KA6024 - Real Estate Development

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the planning and development process in an urban context focusing on the management of pre-construction decision-making and the evaluation of projects including site investigation, planning and development control, viability assessment and development appraisal. The module aims to help you understand the complex social, economic and physical environment and market conditions within which real estate development takes place, develop your knowledge of the management of the development process, acquisition of development sites, identification of sources of development finance and allow you to recognise the crucial role that surveyors play in the real estate development process.

Indicative syllabus topics include:
* Real Estate Development process
* Site evaluation and investigation
* Planning decisions, conditions and challenges
* Market research for development
* Construction procurement and risk
* Acquisition and disposal of development land
* Development finance and funding
* Development control and enforcement
* Development viability and appraisal

How will I learn on this module?

Lectures will introduce you to the theoretical knowledge and seminars and workshops will develop this knowledge. You will be taught using a series of lectures, seminars and workshops that will progressively develop the topic from theoretical principles to practical examples. Lectures will be used to communicate key concepts and theories; seminar and workshop activities will use case studies to demonstrate application of key concepts; group discussions will give you the opportunity to engage with some of the more complex nuances of the subject; where possible, site visits and guest lectures will be organised in conjunction with planning and real estate development practitioners; the assessment will help you develop your project evaluation and financial appraisal skills; you will have access to a wide range of learning resources and guidance for both directed and independent learning, facilitated by use of the Blackboard Ultra electronic Learning Platform.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module team will support you by providing guidance and answer questions in relation to the module, its assessment and your progress, in class and via Blackboard Collaborate sessions. You can seek individual support and guidance in taught sessions and use the module discussion board on Blackboard.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
By studying this module you will be able to:

1. Appraise the financial viability of real estate development projects.

2. Evaluate real estate development projects from a planning and marketing perspective.

3. Compare alternative forms of development finance and methods of acquiring and disposing of development sites.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

4. Research and evaluate data and communicate results in a professional report

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Demonstrate the capacity for independent, evidence based thinking and decision making

How will I be assessed?

This module will be assessed through a coursework worth 100% of the module mark.

You will be required to prepare a full financial development appraisal of a development site to be presented as a professional report. (MLOs 1,2, 3, 4 and 5)

Tutor feedback on seminar, workshop and IT lab tasks will be provided in class and via discussion board and Collaborate sessions on Blackboard. Tasks will also create opportunities for peer feedback and shared learning.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

‘Real Estate Development will enable you to evaluate the feasibility of development proposals and assess the financial viability of real estate development projects.
The module aims to develop and deepen your knowledge of development management, the acquisition and disposal of development land, availability of sources of development finance and how to appraise the viability of development projects. The module will be taught using lectures, seminars, workshop, I.T. labs and site visits to introduce you to theoretical concepts and core knowledge. The preparation of an appraisal of the financial viability of a development opportunity will require you conduct market research and apply theory and knowledge to a real world scenario.

Course info

UCAS Code K440

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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