About Us

Our global mission to redefine property recruitment.

Our Mission:

From day one, our mission has been clear: to change the way people perceive recruiters in the property market. We want to be seen not as a transactional service, but as trusted partners in helping businesses scale and people build meaningful careers. This mission drives everything we do, from how we work with clients to the care we take in matching candidates with their ideal roles.

We prioritise personal relationships and we believe in the importance of human nature. Our services include Residential, Commercial, Property Management & Office Support, Built Environment and Finance & Investment.

Our Story

2010

First Placement

The beginning of the future

"My first placement working for myself was in 2010; it was emotional, I knew the candidate well. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and it was the start of many more to come." - Grant Kaveney 

2010

First Key Account

It's not what you know, it's who you know

Grant was approached by one of the industry’s longest standing and successful estate agencies who instructed him solely to recruit for a 20 + office operation across London.

2012

First London Office

No more paperwork on the kitchen table

Moving away from the kitchen was a welcome relief for Grant; in 2012 he began working from a serviced office in Pall Mall, only two doors down from James Caan’s first office.

2014

First Investment

Growth is never by mere chance

In 2012, Grant was introduced to Hamilton Bradshaw and Recruitment Entrepreneur, founded by James Caan. In 2014, he received investment from James and after just 12 short months, GKR was exceeding all expectations.

2016

First Million

We did it!

GKR reached £1million revenue within 18 months. This was a huge achievement for us and has continued to snowball. We are now working with 80% of the most successful London residential property firms.

2017

First MIPIM

Tenfold return on investment

The team attended MIPIM for the first time. With a 10-fold return on investment as well as having the opportunity to showcase our brand to many, we’ve since returned!

2018

First 5 specialist teams

Adding another string to our bow

We diversified our services across a broader real estate market, with key hires to expand our presence with the addition of our Commercial, Executive Search and International opportunities. 

2019

First Manchester Office

We are tackling the North West!

GKR announce the launch of our Manchester office in Spinningfields and are extremely excited to develop further presence within the North-West of England. If you’re a senior consultant in the area and want to play a major role in our expansion plans, get in touch with us.

2020

First International Market Expansion

Introducing international placements

The year we focused on the positive and expanded our niche specialist offering to leverage our global network, and provide placements outside the UK. We quickly sourced candidates for several different country locations requested by clients, and we're counting.  

2021

First acquisition of Beeken Reeves

Introducing creatives to the property sector

Following several years of strategic partnership, GKR acquired architecture, design & built environment specialists Beeken Reeves. Having built a close alliance over the past six years, this acquisition will allow us to offer an aligned and even greater service to our clients and candidates. 

2022

First 30,000 LinkedIn Followers

Strongest Brand of the Year 2022

As we bask in the honor of being recognised as the strongest brand at The RE Excellence Awards, we extend our gratitude to our valued LinkedIn community for their continuous support. 

2024

First debut of GKR International

Global real estate talent specialists

GKR International continues to build on its solid foundation of expertise in the real estate sector, offering clients and candidates an even broader spectrum of opportunities and connections worldwide.

2024

First Edinburgh Office

Solidifying our relationships across Scotland!

In a strategic move aimed at redefining the landscape of real estate recruitment across the Northern UK, GKR International proudly announces the inauguration of its newest offices in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Our approach:

Our approach is rooted in collaboration with both our clients and candidates. We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, we take the time to understand each company’s unique culture and requirements, and we’re equally invested in understanding the career goals of each candidate. It’s this balance of precision and personal touch that has helped us build an exceptional reputation within the real estate industry.

We work closely with clients to create bespoke recruitment strategies, and we don’t stop until we’ve found the best fit. For candidates, we’re not just about helping you land a job; we’re about helping you find the right role that aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.

Our Services

  • Permanent Staffing Solutions:

    We excel at securing top talent aligned with your company culture. Our adept team uses innovative recruitment strategies, drawing on industry insights to deliver candidates exceeding expectations. Rely on us to forge a workforce crucial to your company's lasting success.

  • Temporary Outsourcing Needs:

    Whether facing seasonal peaks or special projects, we offer flexible staffing solutions. Our agile approach ensures swift deployment of skilled professionals, integrating seamlessly into your team for immediate impact. Stay ahead with our on-demand workforce, navigating workload fluctuations without compromising quality.

  • Market Intelligence Reports:

    In a rapidly changing market, staying informed is paramount. Our experienced team use data to provide comprehensive market intelligence — from industry trends to competitor analysis. Equip yourself with the knowledge for informed decisions. Turn uncertainty into strategic advantage with our Market Intelligence Solutions.

  • Exclusive Recruitment Provider:

    As your dedicated recruitment partner, we ensure priority access to a curated pool of candidates. Experience a bespoke hiring process that aligns precisely with your requirements, fostering a seamless and efficient recruitment journey. Partner with us exclusively for recruitment excellence.

  • Retained Business Partnership:

    Enjoy exclusive access to our expertise and resources, creating a tailored strategy for sustained success. Benefit from priority service, personalised solutions, and a dedicated team committed to understanding and advancing your unique goals.

What drives us:

At the heart of GKR is a team that genuinely cares. We take pride in our work, and that means putting in the effort to truly understand our clients' needs and our candidates' career aspirations. We don’t just focus on the skills and experience; we focus on the person, their potential, and how they fit into a broader vision. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and transparency is reflected in every step of the recruitment process.

Our Values

  • Best-in-class Service

  • Resilience & Determination

  • Positivity

  • Passion for Property

  • Authenticity

A team you can trust:

Our team is our greatest asset. With many of us coming from prestigious property firms and backgrounds in recruitment, we have the expertise and insight that make a difference. But it’s not just about experience, it’s about passion. We care deeply about the people we work with, and we go above and beyond to ensure both our clients and candidates feel supported every step of the way.

Whether it’s offering career coaching, market insights, or just being there to lend a listening ear, we’re committed to helping our candidates succeed, both professionally and personally. If you have experience within recruitment or the property industry and would be interested in joining our team, we would welcome a conversation with you.

GKR is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply for vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair to all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.

Inventum Group


Moving from London to Scotland's Property Market

12 months on; what Michael Woda has learned.


Property News, GKR News , Recruiters,

Moving from London to Scotland's Property Market Read more

Getting to know Lee Riley, Senior Director


GKR News ,

Getting to know Lee Riley, Senior Director Read more

A conversation with Rose Lock, Associate Director


GKR News ,

A conversation with Rose Lock, Associate Director Read more

Hear from our Founder, Grant Kaveney on The Recruitment Entrepreneur Podcast


Meet our team

Ethan  Lewis Ethan  Lewis
Recruitment Consultant
Joined March 2024

Ethan Lewis

Situated in the heart of the city with a charming roof terrace.

Originally from South Africa, Ethan joined GKR in 2024 to combine his first-hand experience within the London property market and his sales and customer service acumen. Outside of the office, Ethan keeps active and particularly enjoys a rugby or football match with friends. 

Michael  Cartmill Michael  Cartmill
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Joined October 2022

Michael Cartmill

An extensive, modern property recently refurbished and offering fantastic views.

Michael relocated to London from his hometown in Belfast, having worked as a Personal Banker before moving into Recruitment and bringing three years of experience with him to GKR. Outside of the office, Michael is a big football fan, an avid Liverpool supporter, and a Chess enthusiast. 

Anu Deb Anu Deb
Director
Joined November 2014

Anu Deb

Tastefully designed with sophisticated interior features.

Anu joined GKR in 2014 with an ambition to expand GKR's business support recruitment services; coming from property herself, Anu grasped the responsibility quickly and now works with the industry's biggest and most successful property brands. With a family history in catering, it’s no wonder Anu is also quite the chef herself! 

Bradley Hellier Bradley Hellier
Associate Director
Joined October 2021

Bradley Hellier

Modern and spacious open-plan apartment with incredible character.

Bradley joined GKR with first-hand experience within the residential real estate sector. With a thorough understanding of the industry, he made a seamless transition into property recruitment at GKR. Originally from Devon, Bradley enjoys the outdoors and regularly visits home to help out on the family farm! 

Grant Kaveney Grant Kaveney
Founding Director
Joined July 2010

Grant Kaveney

Boasting an enviable position and state-of-the-art outdoor braai.  

Back in 2010, after successfully scaling a recruitment business from South Africa, Grant launched GKR to transform the property recruitment landscape. When he’s not building the business, you’ll find him fishing, cheering on Liverpool, or proudly flying the South African flag. Oh, and did we mention he’s a surprisingly talented beatboxer?

Rose Lock Rose Lock
Associate Director
Joined February 2018

Rose Lock

Offering extremely quick connections and an exceptional energy rating.

Rose joined GKR in 2018, having worked in property in both the UK and Spain over the last 20 years. Her tenacious attitude has driven fantastic results quickly as she has expanded our property management network. Rose is an OG vegetarian with the wildest office-snack combinations you will ever have heard of. 

Lee  Riley Lee  Riley
Senior Director
Joined October 2016

Lee Riley

A perfect example of period property with luxuriously fitted carpets.

After working in the property sector for almost seven years himself, Lee joined GKR in 2015 to support the growth of our residential department. He’s a self-declared Asian food addict, historically pooch-obsessed, with his very own fur-baby.

Molly Shoesmith Molly Shoesmith
Operations Manager
Joined November 2014

Molly Shoesmith

Completely restored within, meeting the new with the old.  

Molly joined GKR in 2014 and was instrumental in developing the property management desk. In 2017, Molly became responsible for all company training and content management. Now based in Amsterdam, she is in charge of our business operations and stocking up the office with treats when she visits! 

Peter Wallis Peter Wallis
Associate Recruitment Consultant
Joined February 2019

Peter Wallis

Impressive views across London following an upper-floor extension.

Peter joined our business support recruitment team in 2019, taking on the responsibility and growth of all marketing needs within the real estate sector. When not chasing recruitment fees, he’s most likely chasing gains, or his newest addition to the family! 

Michael Woda Michael Woda
Partner, Head of Residential
Joined July 2014

Michael Woda

Distinctive features throughout and striking white render.

Michael joined GKR as one of our first key hires in 2014, bringing eight years’ experience in property working for leading residential agencies in London. If not in the office hoping for a hole-in-one, you’ll likely find him on the course – aye! Michael launched our Edinburgh office in 2024, and is now recruiting across the North West UK market.

We specialise in five key sectors

  • Commercial

    The commercial team provide permanent and contract services to leading property and construction consultancies in the Private & Public Sectors as well as developers, banks and funds.

    Read more.
  • Residential

    With experienced consultants and ex-property professionals in one team, they are market experts working with High Street Agents, Corporate giants, Developers and Investment Agencies.

    Read more.
  • Property Management & Office Support

    With first-hand experience in both roles, we represent Managing Agents, Facilities Services, High Street Agents, Student Accommodation providers, Investment Funds, Interiors & Design practices supplying property management and office support functions.

    Read more.
  • Built Environment

    The team have worked hard to develop long standing relationships working with architectural & interior design consultancies, property developers and project leads, our team deliver both permanent and professional interim/contract solutions.

    Read more.
  • Finance & Investment

    Our finance division is comprised of a specialist team placing individuals across development, investment, funds and advisory across the UK and Europe. Our clients span Finance & Accountancy, Private Equity, Debt, Property Companies, REIT’s and Advisory from Analyst to Director/Partner level.

    Read more.

Follow us on Instagram