diff --git a/src/python/jw/pkg/App.py b/src/python/jw/pkg/App.py
index d437742f..af9b9311 100644
--- a/src/python/jw/pkg/App.py
+++ b/src/python/jw/pkg/App.py
@@ -105,6 +105,10 @@ class App(Base):
         # run: the -run package is installed: a VERSION file is
         # present in the project directory or
         # /usr/share/doc/packages.
+        if devel and name == self.__top_name:
+            # the topdir is the project's own buildable checkout
+            if os.path.exists(f'{self.__topdir}/make/project.conf'):
+                return True
         search, file = (
             (self.__projs_root, self.___opt_root),
             '/make/project.conf'