Bettesworths is a team of Chartered Surveyors and RICS Registered Valuers providing clear, reliable property advice across residential, commercial and development sectors. We support private clients, businesses, investors and institutions with Red Book valuations, tax and pension planning, secured lending, development viability and business rates matters. We also have extensive experience in dispute resolution, acting early to resolve issues pragmatically where possible and providing expert witness and litigation support when required. From probate and matrimonial valuations to lease events and complex rating challenges, our focus is always on protecting our clients’ interests and achieving the most favourable outcome.
Formal Valuation and Strategic Property Advice
Bettesworths provides expert valuation, advisory and dispute resolution services across a wide range of property matters. Our Chartered Surveyors work with private clients, businesses, developers and professional advisers, delivering clear, independent advice backed by deep market knowledge and technical expertise across the South West.
How we help
Valuation
Bettesworths’ team of Chartered Surveyors (all RICS Registered Valuers) can assist you in undertaking professional Red Book valuations providing valuation advice for the following purposes:
- Inheritance Tax (Probate) Valuations
When someone passes away, it is important to ensure that the value of their estate is reported correctly for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes to HMRC. We can provide fully reported and evidenced valuations on all types of residential and commercial property for this purpose. - Pension Planning
We are able to provide valuations for new and existing properties and portfolios (eg. SIPP or SSAS) for pension investors and trustees. - Secured Lending
We work with a number of UK Financial Institutions in providing valuation for secured mortgage lending across a variety of sectors.
Professional Services
- Tax Planning
We are able to offer valuation advice for tax planning matters ranging from Inheritance Tax (Probate), Capital Gains Tax (including 1982 value rebasing) and Stamp Duty Land Tax. - Dispute Resolution & Expert Witness
We can act as Independent or Joint Independent Experts providing honest, impartial advice and valuations (provided with a Duty to The Court, where required) on a wide range of disputed or litigious property matters. - Matrimonial
At the difficult time of a divorce, Bettesworths are able to provide independent or joint valuations to parties (under Part 35 of The Civil Procedures Rules, when required). - Development Appraisal
Our regular day to day agency dealings with development sites and projects gives us an excellent basis and knowledge platform from which to advise developers and landowners on the viability of development schemes and / or land values.
Landlord & Tenant
Rent Reviews
- Lease Renewals
- Lease Restructure
- Break Options
- Tenant Default
- End of Lease Liabilities
- Dispute Resolution
Development
Bettesworths are active in the Development Market across The Southwest. Our regular day to day agency dealings with development sites and projects gives us an excellent basis and knowledge platform from which to advise developers and landowners on the viability of development schemes and / or land values.
Business Rates
Business Rates are an increasingly contentious and potentially complex area of Commercial Property Occupation.
Our experienced team has a track record on achieving positive results for clients on matters ranging across the spectrum of:
– Business Rates Appeals & Rebates
– Small Business Rate Relief
– Business Rates on Vacant Premises
– Business Rates During Building Works
– Alterations to Rateable Premises
– Transitional Relief
Dispute Resolution & Expert Witness
Unfortunately, property dealings are vulnerable to disagreement and regrettably disputes can arise on a wide range of issues.
Bettesworths have a reputation and proud track record where early involvement in disputes and a balanced mix of reasoned advice and diplomacy we have been instrumental in avoiding the potentially significant costs of more formal litigation.
However, litigation is sometimes the only culmination of a dispute. In such cases, Bettesworths will act as Independent or Joint Independent Experts providing honest, Impartial advice and valuation (provided with a Duty to The Court, where required) on a wide range of disputed or litigious property matters.
Meet our Team
Robin Wells BSc(Hons) MRICS
Head of Professional Department
Robin Wells
Robin Joined Bettesworths in April 2026 as head of professional / valuation department and brings over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate mainly undertaking valuations in the medical, commercial, investment, residential and development plus agricultural property sectors throughout the wider South West region having qualified as a Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor in 2001. Robin undertakes valuations for secured lending, accounts & partnership, tax & probate, expert witness & Charities Act purposes with a specialism in medical valuations of doctors surgeries / health centres, dental / veterinary surgeries plus pharmacies. Clients include a range of corporate and private clients, UK banks / lending institutions, pensions funds, companies and individuals.
Outside work, Robin is a keen walker and folk musician. In his spare time, he likes to hike on the moors, coast and mountains as well as play his accordion for a group of local clog dancers.
Paul Bettesworth BSc (Hons) MRICS
Director
Paul Bettesworth (BSc (Hons) MRICS)
Paul is a highly knowledgeable and experienced Chartered Surveyor who leads the firm’s Commercial and Investment teams. He is known for his astute strategic advice and problem-solving ability, offering clients straight-talking, pragmatic solutions. As a result, his long-standing client base ranges from institutional, corporate and private property owners to business occupiers.
Paul began his career in London with a leading national consultancy and has since built trusted client relationships regionally, nationally and internationally. He has played a central role in expanding the firm’s commercial, investment and professional advisory presence across the South West.
Matt Bettesworth BSc (Hons) MRICS FAVLP
Director
Matt Bettesworth (BSc (Hons) MRICS FAVLP)
A Chartered Surveyor specialising in the Licensed & Leisure Property market, Matt brings decades of experience advising on sales and acquisitions for private and corporate clients across the UK. After several years working in London, he returned to Bettesworths to become the first Director of the third generation. In 2026, Matt marked 25 years with the family business, where he now leads the Licensed & Leisure department. Outside work, he is a retired rugby player (now coach), a keen surfer, paddleboarder and skier, and a father of three. His wife, Becky, is a well-known local artist.
George Helmore BSc (Hons)
Commercial Departments
George Helmore
George joined Bettesworths in May 2018, returning to Torquay following a visit to Asia and Australasia after completing his A-Levels at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.
Whilst working for Bettesworths, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate Management with the University College of Estate Management in 2023 and is currently completing his Assessment of Professional Competence with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, working towards Chartered Surveyor status.
Outside of work, George is Captain of Torquay Athletic Rugby Club.
Lucy Ling
Administrator
Lucy Ling
Lucy joined the team in 2014 as an apprentice and holds qualifications in Business and Administration from South Devon College. From her start as an apprentice, Lucy now heads the Administration Team. In her spare time, Lucy enjoys paddle boarding and long days at the beach.
Emily Northcott
Accounts & Marketing Department
Emily Northcott
Emily is the glue that keeps the financial side of the business together! She works closely with the Directors in administering all matters of accounting, invoicing and book-keeping, as well as keeping abreast of all statutory and compliance issues for the business. Emily combines this role with the marketing side of the business, concentrating on the social media platforms, website news & quarterly newsletters. Emily is a busy mother of two children so when she's not ferrying kids around, she enjoys water-sports & walking her dog.