Interview with Sebastian Deckker, Director at Savills (UK) Limited

Sebastian Deckker FRICS is a Director within the London Valuation Department at Savills. He joined the company in 2004 and undertakes professional work as a valuer for many banks, solicitors, developers, accountants, trusts and private clients, providing valuations of residential properties, portfolios and mixed-use development schemes for loan security, matrimonial, litigation and other purposes. The majority of properties that he has valued whilst with Savills have been within Prime Central London and the Home Counties, although he has carried out valuations of properties in France, Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, and Dubai.

What first drew you to a career in property valuation, and how has that motivation evolved over time?

I have always had a keen interest in property. After obtaining a degree in architecture, I spent a period working in an estate agency in Chelsea and Belgravia before qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 2002. I was awarded my FRICS in 2015. I have written several articles for Estates Gazette and, more recently, completed a Cambridge University course on Sustainable Real Estate.

You’ve worked across London, the Home Counties, and even internationally. What’s the most memorable property you’ve ever valued, and why?

I have been at Savills for 21 years, so there have been quite a few memorable properties. However, if I had to pick one, it would be Villa Les Cèdres in Cap Ferrat on the Côte d’Azur. Once home to Belgian King Leopold II, it was built in 1830 and extends to around 18,000 sq ft within 35 acres of landscaped grounds, with a valuation of €250 million.

The valuation industry can be complex and high-stakes, particularly in litigation and matrimonial work. How do you maintain objectivity and manage client expectations under pressure?

You just have to be fair, honest, and upfront with your client or clients, and do the best job you can. You can’t be criticised for that.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about people through your work in valuation?

Trust. This is the cornerstone for repeat business when dealing with clients and colleagues.

Your career has seen you hold leadership roles at well-known firms. How has your approach to leadership changed over the years?

Workplace attitudes have changed and continue to change. It is no longer simply employer and employee. Collaboration is key, and teamwork is essential because everyone has different strengths and flaws. The aim is to achieve a shared objective in the most efficient way, sharing experiences and ideas that each person in the team has to offer.

How do you recharge outside of work? Are there hobbies, routines, or small rituals that help you switch off?

Well, there are a few things. I like tennis, swimming, painting, reading, writing, and spending time with my Scottish Terrier, Bundle.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the property industry today?

This is tricky, bearing in mind all the legislation and taxation since I started out. I remember when Stamp Duty was 1%. My advice would be to try to be as positive as you can and find a niche you can specialise in, for example, AI or new technologies. What’s the next big thing in real estate?

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your career or day-to-day work?

The fact that I have carried out valuations in Europe, particularly in the South of France, Monaco, the Alps, and Switzerland. It’s the same process as central London.

Finally, what’s one book, quote, podcast, or film that’s really stuck with you over the years?

The book would have to be my own Mews Style (Quiller Press, 1998).

The quote would be Oscar Wilde’s: “A fool is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

The podcast would be Strong Message Here by Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci.

The film would be Peter Greenaway’s The Draughtsman’s Contract.