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Laying the foundations for exclusive home building
Acquisitions
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Joseph Murphy
Co-founder
Joseph Murphy is a co-founder of Gecko Developments, holding the position of Director of Acquisitions. His intrinsic knowledge of the West London property market was honed in the estate agency sector, first working at a highly-regarded independent business from 2000, before co-founding his own award winning agency in 2009. Joseph grew the company from a small home office to a four branch network with offices located in Acton, Chiswick, Ealing & Shepherds Bush. Joseph successfully sold his shares in the company and exited the business in 2018 to pursue his career in property development. He brings with him more than two decades of in depth local property knowledge, valuing expertise, and a great understanding of financial and economic trends that impact the property market. His key roles are sourcing new development opportunities, project managing the planning process, leading the design concept and resale of the completed developments. Joseph has developed an outstanding reputation for sourcing on and off market opportunities, using his tenacity and in depth knowledge of the investment market. With over 22 years in the industry, he has established an exceptional relationship with select clients and consults on the private acquisition and disposal of a large number of their investment properties. Joseph lives in Acton with his wife and daughter and is very much part of his local community.
Meet Alistair
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Welcome
Gecko devotes itself to property development fit for London’s residential future, setting new benchmarks in design and craftsmanship in the process. We run a company that fosters high levels of trust, transparency and accountability through our client based approach and personal touch. You will find Gecko working in West London’s most coveted locations, where our in-house craftsmen deliver ambitious new builds and sensitive refurbishment projects to the capital’s most discerning buyers.
What we do We formed Gecko to revolutionise residential property development, bringing together the fresh minds and forward-thinking needed to progress London’s residential future. Our love is for the rare, the unusual and the creative, but also for the contemporary and the cutting edge. From one-off statement residences to small, highly-specified apartment collections, we take pleasure in marrying time-honoured craftsmanship with solutions for modern life. You will find Gecko working in London’s most coveted locations, where we deliver ambitious new builds and sensitive refurbishment projects to the capital’s most discerning buyers.
View past projects
Gecko Developments is continually seeking residential, mixed use and land opportunities in West London. As we are privately funded with our own equity sources, we can move with speed to complete on any potential development site. Please get in touch.
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info@geckodevelopments.com
020 8560 2039
Meet Joseph
Alistair Bown
Alistair Bown is a co-founder of Gecko Developments, holding the position of Development Director. His background in law carries immense value in the property industry, twinned with his passion for consummate construction. Far from just a ‘suit’, Alistair has hands-on knowledge of property redevelopment, having started Bown Design & Build in 2008, an interior refurbishment specialist, the business now employs up to 25 skilled tradesmen and the teams can be found working across sites in West London. Gecko Developments has been set up in the same manner with the same ethos of quality work and finishes with their own in house tradesmen working under Alistair’s direct supervision across the portfolio. Alistair’s deep understanding of what it actually takes to build, extend, remodel and refurbish desirable residential properties more than qualifies him to manage Gecko’s projects. Alistair’s personal supervision ensures the interior design concepts are maximised to their full potential, resources are sourced and managed, timescales are met and details delivered precisely on every site. Alistair is married and lives with his wife and 3 children in Wimbledon and is heavily engaged in charity work outside of his professional life.
View current projects
Our property portfolio is a result of meticulous planning, extensive research and exacting execution, made possible thanks to our highly-skilled workforce. They deliver a seismic team effort time and time again, leaving London a legacy of sublime new homes.
Mechanical & Electrical
Project Management
Our knowledge and experience of residential construction projects led us to quickly realise that the very best trades – electricians, plumbers, audio/communication specialists and engineers – need to be on board from day one. Our trade team works together to ensure every stage of a project is anticipated, including meeting sustainable standards, pre-planning, first fix and final testing. The Gecko in-house structure also enables us to work closely with partners and clients, delivering proactive and reactive solutions that are unique to every project.
Quality
Health & Safety
Aftercare
Interior Design
Landscaping
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Each of our projects is personally managed by one of Gecko’s directors, who uses their experience and knowledge to ensure standards are upheld and timescales met. Our ability to manage planning, construction schedules and trade resources in acute real time is unrivalled in our local West London market, therefore our outcomes are superior in terms of quality, design and durability. Gecko also sets itself apart by employing its own construction team – highly unusual but hugely advantageous, enabling us to handpick skilled trades who come with impeccable track records. With our dedicated teams of subcontractors and in house finishing teams we can prioritise tasks, send our own resources to where they are needed most and complete tasks at the first attempt, with no delays or corners cut. The result? We deliver homes that are cherished from day one and coveted for a lifetime.
We are not content with merely building new homes. Gecko prefers to craft boutique, low density developments where the emphasis is on quality, with every home backed by a 10-year build warranty for peace-of-mind. We believe that creative design and good practice are key to a successful development. This influences everything we do, from our initial purchase through to handing over the keys to the new owner. And unlike volume housebuilders, we really care about the finished product. It is imperative that our buyers feel they are acquiring a home for life - an asset that is built on solid foundations. With this in mind, every Gecko development will withstand the rigours of a busy family life, will hold intrinsic value and be admired for decades to come.
Every aspect of Gecko’s construction, build and refurbishment activity is tightly governed by the highest national standards. We have a dedicated department that ensures health and safety is of paramount importance at every site, protecting not only our staff and delivery partners, but also everybody who visits and is in the local vicinity. Our health and safety team’s remit extends to ensuring all our professionals are suitably equipped; that site standards are maintained; and that official guidance is constantly monitored and implemented. For utmost assurance, we also self-regulate by conducting spot checks to ensure best practices are being maintained.
Our customer service actually starts with ‘beforecare’. We strive to establish a one-to-one relationship with our purchasers as soon as they express an interest, through personal attentiveness, a tailored approach and a high level of accountability. When each home is ready for occupation, a personal handover led by one of Gecko’s directors will take place. Our smooth, effortless sign off and move-in process has customer satisfaction at its heart, ensuring the classic Gecko hallmark of reassuring quality has been delivered.
At Gecko we know good interior design solves problems, helps spaces flow better, unites families, facilitates a lifestyle and instinctively makes you feel that you have arrived….that you are home. Our in-house team works tirelessly - from the planning stage to completion - to present a complete, turn-key ready interior design that facilitates premium comfort. Our team have a deep understanding of fixtures, fittings and finishes, and will consult with the industry’s most respected design houses to ensure the Gecko specification we are renowned for is upheld in every development.
The importance of outside space has never been greater and Gecko is responding by raising the bar when it comes to landscaping, regarding outside space as an integral part of the overall proposition. We seek to maximise opportunities wherever possible, delivering gardens, terraces and balconies that acknowledge the link between outside space, wellbeing and a beneficial connection to the natural world. Our hallmark is to harmoniously fuse soft and hard landscaping, with the lifestyle of the target buying market firmly in mind.
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Tenby House
Past Projects
Hamilton Road, Ealing W5
Tenby House is a boutique development comprising 6 luxury apartments, built on the site of a former two storey, 1950s detached dwelling. The development is situated within what was a substantial yet overgrown, neglected garden plot and now provides a beautifully landscaped setting. The resulting new apartments have been carefully considered by both the architect and the local council, ensuring they preserve the character of the surrounding buildings.
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Corfton Road
Ealing, W5
This large plot in the heart of the Ealing Cricket Ground Conservation Area was originally devoted to a sprawling residence of 4,600 square feet, dating back to 1900. The property was meticulously converted into 9 apartments, with its period essence protected and preserved. Retained heritage highlights include the original high ceilings, the grand entrance hall, the original staircase and the dwelling’s beautiful façade.
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12 Brook Lane Business Centre Brook Lane North Brentford TW8 0PP
Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.
-- Robert L. Peters, designer and author
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The home should be the treasure chest of living.
-- Le Corbusier
How we do it Tired of seeing the same formulaic approach, Gecko consciously sets out to take property development in a very different direction. Our ambition is to run a company that fosters high levels of trust and transparency through our exclusive in-house masterplan, holistic approach and personal touch. Gecko sets itself apart by employing its own construction team – highly unusual but utterly advantageous, enabling us to handpick skilled trades who come with impeccable track records. Our in-house team also shares in our irrepressible quest for perfection and as one, we are motivated to deliver homes that are cherished from day one and coveted for a lifetime. We are not content with merely building new homes. Gecko prefers to craft boutique, low density developments where the emphasis is on quality. And unlike volume housebuilders or finance-focused developers, we are invested in – obsessed even – with quality, useability, artistic provenance and longevity.
How we do it
Tired of seeing the same formulaic approach, Gecko consciously sets out to take property development in a very different direction. Our ambition is to run a company that fosters high levels of trust and transparency through our exclusive in-house masterplan, holistic approach and personal touch. Gecko sets itself apart by employing its own construction team – highly unusual but utterly advantageous, enabling us to handpick skilled trades who come with impeccable track records. Our in-house team also shares in our irrepressible quest for perfection and as one, we are motivated to deliver homes that are cherished from day one and coveted for a lifetime. We are not content with merely building new homes. Gecko prefers to craft boutique, low density developments where the emphasis is on quality. And unlike volume housebuilders or finance-focused developers, we are invested in – obsessed even – with quality, useability, artistic provenance and longevity.
What we do
We formed Gecko to revolutionise residential property development, bringing together the fresh minds and forward-thinking needed to progress London’s residential future. Our love is for the rare, the unusual and the creative, but also for the contemporary and the cutting edge. From one-off statement residences to small, highly-specified apartment collections, we take pleasure in marrying time-honoured craftsmanship with solutions for modern life. You will find Gecko working in London’s most coveted locations, where we deliver ambitious new builds and sensitive refurbishment projects to the capital’s most discerning buyers.
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Every property we build has a story to tell. Get in touch and we’ll start from the beginning.
current Projects
Pitshanger Lane
• Currently 2,000 sq ft, arranged as 4 flats • Planning granted for 8 flats • New floor area of 5,022 sq ft, once complete • All flats to benefit from private outside space • Works due to start in Q4 2022
Studley Grange Road
Hanwell W7
Studley Grange Road, Olde Hanwell The recent acquisition of this 0.33 acre site, once home to a caterers’ factory and office space, is the perfect illustration of our work to regenerate brownfield sites. The project is currently in the design phase and updates to the website will be made in due course.
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Park Hill
• Detached building on a 0.22 acre plot • Demolition of existing 2,100 sq ft dwelling • 8 new apartments totalling 9,000 sq ft • Four storeys including a basement • Project due to start in Q3 2022
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Hamilton road, Ealing, W5
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Detached house on a 0.12 acre plot Planning permission granted to demolish the existing detached dwelling Developed into 6 apartments, totalling 3,600 sq ft Project completed Q2 2022
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This is a prominent and very sensitive corner site, situated opposite the Brentham Garden Estate Conservation Area and a close neighbour of the Grade II listed Church of St Barnabas. The church has beautifully influenced the design of our proposed building, which will comprise 8 luxury apartments - all with private amenity space.
This project will see us replace an uncharacteristic 1950s home along one of Ealing’s finest roads with a more complementary property designed to sit harmoniously with its double-fronted Edwardian neighbours. Planning permission has been granted to demolish the existing dwelling, which is underwhelming in size for its 0.22 acre plot. In its place will stand a substantial four storey home yielding over 9,000 sq ft of living space, including a basement and a flattering period-influenced façade.
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Hanwell w7
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Currently 2,000 sq ft, arranged as 4 flats Planning granted for 8 flats New floor area of 5,022 sq ft, once complete All flats to benefit from private outside space Works due to start in Q4 2022
Detached building on a 0.22 acre plot Demolition of existing 2,100 sq ft dwelling 8 new apartments totalling 9,000 sq ft Four storeys including a basement Project due to start in Q3 2022
Double fronted detached building Originally 4,600 sq ft Converted into 9 apartments totalling 6,600 sq ft New communal garden for residents, totalling 250 sq meter Project completed Q1 2020
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Double fronted detached building Originally 4,600 sq ft Converted into 9 apartments totalling 6,600 sq ft New communal garden for residents, totalling 2,500 sq meter Project completed Q1 2020
Our property portfolio is a result of meticulous planning, extensive research and exacting execution, made possible thanks our highly-skilled workforce. They deliver a seismic team effort time and time again, leaving London a legacy of sublime new homes.
Get in Touch
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Laying the foundations for exquisite home building
Alistair Bown is a co-founder of Gecko Developments, holding the position of Development Director. His background in law carries immense value in the property industry, twinned with his passion for consummate construction. Far from just a ‘suit’, Alistair has hands-on knowledge of property redevelopment, having started Bown Design & Build in 2008. The business now employs 25 skilled trades and the team can be found working across Gecko’s portfolio of projects for perfect synergy. Alistair’s deep understanding of what it actually takes to build, extend, remodel and refurbish desirable residential properties more than qualifies him to manage Gecko’s projects. Alistair’s personal supervision ensures resources are managed, timescales are met and details delivered precisely on every site. Alistair is married, lives with his family in Wimbledon and is heavily engaged in charity work outside of his professional life.
Each of our projects is personally managed by one of Gecko’s directors, who uses their experience and knowledge to ensure standards are upheld and timescales met. Our ability to manage planning, construction schedules and trade resources in acute real time is unrivalled in our local West London market, therefore our outcomes are superior in terms of quality, design and durability. Gecko also sets itself apart by employing its own construction team – highly unusual but hugely advantageous, enabling us to handpick skilled trades who come with impeccable track records. With a fully employed team of craftsmen, we can prioritise tasks, send our own resources to where they are needed most and complete tasks at the first attempt, with no delays or corners cut. The result? We deliver homes that are cherished from day one and coveted for a lifetime.
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Joseph
Role
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At Gecko, we devote ourselves to property development fit for London’s residential future. We love to indulge in exemplary design and fine details, which enables us to craft luxury homes of distinction. Never one to shy away from the bold, brave or blisteringly different, our intention is to remain ahead of the property pack.
What we are looking for Gecko Developments is always seeking residential land opportunities across west London; as a privately owned company we are able to move swiftly to agree on acquisitions.
Alistair
Beautiful homes that seamlessly serve their occupants are not built by accident. Weeks – often months – of planning are required before ground is even broken and an agile skillset is required until the keys are handed over. Our knowledge and experience of residential construction led us to quickly realise that the very best trades – electricians, plumbers, audio/communication specialists and engineers – need to be on board from day one. Our trade team works together to ensure every stage of a project is anticipated, including meeting sustainable standards, pre-planning, first fix and final testing. The Gecko in-house structure also enables us to work closely with partners and clients, delivering proactive and reactive solutions that are unique to every project.
Every property is precious to us, so a dedicated Project Manager is allocated to every new home, smoothing the path to successful completion from day one. We are indebted to our Project Managers as they are exceptionally skilled at scheduling, mediation, planning and balancing. Time after time, they control budgets, manage teams, ensure every stage is delivered on time and nurture authentic relationships with our buyers. In London, especially, our Project Managers are also knowledgeable about the planning process, are respectful of a listed status or conservation area, can deliver our sustainability goals, and are skilled at interpreting the advice and guidance of local planners.
Quick does not equate to quality. As a result, our ethos is to never rush. Instead, we prefer taking time over the smallest planning detail, working on multiple iterations and miniscule details until the end result is just right. We think nothing of spending time sourcing the right brick or pouring over space plans to ensure the layout perfectly suits the end user. We will commission a stunning, one-off kitchen and opt for luxury materials so our attention to detail is felt in every square inch. Gecko also appreciates that delivery is just as important as specification, therefore our projects bristle with craftspeople at the top of their game, determined to lavish each home with love and a high-end finish.
To buy a Gecko home is to start a lifetime relationship with Joseph, Alistair and the team. Our customer service, however, actually starts with ‘beforecare’. We strive to establish a one-to-one relationship with our purchasers as soon as they express an interest, through personal attentiveness and a tailored approach. When their home is ready for occupation, we remain a constant, reassuring presence during those early days and weeks. Thereafter, we sit silently in the background but only ever a phone call or email away. Reassuringly, we only hear from our customers again when they are looking to move to another Gecko home or would like to add another of our properties.
We do not think interior design deserves to be an afterthought. Quite the opposite, in fact. At Gecko we know good interior design solves problems, helps spaces flow better, unites families, facilitates a lifestyle and instinctively makes you feel that you have arrived….that you are home. Our in-house team works tirelessly - from the planning stage to completion - to present a complete, turn-key ready interior design that facilitates premium comfort. Our staff have a deep understanding of fixtures, fittings and finishes, and will consult with the industry’s most respected design houses to ensure the Gecko specification we are renowned for is upheld in every property.
The importance of outside space has never been greater and Gecko is responding by raising the bar when it comes to landscaping. Frequently working in tandem with London’s very best landscaping and garden design talent, Gecko treats outside space as an integral part of the overall proposition. We seek to maximise opportunities wherever possible, delivering gardens, terraces and balconies that acknowledge the link between outside space, wellbeing and a beneficial connection to the natural world. Our hallmark is to harmoniously fuse soft and hard landscaping, with the lifestyle of the target buying market firmly in mind.
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26 Park Hill, W5
197 Pitzhanger Lane, W5
Grange Road, W5
Current Projects
Future Projects