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.
Lize Van Den Heever
Property Manager
Lize grew up in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which is known for its wine farms (she’s still a lightweight!) After a brief stint in Property Management, Lize moved to Cape Town to work in Sales. Although she enjoyed the pace and thrill, she knew Property Management was her calling so found herself happily at London Shared! When she's not working hard, Lize is spending time with her adorable daughter, Claire, taking walks on the beach, or enjoying a good movie.
Find Out MoreLize Van Den Heever
Property Manager
Lize grew up in Stellenbosch, South Africa, which is known for its wine farms (she’s still a lightweight!) After a brief stint in Property Management, Lize moved to Cape Town to work in Sales. Although she enjoyed the pace and thrill, she knew Property Management was her calling so found herself happily at London Shared! When she's not working hard, Lize is spending time with her adorable daughter, Claire, taking walks on the beach, or enjoying a good movie.
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.
Craig Gebhardt
Property Manager
Born and raised in Evander Mpumalanga, after completing High School Craig studied occupational Health and Safety at Nosa international where his career took off working on Diamond & Gold mines all over Southern Africa as an occupational Health and Safety Officer. Craig then relocated to Cape Town in 2011 at the age of 21 to work for Family in the Automotive industry Mercedez Benz Cape Town Motor Corporation as a Parts Manager, One of Craig biggest dreams was to work on Superyachts, 2019 he completed all his Super yachting courses and traveled to Palma De Mallorca to start his career in the yachting industry after dock walking for a few months, he then started working in Saudi Arabia as a Houseman for a VVIP client where he was promoted to a Teamleader, After traveling for 2 years Craig decided that the Real Estate industry is something that he always found interesting and Started working For Greeff Properties as a Relationship Manager where he then got promoted to Office Manager. When not Travelling and exploring new places learning new cultures, Craig enjoys hiking and going to the beach, Staying in Cape Town is a true blessing there is always something to do especially in Nature which Craig really enjoys connecting with nature and connecting with Earth.
Find Out MoreCraig Gebhardt
Property Manager
Born and raised in Evander Mpumalanga, after completing High School Craig studied occupational Health and Safety at Nosa international where his career took off working on Diamond & Gold mines all over Southern Africa as an occupational Health and Safety Officer. Craig then relocated to Cape Town in 2011 at the age of 21 to work for Family in the Automotive industry Mercedez Benz Cape Town Motor Corporation as a Parts Manager, One of Craig biggest dreams was to work on Superyachts, 2019 he completed all his Super yachting courses and traveled to Palma De Mallorca to start his career in the yachting industry after dock walking for a few months, he then started working in Saudi Arabia as a Houseman for a VVIP client where he was promoted to a Teamleader, After traveling for 2 years Craig decided that the Real Estate industry is something that he always found interesting and Started working For Greeff Properties as a Relationship Manager where he then got promoted to Office Manager. When not Travelling and exploring new places learning new cultures, Craig enjoys hiking and going to the beach, Staying in Cape Town is a true blessing there is always something to do especially in Nature which Craig really enjoys connecting with nature and connecting with Earth.
Gareth Hansen
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
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!)
Adam Mason
Operations and Solutions
Born in Reading UK, and half raised in the city and the Sussex countryside , spending a little time in Italy by the sea, before gravitating back to London to pursue his dreams. Adam has always been a city boy at heart. He studied at Art college in Surrey, coming away with an advanced diploma in Fine Art and Art History. One of his first jobs was as a Runner at Pinewood Studios, dashing tea, coffee and scripts around sets. And where he also played Chess with Ted Danson and trod on the foot of Sean Connery... Adam has been writing a book for over a year now. A big, epic present day Sci-Fi novel inspired by a very deep dream he managed to write down in the middle of the night to remember in the morning, a rare human triumph! His aim is to get it published and launched over the next 2 years, if his idea eventually stops growing into a lord of the rings... In his spare time he is a lifelong Arsenal fan and a big lover of boxing. When he’s not watching and cheering on his team or favourite champs and contenders, he loves to paint his own original artwork. He’s a huge enthusiast and particularly fascinated by all forms of global street and urban art.
Find Out MoreAdam Mason
Operations and Solutions
Born in Reading UK, and half raised in the city and the Sussex countryside , spending a little time in Italy by the sea, before gravitating back to London to pursue his dreams. Adam has always been a city boy at heart. He studied at Art college in Surrey, coming away with an advanced diploma in Fine Art and Art History. One of his first jobs was as a Runner at Pinewood Studios, dashing tea, coffee and scripts around sets. And where he also played Chess with Ted Danson and trod on the foot of Sean Connery... Adam has been writing a book for over a year now. A big, epic present day Sci-Fi novel inspired by a very deep dream he managed to write down in the middle of the night to remember in the morning, a rare human triumph! His aim is to get it published and launched over the next 2 years, if his idea eventually stops growing into a lord of the rings... In his spare time he is a lifelong Arsenal fan and a big lover of boxing. When he’s not watching and cheering on his team or favourite champs and contenders, he loves to paint his own original artwork. He’s a huge enthusiast and particularly fascinated by all forms of global street and urban art.
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 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 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!
Patrick Willis
Lettings Manager
Patrick grew up in Cheshire and was educated at a school on the Welsh border, where he spent the majority of his time playing sport, notably football, cricket and rugby. After his A-Levels, he had a year working in customer service in the family business where he would drive across the country to meet clients. Before starting University, Patrick travelled around Canada to spend time with family and gain international work experience. At University, Patrick studied Business and Enterprise as well as playing regular first team football and cricket. He now lives in Fulham with friends and enjoys (or despairs at) watching Manchester United and attending home games at Old Trafford and more local away matches, as often as possible. He enjoys cars and is interested in horse racing.
Find Out MorePatrick Willis
Lettings Manager
Patrick grew up in Cheshire and was educated at a school on the Welsh border, where he spent the majority of his time playing sport, notably football, cricket and rugby. After his A-Levels, he had a year working in customer service in the family business where he would drive across the country to meet clients. Before starting University, Patrick travelled around Canada to spend time with family and gain international work experience. At University, Patrick studied Business and Enterprise as well as playing regular first team football and cricket. He now lives in Fulham with friends and enjoys (or despairs at) watching Manchester United and attending home games at Old Trafford and more local away matches, as often as possible. He enjoys cars and is interested in horse racing.
Ema Lowe
Lettings Negotiator
Ema was born and raised in the little town of Piešťany, Slovakia, and moved to the Cotswolds at the age of five, where she had to learn English from scratch. She then went on to explore several wonderful spots across the world, including Bali, Sri Lanka, and the Dominican Republic, as well as gain professional experience with a marketing agency in Shanghai. After that, she earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing from Birmingham City University in 2021. She now resides in Wandsworth, where she spends her weekends strolling through the commons, shopping with friends, and sipping on cocktails.
Find Out MoreEma Lowe
Lettings Negotiator
Ema was born and raised in the little town of Piešťany, Slovakia, and moved to the Cotswolds at the age of five, where she had to learn English from scratch. She then went on to explore several wonderful spots across the world, including Bali, Sri Lanka, and the Dominican Republic, as well as gain professional experience with a marketing agency in Shanghai. After that, she earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing from Birmingham City University in 2021. She now resides in Wandsworth, where she spends her weekends strolling through the commons, shopping with friends, and sipping on cocktails.
Charlie Jeffery
Lettings Negotiator
Charlie was born in Guildford and raised in West Sussex. Growing up Charlie spent a lot of time in different countries and lots of traveling including a few years living in Argentina, Buenos Aires. After coming back to the UK Charlie went to Highfield prep school, followed by Seaford college where he stayed until finishing his A levels. Charlie moved to Sydney when he was 20 and stayed there for a year, landing himself a sales job selling utilities door to door (top salesman within the first 3 months we should mention!). After coming back from Sydney his property passion pushed him toward the industry finding himself working for London shared where he joined us as a letting negotiator. In his spare time he likes the usual socialising with friends, DJing in his spare time, and going out (basically, he loves going to the pub...).
Find Out MoreCharlie Jeffery
Lettings Negotiator
Charlie was born in Guildford and raised in West Sussex. Growing up Charlie spent a lot of time in different countries and lots of traveling including a few years living in Argentina, Buenos Aires. After coming back to the UK Charlie went to Highfield prep school, followed by Seaford college where he stayed until finishing his A levels. Charlie moved to Sydney when he was 20 and stayed there for a year, landing himself a sales job selling utilities door to door (top salesman within the first 3 months we should mention!). After coming back from Sydney his property passion pushed him toward the industry finding himself working for London shared where he joined us as a letting negotiator. In his spare time he likes the usual socialising with friends, DJing in his spare time, and going out (basically, he loves going to the pub...).
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