Peter Beckett FRICS

Peter Beckett FRICS co-founded Beckett and Kay in 2002 and retired from professional work in 2022. The CV below reflects his professional career. 

Valuation in dilapidations 

Peter was the landlord’s valuer in leading cases on dilapidations, including Shortlands v Cargill [1995], Simmons v Dresden [2004], and Bruntwood v British Telecommunications [2008]. He also authored several articles on dilapidations valuation, including pieces on uncertainty in dilapidations, common misconceptions in diminution valuation, and the development of Scots law on dilapidations. 

Leasehold enfranchisement 

Peter made many appearances at the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal — now the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — and several at the Lands Tribunal, now the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). This included appearances as: 

  • one of the four valuers in Sportelli — the leading case on deferment rate in leasehold enfranchisement; 
  • the landlord’s valuer in Arrowdell, which addressed leasehold relativity and development value; and 
  • one of several valuers in the Nailrile series of cases, dealing with leasehold relativity and the valuation of intermediate landlords’ interests. 

Restrictive covenants 

Peter also undertook valuation work in cases involving the discharge and modification of restrictive covenants under section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925, including acting as expert witness for the applicant in Shaviram Normandy Ltd v Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council [2019] UKUT 256 (LC). 

Investment 

Peter is a proponent of value investment in property, and a private investor. 

Qualifications 

  • Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) 
  • Honours degree in Economics 

Business history 

2002 – 2022 Partner, then consultant, at Beckett and Kay, initially in the West End of London, latterly in the City. Specialising in landlord and tenant, property management and specialist valuation work, with particular emphasis on valuation in dilapidations, leasehold enfranchisement, and valuation in cases involving the discharge and modification of restrictive covenants. 

1991 – 2002 With Kemp & Hawley, Chartered Surveyors in Covent Garden. Deeply involved in property management, valuation, Court and arbitration work, rent review and agency. Latterly specialising in the sale, purchase, valuation and management of secondary commercial investments. 

1987 – 1991 Own property business in property trading, investment and development. 

1970 – 1987 Partner (later senior partner) in Becketts, a firm of residential estate agents with six offices based around Harrow. The business was sold to Hogg Robinson in 1987. 

Personal 

Lives in Croxley Green, Hertfordshire. Married, with four children and six grandchildren.