into Surf Boat Rowing and Surf Life Saving for Piha SLSC. You will often find Tom wandering around the rowing clubs in Putney, wondering if he still has got it. We haven't seen him jump in a boat yet, but think it's only a matter of time…
Gareth Hansen
Senior Property Manager
Meet Gareth, born and raised in Cape Town South Africa. He fell inlove with the property Industry during his time as a Hotel and Property Manager along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town. He loves meeting new people from all over the world and servicing them with long term accommodation within his property portfolio. He enjoyed the challenge of maintaining his properties and assuring that his clients were happy. When he is not working he enjoys spending time with his Fiancè and two beautiful children Cain and Capri. They enjoy going on family outings and taking their dog for walks to the parks. He is also a typical sports guy. He enjoys following the UFC, Boxing, Football and Rugby. Hardcore Springboks fan! His blood is green and gold (Go Bokke!)
Find Out MoreGareth Hansen
Senior Property Manager
Meet Gareth, born and raised in Cape Town South Africa. He fell inlove with the property Industry during his time as a Hotel and Property Manager along the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town. He loves meeting new people from all over the world and servicing them with long term accommodation within his property portfolio. He enjoyed the challenge of maintaining his properties and assuring that his clients were happy. When he is not working he enjoys spending time with his Fiancè and two beautiful children Cain and Capri. They enjoy going on family outings and taking their dog for walks to the parks. He is also a typical sports guy. He enjoys following the UFC, Boxing, Football and Rugby. Hardcore Springboks fan! His blood is green and gold (Go Bokke!)
Jan Izak Marx
Senior Property Manager
Born and raised in Paarl, just outside of Cape Town South Africa. After working in the engineering industry for a couple of years, I was looking for something different. Eventually I found myself in Real Estate where I previously worked in both the rental as well as sales side of the business. I quickly realised that the maintenance and client serving aspect was what I enjoyed most about my day to day tasks. I am your typical South African who loves to braai and watch sports. When it comes to sports, rugby definitely tops the list with the Cape Town Stormers and the Springboks being the two teams I will always back. When I am not working or enjoying the game you will find me, my girlfriend and our baby (German Shorthaired Pointer dog) out walking or playing with her best friend, the tennis ball, in the park.
Find Out MoreJan Izak Marx
Senior Property Manager
Born and raised in Paarl, just outside of Cape Town South Africa. After working in the engineering industry for a couple of years, I was looking for something different. Eventually I found myself in Real Estate where I previously worked in both the rental as well as sales side of the business. I quickly realised that the maintenance and client serving aspect was what I enjoyed most about my day to day tasks. I am your typical South African who loves to braai and watch sports. When it comes to sports, rugby definitely tops the list with the Cape Town Stormers and the Springboks being the two teams I will always back. When I am not working or enjoying the game you will find me, my girlfriend and our baby (German Shorthaired Pointer dog) out walking or playing with her best friend, the tennis ball, in the park.
Shay Forbes
Property Manager
Born and raised in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Shay has always loved being in the Real Estate industry and always found herself in it ever since graduating from high school. Dealing with clients on a daily basis and seeing or hearing them happy is what warms her heart. Shay spends most of her time outdoors exploring new places amongst nature with her family and her cute furbaby. She also loves watching movies (especially comedy) with loads of popcorn and chocolate.
Find Out MoreShay Forbes
Property Manager
Born and raised in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. Shay has always loved being in the Real Estate industry and always found herself in it ever since graduating from high school. Dealing with clients on a daily basis and seeing or hearing them happy is what warms her heart. Shay spends most of her time outdoors exploring new places amongst nature with her family and her cute furbaby. She also loves watching movies (especially comedy) with loads of popcorn and chocolate.
Dane Pillay
Property Manager
Born and raised in South Africa. Dane studied a BCOM strategic management degree and is passionate about the property industry. He gained his experience working as a property letting agent and then became a property manager for 4 years before joining our team. He is a very friendly person who loves keeping good relationships with his clients. Dane likes to spend his free time outdoors in nature and enjoys a good hike. He is a big premier league football fan and loves watching the games with friends.
Find Out MoreDane Pillay
Property Manager
Born and raised in South Africa. Dane studied a BCOM strategic management degree and is passionate about the property industry. He gained his experience working as a property letting agent and then became a property manager for 4 years before joining our team. He is a very friendly person who loves keeping good relationships with his clients. Dane likes to spend his free time outdoors in nature and enjoys a good hike. He is a big premier league football fan and loves watching the games with friends.
Wilman Grobler
Property Manager
Born and raised in a small coastal town of South Africa called Gansbaai, Wilman is a qualified personal trainer and rugby coach. After managing the operational side of a gym and later-on a factory, a career move to property management seemed fit (no pun intended here!). Managing contractors and making sure the job gets done, is what keeps him going and smiling. A man of few words, Wilman enjoys family outings with his wife and baby boy, and when he is not enjoying the African sun by fishing, braaing, camping or hunting, you will most probably find him behind his gaming PC conquering the battlefield.
Find Out MoreWilman Grobler
Property Manager
Born and raised in a small coastal town of South Africa called Gansbaai, Wilman is a qualified personal trainer and rugby coach. After managing the operational side of a gym and later-on a factory, a career move to property management seemed fit (no pun intended here!). Managing contractors and making sure the job gets done, is what keeps him going and smiling. A man of few words, Wilman enjoys family outings with his wife and baby boy, and when he is not enjoying the African sun by fishing, braaing, camping or hunting, you will most probably find him behind his gaming PC conquering the battlefield.
Nasima Maharaj
Property Manager
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Nasima studied Public Relations and Media, she quickly then became interested in the Property Industry and thought why not give it a chance and now having more than 6 years' worth experience, which has shown her that she is always ready to take on new challenges while also thriving on the enduring ties she has made through networking and meeting new people, it was all worth it! Nasima has an immense passion for Property. Nasima has a fur baby, Richy, that she loves and who she shares her favourite delicacies with. Nothing beats having a fur baby as your best friend! After visiting many different countries and islands around the world during her travels, Nasima loves the outdoors and the ocean. The ocean holds a special place in her heart. It is unsurpassed! Her husband is her biggest motivator and go to person, Nasima also believes that work is her priority, but so is family, family is everything. It’s all about the quality of life and finding a happy balance between work, family & friends.
Find Out MoreNasima Maharaj
Property Manager
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Nasima studied Public Relations and Media, she quickly then became interested in the Property Industry and thought why not give it a chance and now having more than 6 years' worth experience, which has shown her that she is always ready to take on new challenges while also thriving on the enduring ties she has made through networking and meeting new people, it was all worth it! Nasima has an immense passion for Property. Nasima has a fur baby, Richy, that she loves and who she shares her favourite delicacies with. Nothing beats having a fur baby as your best friend! After visiting many different countries and islands around the world during her travels, Nasima loves the outdoors and the ocean. The ocean holds a special place in her heart. It is unsurpassed! Her husband is her biggest motivator and go to person, Nasima also believes that work is her priority, but so is family, family is everything. It’s all about the quality of life and finding a happy balance between work, family & friends.
Amelia Lay
Interior Designer
Amelia came to London all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand. She is born and bred a Kiwi- spending weekends on her grandparents farm, riding motorbikes, driving the truck and picking up pine cones to sell on her street back home. Amelia has grown up with travel and culture being very important to her. During her childhood she visited many Asian and Pacific Island countries. After graduating high school, Amelia took a gap year and travelled to small town Boise, Idaho for a season working at a Summer Camp as a ski instructor/boat driver. She then put on her hiking boots and trekked through the Himalayas. Amelia completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management but after helping her parents build a new home she soon realised her real passion is interior design and fashion. On her way to London Shared she threw on a backpack and followed the Mediterranean for 3 months, getting to know the local beaches and culinary delights. In her spare time Amelia likes to hill walk, she says so far that’s proving difficult to do in London! Most weekends you will find Amelia at the markets sampling the food and rummaging through the clothing stalls looking for the next big trend.
Find Out MoreAmelia Lay
Interior Designer
Amelia came to London all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand. She is born and bred a Kiwi- spending weekends on her grandparents farm, riding motorbikes, driving the truck and picking up pine cones to sell on her street back home. Amelia has grown up with travel and culture being very important to her. During her childhood she visited many Asian and Pacific Island countries. After graduating high school, Amelia took a gap year and travelled to small town Boise, Idaho for a season working at a Summer Camp as a ski instructor/boat driver. She then put on her hiking boots and trekked through the Himalayas. Amelia completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management but after helping her parents build a new home she soon realised her real passion is interior design and fashion. On her way to London Shared she threw on a backpack and followed the Mediterranean for 3 months, getting to know the local beaches and culinary delights. In her spare time Amelia likes to hill walk, she says so far that’s proving difficult to do in London! Most weekends you will find Amelia at the markets sampling the food and rummaging through the clothing stalls looking for the next big trend.
Kate Murdock
Office Manager and Lettings Administrator
You'll often be greeted by Kate on the phone, or when you pop into our (very well looked after) office. Kate keeps everyone at London Shared on their toes, making sure that we do everything properly and that the office is organised to perfection. Born in South West London (literally, on her bathroom floor!), Kate loves London and exploring the great city. One of her favourite places to relax in is overlooking the lake on Wimbledon Common. Kate loves being artistic and studied a degree in Technical Arts and Special Effects at Wimbledon School of Art before having a career change and working as a Manager at a local Wandsworth nursery. After deciding to swap children for dogs in the work place Kate joined the London Shared team. She obviously ignored the advice about never working with children or animals.. In her spare time Kate loves catching up with friends and is also a big foodie! She loves being in the kitchen baking and her chocolate brownies go down very well in the office! Kate loves the beach, especially Cornwall where she spent most of her childhood holidays. She says there is nothing better than a BBQ on the beach and believes life is always better with a cocktail in hand!
Find Out MoreKate Murdock
Office Manager and Lettings Administrator
You'll often be greeted by Kate on the phone, or when you pop into our (very well looked after) office. Kate keeps everyone at London Shared on their toes, making sure that we do everything properly and that the office is organised to perfection. Born in South West London (literally, on her bathroom floor!), Kate loves London and exploring the great city. One of her favourite places to relax in is overlooking the lake on Wimbledon Common. Kate loves being artistic and studied a degree in Technical Arts and Special Effects at Wimbledon School of Art before having a career change and working as a Manager at a local Wandsworth nursery. After deciding to swap children for dogs in the work place Kate joined the London Shared team. She obviously ignored the advice about never working with children or animals.. In her spare time Kate loves catching up with friends and is also a big foodie! She loves being in the kitchen baking and her chocolate brownies go down very well in the office! Kate loves the beach, especially Cornwall where she spent most of her childhood holidays. She says there is nothing better than a BBQ on the beach and believes life is always better with a cocktail in hand!
Mango Dog
Office Mascot
Mango has been with London Shared since day one – watching us grow from working in a small former janitors closest to the offices we are in today! He can be found each day in our office, cosying up to whoever has food (he’s very fickle), or lying in the middle of the office getting his stomach rubbed.
Find Out MoreMango Dog
Office Mascot
Mango has been with London Shared since day one – watching us grow from working in a small former janitors closest to the offices we are in today! He can be found each day in our office, cosying up to whoever has food (he’s very fickle), or lying in the middle of the office getting his stomach rubbed.
Milo and Tofu
Junior Mascots
We firmly believe every office should have at least one dog, and where possible, 3 or more...Milo and Tofu are best friends and the resident trouble makers of London Shared
Find Out MoreMilo and Tofu
Junior Mascots
We firmly believe every office should have at least one dog, and where possible, 3 or more...Milo and Tofu are best friends and the resident trouble makers of London Shared