Commercial property advice built on experience, relationships and local knowledge

For over 40 years, Perry Holt has been advising businesses, investors, landlords and developers across South West Hertfordshire. As independent Commercial Property Consultants, we combine deep local knowledge with practical commercial expertise to help our clients make informed property decisions.

Whether you’re acquiring new premises, disposing of an investment, negotiating a lease, seeking a valuation or planning your next development, our experienced team provides honest, professional advice backed by decades of market knowledge and long-standing relationships throughout the region.

At Perry Holt, we believe commercial property is about more than buildings. It’s about understanding our clients’ objectives, identifying opportunities and delivering solutions that support long-term success.

Meet our Team

Joel Lobatto

Director

Joel has been part of the Perry Holt team since 2008, building extensive knowledge of the commercial property markets across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Appointed Director in 2026, he oversees all aspects of the commercial agency business, from High Street retail and office accommodation to industrial premises, investment transactions and development opportunities.

Working with a diverse client base that includes institutional funds, private landlords, investors, developers and business owners, Joel has established an outstanding reputation throughout Watford and the surrounding area. During his career, he has advised on more than £200 million of commercial sales, lettings and acquisitions, developing long-standing relationships with clients who value his honest advice, market knowledge and proactive approach.

Joel is passionate about helping clients maximise the value of their property assets, whether they are acquiring, disposing of or managing commercial property. His detailed understanding of the local market, combined with a practical and commercially focused mindset, enables him to deliver tailored advice that supports clients’ long-term objectives.

Outside of work, Joel enjoys spending time with his family, good food, great company and the occasional round of golf.

Ben Howard

Director

Ben joined the property industry in 2015 and has built extensive experience across residential, land and development, new homes and commercial property. This broad background gives him a well-rounded understanding of the property market and enables him to provide commercially focused advice tailored to each client’s objectives.

As Director of Perry Holt Property Consultants, Ben specialises in commercial agency, acquisitions and strategic property consultancy, acting for private investors, landlords, developers and business owners throughout Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties. His approach is centred on understanding each client’s long-term goals and delivering practical advice that maximises the performance and value of their property assets.

Alongside his role at Perry Holt, Ben works closely with Howard & Neel at LP&M, our sister company specialising in commercial property and asset management. Working across both businesses provides him with a unique perspective, combining transactional expertise with the ongoing management of investment portfolios. This enables him to understand not only how to buy, sell and let commercial property, but also how assets perform over the long term and where opportunities exist to enhance value.

By remaining actively involved in both agency and asset management, Ben is constantly monitoring market conditions, investment trends and occupier demand. This insight allows him to provide clients with informed, evidence-based advice, helping them make confident property decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Alex Sewell

Managing Director

Alex acquired Perry Holt in 2019, bringing more than two decades of property experience and a proven track record of building successful, locally focused businesses. As Managing Director, he is responsible for shaping the company’s strategic direction, developing long-term client relationships and driving the continued growth of its commercial property, land and development services.

Having founded Sewell & Gardner in 2002, Alex has extensive experience across both the residential and commercial property sectors. His broad market knowledge and commercially minded approach enable him to advise clients on a wide range of property matters, from individual investments and development opportunities to portfolio management and long-term business strategy.

Passionate about delivering exceptional client service, Alex believes that successful property advice is built on trust, local knowledge and lasting relationships. His practical, hands-on approach has earned him an excellent reputation within the Hertfordshire property market.

A lifelong local, Alex grew up in Chorleywood and has since lived in Rickmansworth, Croxley Green and Watford. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, supporting Fullerians Rugby Club and the occasional round of golf.

Perry Holt

Consultant

I have been working in commercial property, based in Watford, since 1970 so have over 50 years experience in the property market. I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1986 and became a Fellow of the RICS in 2000.

Having started my career is West London working for my uncle after relocating to Watford, I became a partner in a multi-discipline practice ultimately running the commercial department. That business was sold to the Abbey National Building Society (Santander) following which a fellow partner & I started our own business which we merged with another group with 5 offices.

In 2001 I established Perry Holt & Co as a specialist commercial consultancy which is a Chartered Surveying Practice dealing with a variety of properties mainly in Watford, South Hertfordshire and North London, and also on a client specific basis throughout the country. I have a number of excellent clients who I advise on property acquisition, letting and sales, valuation, rent review and property asset valuation.

 

 

Why businesses choose Perry Holt

Independent commercial property specialists

Over 100 years' combined experience

Local knowledge across South West Hertfordshire

Trusted by landlords, investors and businesses

Professional advice tailored to your objectives

Our Story

Perry Holt Property Consultants has been advising businesses, landlords, investors and developers across Hertfordshire for more than four decades. Since joining the business in 2019, Alex Sewell has continued to build on Perry Holt’s long-standing reputation, investing in the team, expanding its commercial expertise and strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading independent commercial property consultancies.

Today, Perry Holt provides advice across commercial agency, acquisitions, disposals, landlord and tenant matters, investment, land and development, helping clients make informed property decisions with confidence.

Notable Transactions

  • Advised on a £30 million office business park redevelopment in Watford.
  • Advised on the sale of 37 Clarendon Road, Watford, securing planning permission for the town’s tallest building.
  • Advising businesses, investors and developers across South West Hertfordshire for more than 40 years.