business plan for property development

Property Development Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Property Development Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Property Development business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their property development companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Property Development business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Redstone Development is a new property development company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We focus on residential property development for single-family and multi-family homes. We handle all steps of the process, from sourcing the land to selling the finished property. Redstone Development aims to be the most trusted source of affordable housing in the Salt Lake City metro area.

Redstone Development is owned and operated by Jack Grant, a real estate development industry veteran who is well-versed in the entire property development process. Jack has over 30 years of experience developing residential properties and holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development. His education, experience, and industry connections will ensure that Redstone Development becomes one of the area’s most successful property development businesses.

Product Offering

Redstone Development will handle the entire development process, including sourcing land, securing all necessary approvals and permits, construction, and sale of the finished property.

The company focuses on building single-family homes and multi-family apartment complexes in the heart of Salt Lake City. All projects are designed to make these homes aesthetically appealing and luxurious. However, they will also be affordable to ensure that anyone in the Salt Lake City area can afford to live in our properties.

Customer Focus

Redstone Development will serve home buyers and real estate investors who live and work in Salt Lake City, Utah, or the surrounding area. Salt Lake City is a growing city in need of additional housing. More people come to this beautiful city every year, which reduces the number of available homes and apartment units. Therefore, we will target buyers who are struggling to find affordable housing.

Furthermore, there are thousands of first-time home buyers in the area. These buyers are an ideal target market for the company.

Management Team

Redstone Development will be owned and operated by Jack Grant. He recruited his former administrative assistant, Sheila Johnson, to be his Office Manager and help manage the office and operations.

Jack has over 30 years of experience developing residential properties and worked for several of our competitors. He also holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah. His education, experience, and industry connections will ensure that Redstone Development becomes one of the area’s most successful real estate development businesses.

Sheila Johnson has been Jack Grant’s loyal administrative assistant for over ten years at a former property development firm. Jack relies strongly on Sheila’s diligence, attention to detail, and focus when organizing his clients, schedule, and files. Sheila has worked in the property development industry for so long that she understands all aspects required to run a successful property development company.

Jack will also employ several other full-time and part-time staff to assist with all aspects of running a real estate development business.

Success Factors

Redstone Development will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Location: Redstone Development’s office is near the center of town, in the shopping district of the city. It is visible from the street, where many residents shop for both day-to-day and luxury items.
• Client-oriented service: Redstone Development will have a full-time assistant with property development experience to keep in contact with clients and answer their everyday questions. Jack realizes the importance of accessibility and will further keep in touch with his clients through monthly newsletters.
• Management: Jack has been highly successful working in the property development sector. His unique qualifications will serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than many of Redstone Development’s competitors.
• Relationships: Having worked and lived in the community his whole life, Jack knows many local leaders, real estate agents, and other influencers in the local property development industry.

Financial Highlights

Redstone Development is seeking $1,000,000 in debt financing to launch its property development business. The funding will be dedicated to purchasing our first property, construction costs, securing the office space, and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward six months of overhead costs, including payroll, rent, and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $50,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $20,000
• Land purchase and construction expenses: $530,000
• Six months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $250,000
• Marketing costs: $50,000
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Redstone Development.

Company Overview

Who is redstone development.

Redstone Development is a new property development company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We focus on residential property development for single-family and multi-family homes. We handle all steps of the property development process, from sourcing the land to selling the finished property. Redstone Development aims to be the most trusted source of affordable housing in the Salt Lake City metro area.

Redstone Development is owned and operated by Jack Grant, who is a real estate development industry veteran and well-versed in the entire property development process. Jack has over 30 years of experience developing residential properties and holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development. His education, experience, and industry connections will ensure that Redstone Development becomes one of the area’s most successful property development businesses.

Redstone Development’s History

After 30 years of working in the property development industry, Jack Grant began researching what it would take to create his own property development company. This included a thorough analysis of the costs, market, demographics, and competition. Jack has compiled enough information to develop his business plan and approach investors.

Once his market analysis was complete, Jack began surveying the local office spaces available and located an ideal location for the property development headquarters. Jack incorporated Redstone Development as a Limited Liability Corporation on October 1st, 2022.

Once the lease is finalized on the office space, renovations can be completed to make the office a welcoming environment to meet with clients.

Since incorporation, Redstone Development has achieved the following milestones:

• Located available office space for rent that is ideal for meeting with clients
• Identified the first property to develop
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
• Hired an interior designer for the decor and furniture layout
• Determined equipment and fixture requirements
• Began recruiting key employees

Redstone Development’s Services

Redstone Development will handle the entire property development process, including sourcing land, securing all necessary approvals and permits, construction, and sale of the finished property.

Industry Analysis

The real estate and property development industries have been strong over the past few years. As of 2021, the real estate industry was valued at $3.69 trillion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% from now until 2030.

This growth will be driven by increasing demand for personal housing. Millennials and Gen-Z are beginning to rent their first apartments or buy their first homes. After years of living with family or roommates, they are ready to have a space to call their own. This trend is leading to a substantial demand for housing that many cities are struggling to supply.

The main challenge to the property development industry is the decrease in market size in the land development industry. Over the past five years, the industry saw an average annual decline of 0.7%. However, we believe that the pandemic was a considerable factor in this decline. Currently, the land development market is valued at $12 billion USD, and we expect it to grow substantially due to the growth of similar industries and the increasing demand for housing, as mentioned above.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Redstone Development will serve home buyers and real estate investors in Salt Lake City, Utah, and its surrounding areas.

The community of Salt Lake City has thousands of first-time home buyers, residential real estate investment firms, and people looking for affordable housing options in the area. The company will also target millennials specifically since the majority of first-time home buyers are in this age group.

The precise demographics for Salt Lake City, Utah are:

Customer Segmentation

Redstone Development will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Home buyers
• Real estate investors
• Millennials
• Apartment/Condominium management companies

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Redstone Development will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Upscale Property Developers, Inc.

Upscale Property Developers, Inc. is a property development company in Salt Lake City. In business for over 40 years, Upscale Property Developers, Inc. provides oversight for the entire property development process for new single-family and multi-family residences, commercial offices, and government buildings across the area. Upscale Property Developers, Inc also offers a variety of property renovation, demolition, and revitalization services for existing buildings.

Although Upscale Property Developers, Inc. provides homes with a luxury aesthetic, they are also the most expensive property developments on the market, thus resulting in many first-time home buyers being priced out of the market.

Premium Property Development Solutions

Established in 1990, Premium Property Development Solutions is a property developer of new commercial and residential properties in Salt Lake City. The company specializes in eco-friendly building materials and upscale design options for individual and corporate clients. Clients can customize their building design or choose from a variety of standard design options. The company employs experienced property developers and designers who are well-versed in green building design.

Premium Property Development Solutions is more affordable than Upscale Property Developers Inc. but is still out of most first-time home buyers’ price ranges.

Salt Lake Residential

Salt Lake Residential is also a local property development company that manages the complete property development process from sourcing and permitting to construction and sale. They are mostly known for their unique apartment complex designs but are equipped to take on a variety of different builds. The company has been in business for about ten years and has developed a reputation for building quality homes for affordable prices.

Although Salt Lake Residential has a similar value proposition of luxury homes at affordable prices, this company lacks the green building and eco-efficiency component to their business model, thus losing out on business from eco-conscious home buyers.

Competitive Advantage

Redstone Development enjoys several advantages over its competitors. Those advantages include:

• Location: Redstone Development’s office is near the center of town, in the city’s shopping district. It is visible from the street, where many residents shop for both day-to-day and luxury items.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Redstone Development will offer the following unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Service built on long-term relationships and personal attention
• Big-firm expertise in a small-firm environment
• Client-focused property development, where the company’s interests are aligned with the client
• Effective project management
• Affordable pricing

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Redstone Development is as follows:

Website/SEO

Redstone Development will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of the property development company. It will also invest heavily in SEO so the brand’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Social Media

Redstone Development will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. The marketing manager will create the company’s social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Print Advertising

The company will invest in professionally designed advertisements to be printed in real estate publications. Redstone Development will also list its properties for sale in key local publications, including newspapers, area magazines, and its own newsletter.

Community Events/Organizations

The company will promote itself by distributing marketing materials and participating in local community events, such as local festivals, business networking, or sporting events.

Redstone Development’s pricing will be moderate so consumers feel they receive great value when purchasing properties from the company.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Redstone Development.

Operation Functions:

• Jack Grant will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. He will also oversee all major aspects of the development projects. Jack has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Sheila Johnson – Office Manager who will manage the office administration, client files, and accounts payable.
• Kenneth Bohannon – Staff Accountant will provide all client accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting.
• Beth Martinez – Marketing Manager who will provide all marketing for Redstone Development and each property it manages.
• Jack will also hire a team of architects, engineers, interior designers, and contractors to design and build the properties.

Milestones:

The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. Redstone Development expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

1/1/202X         Finalize lease agreement

2/1/202X         Design and build out Redstone Development

3/1/202X         Hire and train initial staff

4/1/202X         Purchase first property for development

5/1/202X         Kickoff of promotional campaign

6/1/202X         Find second property for development

Jack has over 30 years of experience developing residential properties and worked for several of our competitors. He also holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development from the University of Utah. His education, experience, and industry connections will ensure that Redstone Development becomes one of the area’s most successful property development businesses.

Jack will also employ several other full-time and part-time staff to assist with all aspects of running a real estate development business as outlined in the Operations Plan.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Redstone Development’s revenues will come primarily from the sale of completed properties. The company will sell new single-family homes, multi-family townhomes, and apartment complexes/condominium properties to individual buyers and investors.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required to staff a property development office. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average monthly payroll expenses: $50,000
• Office lease per year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, property development business plan faqs, what is a property development business plan.

A property development business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your property development business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Property Development business plan using our Property Development Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Property Development Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of property development businesses , some examples include: Single-family detached housing, Multifamily housing, Developing and Subdividing Lots, and Commercial buildings.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Real Estate Development Business Plan?

Property Development businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a real estate developer business plan and a real estate investment business plan template.

What are the Steps To Start a Property Development Business?

Starting a property development business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Write A Property Development Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed real estate development company business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include market research on the real estate market and potential target market size, information the services you will offer, marketing strategies, pricing details and a solid financial plan.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your property development business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your property development business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Property Development Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your property development business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your property development business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Property Development Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your property development business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your property development business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

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Real Estate Development Business Plan

Real estate industry has grown tremendously over the past few years, and we don’t anticipate any significant shifts any time soon. Incredible profit potential, income diversification, and various tax benefits make it an excellent consideration.

Are you looking to start writing a business plan for your real estate development business? Creating a business plan is essential to starting, growing, and securing funding for your business. So we have prepared a real estate development business plan template to help you start writing yours.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Real Estate Development Business Plan?

Writing a real estate development business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

Start with a brief introduction:

Market opportunity:, mention your services:, management team:, financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

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2. Business Overview

Depending on what details of your business are important, you’ll need different elements in your business overview. Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

About the business:

• The name and type of your real estate development company: mention whether you are a development company focusing on residential, commercial, resort & hospitality development, or industrial development. Maybe, you offer a mix of some of these services—so mention it.
• Company structure of your real estate business, whether it is an LLC, partnership firm, or something else.
• Location of your property development company and why you selected that place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your real estate development business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market in which your real estate development business will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

Target market:

Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:, regulatory environment:.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

• Use a variety of sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
• Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
• Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
• Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan

4. Products And Services

The product and services section of a property development business plan should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

List the services:

• Create a list of services your development business will offer, including construction and project management, architectural designing and planning, property acquisition, financing services, etc.
• Describe each service: Provide a detailed description of what it entails, the time required, and the qualifications of the professionals who will provide it. For example, a project manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a project.

Emphasize safety and quality:

Overall, a business plan’s product and services section should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

Determine your pricing strategy:, marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, the sales and marketing strategies section of your business plan should outline your plans to attract and retain customers and generate revenue. Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business processes and procedures involved in operating a business. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

Hiring plan:

Operational process:, equipment and machinery:.

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your real estate development business.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the real estate development business. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Key managers:

Organizational structure:, compensation plan:, board of advisors:.

Describe your company’s key personnel and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

8. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:, financing needs:.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections and provide supporting evidence for your estimates.

9. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information that supports the main content of your plan. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

• Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
• Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
• Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the real estate development industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
• Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your real estate development business should only include relevant and essential information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This real estate development business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful real estate development plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready real estate business plan to impress your audience, download our real estate development business plan pdf .

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Key Components of a Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a real estate development business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful real estate development company. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your real estate business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your real estate business.

How to get funding for your real estate development business?

There are several ways to get funding for your real estate business, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your development business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought options for startups.
• Venture capital – Venture capitalists will invest in your business in exchange for a percentage of shares, so this funding option is also viable.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your real estate development business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your real estate development business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your real estate development business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any real estate development business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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A Sample Property Development Business Plan Template

Are you about starting a real estate development company? If YES, here is a complete sample property development business plan template you can use for FREE. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a property development business.

We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample property marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for property development businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Property Development?

It is therefore no doubt that housing is one very essential ingredient to life. The moment one is able to find a place of abode, there comes a form of huge relief. It is for that reason that the need for the government of different parts of the world to provide basic shelter for its citizens cannot be over flogged.

Every day there are an avalanche of people who dive into the property development business because they know how lucrative this trade is and how money spinning it becomes when one is able to get a hang of it. This is why those who have scaled through the teething stage of the business know that adequate planning is one of the hurdles that just must be scaled so as to get things right.

1. Industry Overview

The property development industry falls into the real estate category and it is indeed a very large industry that has the potential to make entrepreneurs millionaire within a short period of time. Property development industry is a many-sided business that covers all aspect of activities, ranging from acquiring raw lands, to selling or renting or leasing of fully finished and furnished properties.

In essence, developers are responsible for turning ideas into real properties; i.e. they acquire lands, they finance real estate deals, they engage in building projects and they sell, rent, lease and even manage properties on behalf of their clients.

Beyond every reasonable doubt, one of the most profitable, creative and interesting aspect of the real estate industry is property development. As a matter of fact, developers are major players when it comes to determining the prices of properties. Although this type of business venture can be risky, but in order to make it big in the trade as a property developer, you have got to just take calculated risks.

Just like all other investment vehicles, there are potential down sides that you need to look out for as a property developer. One of the major risks in property development is a sudden down turn in the economy. Property development could take a period of two to three years from conception to completion, depending on the size of the project and the cash flow.

As a matter of fact, some projects could even take much longer than that. Because of the time frame involved in developing properties from start to finish, loads of unanticipated things could crop up and it falls in the thick of property cum economy downturn which is not good for the business considering the investment that has gone into the project.

Another factor that is of major concerns and a threat to property development business generally could be cost increase as a result of inflation, currency devaluation as well as economic challenges.

Unforeseen delays from the part of government agencies, litigation and also delays from contractors could lead to substantial cost increase especially if the project is heavily dependent on bank loans. If perhaps during this period there is a change in the supply and demand dynamics of the property sector, the project could as well be affected negatively.

As a property developer, it is very important to be creative, to be able to use your ideas to meet the rapidly changing needs of the society when it comes to properties; you should be able to convert a slum into a beautiful city, if indeed you want to become a major player in the real estate industry.

Over and above, the property development sector is known to be a major contributor in the economy of many nations of the world and the industry is notable for producing some of the richest men in the world.

2. Executive Summary

Solorio’s® Property Development Company is a property development company that will be based in 530 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10033, USA. Our aim of starting this business is to work in tandem with the government of the united states of America to deliver affordable homes and properties for all classes of people in the United States of America.

Our Head Office will be located in New York City, but we will have our branch offices in major cities in all regions of the United States of America. During the first two years of operation we would have set up our offices in the following locations; Las Vegas, Washington, DC, Dallas, Texas and Boston.

Solorio’s® Property Development Company is going to be a self-administered and a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). We will work towards becoming one of the largest owners, managers, and developers of first-class properties (accommodations, public buildings and office properties) in the United States of America.

We are quite aware that property development business requires a huge capital base, which is why we have perfect plans for steady flow of cash from private investors who are interested in working with us. We can confidently say that we have a robust financial standing and we are ready to take on any property development deal that comes our way.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority and to become the leading property development company in New York City, we have perfected plans to work with our clients to deliver projects that can favorably compete with the best in the industry, at an affordable and reasonable price within the stipulated completion date barring any unforeseen circumstance and also to generate great value from any property that we manage (both for our clients and for the company).

Solorio’s® Property Development Company will become a specialist in turning slums into beautiful cities and turning a run –down and dilapidated building into a master piece. And that hopefully will be our brand and signature.

Solorio’s® Property Development Company will be owned majorly by Shannon McKenzie and family. Shannon McKenzie is a property guru that has worked with top Real Estate Companies in the United States of America for many years; prior to starting his own business. Other investors with same investment ideology whose name cannot be mentioned here for obvious reasons are also part owners of the business.

3. Our Products and Services

Solorio’s® Property Development Company will be involved in the core real estate business and because we aspire to become one of the leading property development company in New York City, we have decided to explore every available means of generating money from Property Development. Our business offering can are listed below;

• Developing Properties for our Clients
• Leasing of Properties
• Renting of Properties
• Selling of Fully Furnished Properties
• Selling of Landed Properties
• Leasing of Bare Land
• Manage Properties and Facility for Clients
• Property Makeover Services
• Real Estate Consultancy and Advisory Services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• To deliver affordable and quality properties to all classes of people in the United States of America.
• At Solorio’s® Property Development Company, our mission and values is to help people and businesses in the United States of America and throughout the world realize their dreams of owning properties.

Our Business Structure

Solorio’s® Property Development Company is aiming to be amongst the leading property development companies in New York City, and the only way for us to attain this position is to structure the business for growth and to hire the best hands we can get in the industry.

We want to build a team that will work together towards achieving the company’s goal and also a business with standard structure and processes; a business that runs on auto pilot. In view of the above, we have made provisions for the following positions in our organization;

• Chief Executive Officer

Project Manager

Civil Engineer

• Structural Engineer
• Quantity Surveyor

Land Surveyor

Company’s Lawyer/Secretary

Admin and HR Manager

Business Developer

• Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for the day to day running of the business
• Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Reports to the board
• Responsible for the planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervise projects
• Ensures compliance during project executions
• Provides advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Using IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Responsible for overseeing the accounting, costing and billing of every project
• Represents the organization’s interest at various stakeholders meetings
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.
• Responsible for preparing bids for tenders, and reporting to clients, public agencies and planning bodies
• Ensures that sites meet legal guidelines, and health and safety requirements
• Assesses the environment impact and risks connected to projects
• Responsible for judging whether projects are workable by assessing materials, costs and time requirements
• Draws up blueprints, using Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages
• Discusses requirements with the client and other professionals (e.g. architects and project managers et al)
• Responsible for managing, directing and monitoring progress during each phase of a project
• Responsible for creating building designs and highly detailed drawings both by using the hands and by using specialist computer – aided design (CAD) software
• Working around constraining factors such as town planning legislation, environmental impact and project budget
• Writes and presents reports, proposals, applications and contracts
• Adapts plans according to circumstances and resolving any problems that may arise during construction
• Works with project team and management to achieve a common goal
• Responsible for applying for planning permission and advice from governmental new building and legal department.
• Responsible for undertaking land surveys/measurements using a variety of specialist technical equipment such as theodolites, laser alignment devices and satellite positioning systems et al.
• Responsible for presenting data to clients
• Responsible for producing and advising about construction plans and drawings
• Responsible for advising about technical matters and whether the construction plans are viable
• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consults and handles all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial/securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
• Develops company policy and position on legal issues
• Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
• Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Plays a part in business deals negotiation and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
• Prepares annual reports for the company
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s need s, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Front Desk/Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives Visitors/clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels/documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned my the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

In as much as property development business is a very lucrative business, there are loads of investors and entrepreneurs who are interested in owning a business portfolio in the industry, so as such the competition for available business deals will be much.

This is why we invested time and resources to prepare a killer property development marketing plan. Prior to setting up Solorio’s® Property Development Company we employed the services of tested and trusted business and HR consultants to help us conduct critical SWOT analysis for us.

We did this so as to know how to maximize our strength and opportunities and also to look for ways to properly manage our weakness and the threat that we may likely face in the property development industry as a newbie. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Solorio’s® Property Development Company;

Solorio’s® Property Development Company prides itself in the fact that the management team are core professionals and experts in their own chosen fields and they are some of the best in New York City. Despite the fact that we a new property development company, we can confidently say that we have a strong financial strength to handle most of the deals that we will have to handle.

Our weakness could not be farfetched; we are a new property development company, and there is the possibility of clients to think twice before awarding us contracts. Most people would prefer to deal with companies that have been in existence for a long period of time , as against dealing with a new company that they are not sure will deliver as planned.

• Opportunities:

Our business concepts and our mission and vision put us at an advantage in the industry. We are set to not only work with big money bags but also to work with smaller clients whose wish is just to have a roof over their head. Furthermore, we are certain that the location of our business is going to bring multiple business opportunities to us.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a property development company are unfavorable government policies, global economic downturn and other big money bags that are major players in the property development industry. There is hardly anything we could do as it concerns this threats, other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

It is no longer news that property development involves various stakeholders with various contributions and responsibilities. In property development you have a synergy involving the property owner, the financier, the property developer and a team of technical experts. The property owner may be an individual or a group and could also be a corporate body.

Before now, the interest of most owners is to sell the property to any willing buyer and move on with their life. However, because of the profitability of the business, there are land owners now who are willing to use their property as a leverage to have an equity stake in the project.

This is a win-win for all the parties since the developer too will use the extra cash savings to accelerate the completion of the project and also to handle other projects. It is obvious that loads of investors are now very much interested in property development business, because it is one of the quickest means of becoming a millionaire and as a matter of fact, it is rare to see a multi – millionaire who does not have a business portfolio in the real estate industry.

One good thing about the property development industry is that it has room wide enough to accommodate as many investors that wants to dive into the industry. We know that we can achieve our business goals and targets in the property development industry in New York City and the United States, which is why we have mapped out our own marketing and sales strategies.

8. Our Target Market

Our target market cuts across people of different classes and people from all walks of life. We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly placed people in the country and at the same with the lowly placed people who are only interested in putting a roof under their head.

We are in business to make profits at the same we in business to give our customers the opportunities to own their own properties at an affordable price.

Solorio’s® Property Development Company wants to be known as a company that has the interest of the rich, the middle class and the poor in the United States of America. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• Families who are interested in renting/leasing or acquiring a property
• Corporate organizations who are interested in renting/leasing or acquiring their own property/properties
• Land Owners
• Properties Owners
• University Campuses (Private Hostels)
• Foreign investors who are interested in owning properties in the United States of America
• The government of the United States of America (Government contracts)
• Managers of public facilities

Our Competitive Advantage

There are major players who have gotten a grip of the property development business in New York, but that does not deter us from entering the trade to build our business to become one of the top property development businesses in New York City. Solorio’s® Property Development Company has a management team members that are considered experts in their own chosen area of specialization.

Our CEO has a robust experience in the real estate industry and he is bringing the experience to help build Solorio’s® Property Development Company to become a top brand as far as property development business is concern. Of course, we are a new company, but we have been able to build our capital base to be able to handle most of the projects that we will bid for and also to acquire properties for the organization.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Solorio’s® Property Development Company is established with the aim of maximizing the profits in the real estate industry via delivering quality and affordable property to our highly esteemed clients. The property business is wide in scope and there are several means of generating income for the company. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Solorio’s® Property Development Company;

10. Sales Forecast

Prior to launching Solorio’s® Property Development Company we have serious interest in the industry and we have been able to secure some properties that is still under construction. We are optimistic that the projects / properties will be completed within the next two months and we have concluded plans to put the property for lease.

They are office complexes and it is interesting to know that people are already queuing up to rent / lease the available spaces. We are quite optimistic that we will meet out set target of generating enough income / profits from the first month or operations.

We have critically studied the property market and we have examined our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions;

• Build/develop at least 2 office complex (3 story building each) within the first 12 months of operation
• Manage a minimum of 5 properties for clients within the first 6 months of operations
• Sell a minimum of 20 hectares of land within the first 12 months of operation
• Develop at least one estate within the first 24 months of operations
• Provide advisory and consultancy services for a minimum of 1 client per month
• Handle a minimum of 12 building makeover projects within the first 12 months of operations

N.B: Please note that we could not put a specific amount to the projection because the prices may differ for different services and for different clients. Part of our business strategy is to work within the budget of our clients to deliver quality property / properties hence it will be difficult to project what we are likely going to make from such deals.

But the bottom line is that we are definitely going to make reasonable profits from any business deal that we execute. The property market is structured in such a way that property developers will always make profits from any deal they handle.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Solorio’s® Property Development Company is aware that there are stiffer competition in the property development market in the United States of America, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

Our goal is to become one of the leading property development companies in New York City and in every other city where we operate, which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market. Solorio’s® Property Development Company will adopt the following marketing and sales strategies;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochures to all the corporate organizations in New York and other States in the US.
• Promptness in bidding for contracts.
• Advertise our business in real estate / properties magazines and websites.
• List our business on yellow pages.
• Attend expos, seminars, and business fairs et al.
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality housing/ property to them.
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the hearts of our target market. First and foremost, we want our brand to be visible and well communicated, which is why we have decided to work with different classes of people in the society.

All our publicity materials and jingles are done by some of the best hands in the industry. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our property development business;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms (real
• Sponsor relevant TV shows
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook ,Twitter, LinkedIn, Badoo, Google+ et al
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Part of business strategy is to ensure that we work within the budget of our clients to deliver excellent properties to them. We are quite aware that there are major players in the property development industry in the United Stated of America who are not interested in small business deals.

Although our prices may not be outrageously lower than what is obtained in the industry, but we are hopeful that whatever price we bill our customer will be amongst the lowest they can get in the industry. The fact that we are going to be billing our clients lower than what is obtainable in the industry does not in any way affect the quality of our properties.

• Payment Options

Our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite conscious that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will not accept payment by cash because of the volume of cash that will be involved in most of our transactions Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans without any itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Total Fee for incorporating the Business in New York: $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license: $5,000
• The Amount needed to acquire a suitable Facility with enough space in New York City (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive): $80,000.
• The Cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al): $15,000
• The Cost of Launching a Website: $600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al): $5,000
• Working capital (investment fund): $3,000,000 (3 Million US Dollar)

Going by the report from our research and feasibility studies, we will need about $3,200,000 (3.2 US Million Dollars) to set up a property development company in New York City. In property development business, the larger your capital base, the greater the opportunities you can access and the more profits you will make.

Despite the fact that we have a working capital of 3 Million US Dollar, we have been able to create a business relationship with our banks so as to easily access loans when the need arises.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for Property Development Company

• The CEO Dr. Shavonne McPherson will generate 20 percent of the start – up capital from her personal savings
• 30% of the capital will be generated from partners and investors
• 50% of the capital will be sourced from banks

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

Solorio’s® Property Development Company was established with the aim of building a company that will outlive the founders and partners. Part of the vision of the company is to handover the baton of the company from one generation to another generation; hence we have perfected our plans to put the right structures in place that will aid our succession plan.

We are quite aware that the growth of any business depends solely to the business deals or sales they execute per financial year. We will continue to give our marketing team all the supports they would need to continue to deliver and meet all set targets and corporate goals.

Lastly, we will not relent in taking calculated business risks when it comes to investment and taking on new business challenges and new business frontiers.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility in New York City: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from the CEO and Business Partners: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of business plan : Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents (Tenancy Agreements et al), and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility face lift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies): Completed

More on Real Estate

How To Write a Business Plan for Property Development Company in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on property development company.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Are you dreaming of starting your own property development company? With the real estate market booming in the US, now is the perfect time to turn that dream into a lucrative business venture. According to the latest statistics, the property development industry is experiencing steady growth, with an annual revenue of over $500 billion. This presents a massive opportunity for entrepreneurs like you to capitalize on the demand for new properties and generate substantial profits. But before you jump in, it's essential to have a solid business plan in place. In this blog post, we will guide you through nine crucial steps to help you write a comprehensive business plan for your property development company.

Identify Target Market and Location

In order to successfully start a property development company, it is crucial to identify your target market and location early on in the process. This step will lay the foundation for the entire business plan and help guide your decision-making throughout the development process.

First, identify your target market . Who are the potential buyers or renters of the properties you plan to develop? Are you targeting young professionals, families, retirees, or a specific demographic? Understanding your target market will enable you to tailor your properties and marketing efforts to meet their needs and preferences.

Next, identify the ideal location for your property development projects. Consider factors such as proximity to amenities, schools, transportation, and employment opportunities. Research the real estate market in your desired location to determine if there is demand for property development and if it aligns with your target market's preferences.

Tips for identifying your target market and location:

• Conduct market research to understand the demographics and preferences of your target market.
• Visit potential locations to assess the potential for growth and development.
• Consider working with a real estate agent or consultant familiar with the local market.
• Explore potential partnerships with local businesses or organizations to gain insights into the target market.

By carefully identifying your target market and location in the early stages of your business plan, you can ensure that your property development company is positioned for success. This knowledge will assist you in making informed decisions, developing properties that meet market demand, and ultimately generating profits from your real estate ventures.

Conduct Market Research

In order to successfully develop a property, it is crucial to conduct thorough market research. This step will provide you with valuable insights into the current real estate market trends, buyer preferences, and potential demand for your development project.

Here are some important factors to consider during your market research:

• Identify the target market and location: Determine the specific demographic and geographic characteristics of the market segment you intend to target. This will help you tailor your property development project to meet the needs and preferences of potential buyers or renters.
• Evaluate market demand: Analyze the current demand for properties in your target market. Consider factors such as population growth, employment opportunities, and overall economic conditions that may influence the demand for real estate in the area.
• Assess competition: Research and analyze your competitors in the local market. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. This will enable you to differentiate your property development company and identify unique selling points for your projects.
• Study market trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest market trends and developments in the real estate industry. Monitor changes in buyer preferences, design trends, and emerging technologies that may impact the success of your property development projects.
• Utilize online resources: Take advantage of online platforms, databases, and industry reports to gather information about the local real estate market.
• Engage with local professionals: Network with real estate agents, brokers, and industry experts to gain insights into the local market dynamics and gather valuable advice.
• Visit potential development sites: Conduct site visits to evaluate the suitability of potential properties for your development projects. Assess factors such as accessibility, infrastructure, and neighborhood amenities.
• Stay informed about zoning regulations: Familiarize yourself with the local zoning or planning regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential obstacles during the development process.

By conducting thorough market research, you will have a solid understanding of the market dynamics and be able to make informed decisions throughout the property development process. This will increase the chances of success for your business and maximize the profitability of your projects.

Determine Project Scope And Objectives

Once you have identified your target market and location, the next crucial step in writing a business plan for your property development company is to determine the scope and objectives of your projects. This step is essential as it sets the foundation for the entire development process.

When determining project scope, consider the size, type, and complexity of the projects you plan to undertake. Are you aiming for residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments? Will you focus on new construction or renovation projects? Clearly defining the scope helps you understand the resources, expertise, and timeline required for each project.

Setting clear objectives is equally important. These objectives should align with your overall business goals and reflect the specific outcomes you aim to achieve for each project. Are you looking to maximize profits through quick property sales, or are you more focused on long-term rental income? Define your objectives to provide direction and guide decision-making throughout the development process.

Assess Competition And Market Demand

Assessing the competition and market demand is a crucial step in developing a business plan for a property development company. Understanding the landscape of competitors and the level of demand in the market will help you make informed decisions and develop strategies for success.

1. Research your competition: Conduct a thorough analysis of other property development companies operating in your target market. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points. This will help you identify gaps in the market and differentiate your company from the competition.

2. Understand market demand: Analyze the current demand for properties in your target market. Consider factors such as population growth, economic indicators, and trends in the real estate industry. Determine whether there is a demand for the type of properties you aim to develop.

3. Identify unique selling points: Differentiate your property development company by identifying unique selling points that cater to the needs and preferences of your target market. This could be offering eco-friendly features, luxury amenities, or innovative architectural designs.

By thoroughly assessing the competition and market demand, you will be equipped with the necessary information to make informed decisions and devise effective strategies for your property development company. This step sets the foundation for success in the highly competitive real estate industry.

Develop A Business Structure And Legal Framework

When starting a property development company, it is vital to establish a solid business structure and legal framework to ensure smooth operations and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

The first step in developing a business structure is to determine the legal entity for your company. Common options include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine the best fit for your specific circumstances.

Once you have chosen the legal entity, you will need to register your company with the appropriate government agencies. This typically involves obtaining a business license or permit, registering the company name, and obtaining any necessary certifications or permits required for property development activities.

In addition to the legal structure, you will also need to develop a comprehensive legal framework for your property development company. This includes drafting contracts for various aspects of your business, such as purchase agreements, lease agreements, contractor agreements, and partnership agreements. These contracts will serve as the backbone of your company's operations and help protect your interests.

It is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in real estate and property development to ensure that your legal framework covers all necessary aspects and protects your company from any potential liabilities or disputes.

• Consult with professionals: Seek advice from lawyers, accountants, and other professionals to ensure you choose the right legal entity and develop a robust legal framework.
• Compliance with regulations: Research and understand the local, state, and federal regulations that apply to property development companies to ensure full compliance.
• Protection of interests: Draft contracts and agreements that safeguard your company's interests, including provisions for dispute resolution and liability limitations.
• Insurance: Consider obtaining appropriate insurance coverage, such as general liability insurance, to protect your company from unforeseen risks and potential lawsuits.
• Building relationships with experienced real estate attorneys and legal advisors can provide ongoing support and guidance as your property development company grows.
• Keep up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations relevant to the real estate industry to ensure your legal framework remains current and compliant.

By developing a strong business structure and legal framework, you lay a solid foundation for your property development company, allowing you to operate efficiently, mitigate risks, and pursue growth opportunities with confidence.

Create A Financial Plan And Secure Funding

Developing a comprehensive financial plan is crucial for the success of your property development company. It allows you to effectively manage your financial resources and secure funding to support your projects. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Evaluate your financial needs: Analyze the costs associated with property acquisition, development, and ongoing expenses. Determine how much funding you will require to complete each project.
• Assess available funding options: Research various funding sources such as investors, banks, or private equity funds. Consider the pros and cons of each and identify the most suitable option for your company.
• Create a detailed financial plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that includes projected income and expenses, cash flow forecasts, and return on investment analysis. This plan will not only help you secure funding but also guide your financial decisions throughout the project.
• Present your financial plan to potential investors: Clearly communicate the potential risks and rewards associated with your projects. Show investors how their funding will be used, the expected returns, and how you plan to mitigate risks.
• Build relationships with financial institutions: Establish connections with banks and other financial institutions to explore loan options and secure favorable terms. Maintain good credit history and financial records, as these are often crucial in obtaining funding.
• Consider partnering with joint venture partners: Collaborating with experienced developers or investors who have access to capital can provide additional funding opportunities and enhance your company's credibility.
• Thoroughly research potential investors or financial institutions to ensure they align with your company's goals and values.
• Be prepared to negotiate terms and conditions to secure the best funding options for your projects.
• Regularly review and update your financial plan to reflect changes in the market or unexpected expenses.

Creating a solid financial plan and securing funding are essential steps to ensure the financial stability and growth of your property development company. By carefully considering your financial needs, exploring various funding options, and presenting a compelling financial plan, you will be well-positioned to successfully fund and execute your projects.

Identify Key Team Members and Partners

Building a successful property development company requires a strong team of individuals with diverse skills and expertise. Identifying key team members and partners is crucial for executing your business plan effectively. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Project Manager: A skilled project manager is essential to oversee the entire development process, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Architect: Collaborating with an experienced architect will help in designing functional and appealing properties that meet the needs of the target market.
• Contractor: Finding a reliable contractor who can execute construction projects efficiently and within budget is vital for the success of your property development ventures.
• Real Estate Agents: Establishing partnerships with reputable real estate agents can assist in sourcing potential properties, connecting with buyers, and increasing the visibility of your company.

Tips for Identifying Key Team Members and Partners:

• Do your research: Look for professionals and companies with relevant experience and a proven track record in the property development industry.
• Network: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and leverage your connections to find potential team members and partners.
• Interview and assess: Conduct thorough interviews and evaluate the qualifications, skills, and compatibility of potential team members and partners.
• Seek recommendations: Ask for recommendations from trusted sources within the industry to ensure you are partnering with reliable and reputable professionals.
• Negotiate contracts: Establish clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities through written agreements or contracts to protect the interests of all parties involved.

By identifying and partnering with key team members and partners , you can leverage their expertise, knowledge, and networks to maximize the potential success of your property development company. Remember, building strong relationships and collaborating effectively is crucial for achieving your business goals and delivering exceptional results in this competitive industry.

Develop A Comprehensive Marketing And Sales Strategy

Once you have identified your target market, assessed market demand, and determined the scope of your property development project, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy that will help you effectively reach potential buyers or renters.

Firstly, identify your unique selling proposition (USP) – what sets your developed property apart from competitors in the market? Highlight the key features and benefits that will attract potential buyers or renters and differentiate your property from others.

Next, define your target audience . This will help you tailor your marketing efforts to reach the right people. Consider factors such as age, income level, lifestyle preferences, and location preferences. This will enable you to create targeted advertising campaigns and promotional materials that resonate with your intended audience.

Develop a branding strategy that aligns with your target market and USP. Create a compelling brand identity, including a logo, tagline, and visual elements, that represents the unique qualities of your property development company and appeals to your target audience.

Utilize a multi-channel marketing approach to reach a wider audience. This can include online marketing strategies such as social media advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing. Additionally, consider traditional marketing channels such as print advertisements, direct mail campaigns, and participation in industry events or trade shows.

It is crucial to track and analyze the effectiveness of your marketing and sales efforts . Regularly evaluate the results of your campaigns, measure customer response rates, and analyze market trends to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

By developing a comprehensive marketing and sales strategy, you can effectively market your property development projects, attract potential buyers or renters, and maximize the profitability of your property development company.

Create A Timeline And Project Management Plan

Once the scope and objectives of your property development project have been determined, it is essential to create a detailed timeline and project management plan. This will ensure that every step of the development process is organized, efficient, and completed within the desired timeframe.

To create a timeline, start by breaking down the project into smaller tasks and milestones. Assign specific dates or deadlines to each task, taking into account any dependencies or constraints that may affect the project's progress. This will help you stay on track and monitor the project's overall timeline.

Additionally, a project management plan should be developed to outline the resources, roles, and responsibilities needed for the successful execution of the project. This plan should include:

• A clear definition of each team member's role and responsibilities
• Identification of key deliverables and milestones
• Allocation of resources, such as budget and manpower
• Identification and mitigation of potential risks
• Monitoring and reporting mechanisms
• Regularly review and update the timeline and project management plan to accommodate any changes or unforeseen circumstances.
• Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks to enhance clarity and improve efficiency.
• Establish clear communication channels and hold regular meetings with the project team to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities and progress.
• Utilize project management software or tools to streamline communication, task management, and overall project coordination.

By creating a comprehensive timeline and project management plan, you can effectively manage your property development project from start to finish, ensuring that each task is completed in a timely manner and that the project stays on track to meet its objectives.

In conclusion, writing a business plan for a property development company requires careful research, strategic planning, and a comprehensive understanding of the market. By following the nine steps outlined in this checklist, property developers can effectively identify their target market, assess competition and market demand, secure funding, and develop a successful marketing and sales strategy. Additionally, creating a solid business structure, assembling a strong team, and implementing a project management plan will help ensure the smooth execution of property development projects. With the right approach and attention to detail, property developers can create value, generate profits, and contribute to the growth of the real estate industry.

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How to write a business plan for your real estate development venture.

A real estate development venture can be a lucrative and rewarding business.

It offers the opportunity to create value in a tangible asset while also providing a steady stream of income.

But, first thing first, you need to write a business plan.

A business plan is a critical tool for any new project, especially a real estate development venture. It will help you to identify the financial and operational objectives of the project, and provide a clear roadmap for success.

In short, a good business plan will help make sure your real estate development venture is profitable .

What should you consider when writing a business plan for a real estate development venture? What components should be part of the structure? What metrics should be considered for the financial assessment? How can I write a business plan efficiently and effectively?

This article will address and answer all these questions.

Finally, please note that you don't have to start your business plan from scratch.

You can download our business plan for a real estate development venture and adapt it to suit your business needs.

Building a business plan for a real estate development venture

Should you consider writing a business plan for your real estate development venture.

Yes, you should consider writing a business plan for your real estate development venture.

Developing a robust business plan will enable you to:

• learn about the real estate development market
• stay on top of the industry's emerging trends
• uncover what makes a real estate development venture viable
• understand the market demands, architectural preferences, and sustainability goals for real estate development projects
• come up with a unique value proposition for your property construction project
• evaluate competitive strategies
• find distinctive competitive edges for your real estate development venture
• find a business model that will generate positive cash flows
• formulate an airtight strategy to maximize business growth
• assess potential risks involved in a real estate development venture, such as financial feasibility, construction delays, and market demand

Our team has created a business plan for a real estate development venture that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to organize a business plan for a real estate development venture?

Inside a business plan, you'll find many facts, numbers, and indicators. It must be well structured, to make easy to read and digest.

When we made our business plan for a real estate development venture , we made sure it had a proper structure.

You'll see 5 different sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The section number one is titled "Market Opportunity."

Explore this section to access comprehensive data and insights related to the real estate development venture, enabling you to understand market trends and pursue profitable real estate projects.

We revamp this section twice a year for up-to-date data.

2. Project Presentation

In the "Project" section, describe your real estate development venture, including the types of properties, innovative design approaches, sustainability initiatives, and highlight the unique value proposition for buyers and investors.

At the end of this section, provide a brief introduction about yourself and your qualifications for real estate development.

Highlight your experience in the industry, your track record of successful projects, and your vision for creating exceptional properties that meet market demands and enhance communities.

We've provided you with wording. You can modify it to fit your idea perfectly.

3. Market Research

After that, comes the "Market Research" section.

In this section, you will find a market segmentation analysis for your real estate development venture.

It includes a study of competing real estate development projects and emphasizes your venture's competitive advantages. A tailored SWOT analysis is also provided.

4. Strategy

Within the "Strategy" section, a detailed plan spanning three years is presented, highlighting the initiatives and actions necessary to make your real estate development venture highly profitable.

In addition, you'll find a marketing strategy, a risk management strategy, and a Business Model Canvas that has been filled in.

5. Finances

Ultimately, the "Finances" section presents a comprehensive view of the financials and estimates for your project.

How to write an Executive Summary for a real estate development venture?

The Executive Summary serves as an introduction to the business plan for your real estate development venture.

Don't go beyond 2 pages; concentrate on the crucial information.

The aim of this document is to make the reader want to explore your business plan.

In the Executive Summary of your real estate development venture, answer the following questions: what type of real estate development does your venture focus on? who is your target market? who are your competitors in the industry? how do you differentiate from them? what funding do you require?

How to do the market analysis for a real estate development venture?

The market study of your real estate development venture helps you understand external factors such as customer preferences for properties, competition within the real estate market, and emerging trends in property development.

By conducting an extensive market analysis, a real estate development venture can understand market demands, offer innovative real estate projects, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to increased property sales, project success, and a prominent position in the real estate industry.

This is what we've outlined in the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a real estate development venture :

• key insights and trends in real estate development, including property development projects, market demand for housing, and sustainable construction practices
• a list of potential audiences for a real estate development venture
• the competitive comparison
• the competitive advantages to build for a real estate development venture

The key points of the business plan for a real estate development venture

What's the business model of a real estate development venture, business model of a real estate development venture.

A real estate development venture's business model revolves around acquiring land or properties and developing them into residential, commercial, or mixed-use projects for sale or lease. Revenue is generated through property sales or rental income.

The business model focuses on identifying development opportunities, conducting feasibility studies, effective marketing to target property buyers or tenants, and building strong relationships with architects, contractors, or real estate professionals.

Success depends on property market analysis, project planning and execution, delivering high-quality developments, fostering positive customer experiences and recommendations, and continuously identifying and evaluating profitable real estate development opportunities in the market.

Business model vs Business plan

Please don't mix up the terms "business plan" and "business model."

A business model describes how a company generates income and operates successfully.

In a business plan, you delineate your business model employing a resource called the Business Model Canvas.

Rest assured, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a real estate development venture .

How do you identify the market segments of a real estate development venture?

Market segmentation for your real estate agency involves dividing your potential clients into different groups based on their real estate needs, property types, and preferences.

These categories may include factors such as residential properties, commercial properties, luxury properties, or clients seeking specific real estate services (e.g., buying, selling, renting).

By segmenting your market, you can offer specialized real estate services and expertise that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide comprehensive residential real estate services, including assistance with buying or selling homes, offer commercial real estate services for businesses seeking office spaces or retail properties, specialize in luxury properties and cater to high-end clients looking for premium real estate options, or focus on specific real estate services such as property management or rental assistance.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, showcase your knowledge of specific property types or markets, and provide personalized and professional real estate services that meet the unique needs and preferences of each client segment.

In the business plan for a real estate development venture , you will find a detailed market segmentation that gives you insights into your potential customers.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a real estate development venture?

It's clear that you won't be the only real estate development venture in the market. There are other developers working on projects to create residential and commercial properties.

To create a successful business plan, it's crucial to thoroughly analyze your competitors. This involves carefully identifying and studying their offer, while also evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

Be mindful of their weaknesses (such as inadequate project planning, lack of market research, or poor construction quality).

Why is it crucial to address these aspects? Because these weaknesses can impact the success of real estate development ventures.

By focusing on these areas, you can conduct thorough market analysis, offer innovative and desirable properties, and provide exceptional customer service, positioning your real estate development venture as a trusted and sought-after player in the market.

It's what we call competitive advantages—work on developing them for a distinct business identity.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a real estate development venture: strategic property selection, innovative and sustainable designs, strong project management, efficient construction and timelines, attention to market demands and trends, comprehensive financial analysis, successful partnerships and investor relationships.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a property developer?

A SWOT analysis can help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and provide valuable insights into the potential success of a real estate development venture.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a real estate development venture

The strengths for a real estate development venture

The "S" in SWOT symbolizes Strengths, indicating the project's internal factors that give it a competitive edge.

For a real estate development venture, potential strengths could include access to capital, a strong team of experienced professionals, expertise in local markets, and an established network of contacts.

The weaknesses for a real estate development venture

When we talk about the "W," we're talking about Weaknesses, which are the weaker parts of the project that need improvement.

For a real estate development venture, potential weaknesses include inadequate capital, lack of industry knowledge, poor market timing, and inadequate resources.

The opportunities for a real estate development venture

The letter "O" denotes Opportunities in SWOT, signifying the potential advantages or favorable external conditions for the project.

In the case of a real estate development venture, potential opportunities could include building a mixed-use complex, constructing an apartment complex, renovating a historic building, and developing a housing subdivision.

The threats for a real estate development venture

The letter "T" denotes Threats in SWOT, signifying the external risks or unfavorable factors that can impact the project's outcomes.

How to elaborate a marketing strategy for a property developer?

A marketing strategy is an important part of a business plan as it outlines how a business will attract customers and drive revenue.

A real estate development venture can attract potential buyers or investors by developing an effective marketing approach that showcases the venture's innovative architectural designs, prime locations, and investment potential.

Investors won't be interested in your property developer business without effective marketing; showcasing your successful projects, innovative designs, and potential for growth is crucial.

Are you utilizing marketing tactics to promote your real estate development venture? Consider creating visually appealing renderings or virtual tours of your properties, attending real estate industry conferences or trade shows, and leveraging online platforms to reach potential investors or homebuyers.

Don't fret if you lack knowledge in marketing and communication – there's no need to worry.

How to build a solid financial plan for a property developer?

A solid business plan must include detailed financial information such as projected income, expenses, cash flow, and balance sheets.

As part of your business planning process, you'll be required to predict the revenue for your real estate development venture.

Of course, this revenue forecast will have to make sense.

Our financial plan for a real estate development venture is easy to use and includes built-in checks to help you identify and correct any assumptions, ensuring you create reliable projections with confidence.

Without a doubt, you will be required to draft a provisional budget for your real estate development venture . Make certain to include all expenses without exception - you can find them all listed in our financial plan!

A key aspect of your financial plan is the break-even analysis, which helps determine whether your real estate development venture will become a profitable company or not.

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Property Development Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Property Development Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Property Development business or expand your current Property Development business, you need a business plan.

The following Property Development business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning property development business plan. It can be used to create a land development business plan and a real estate development company business plan.

You can download our business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key sections of your Property Development business plan: I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

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Property Development Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS PLAN: 2023 UK Template & Guide

• by Folakemi Adegbaju
• August 9, 2023
• No comments
• 8 minute read

Table of Contents Hide

The importance of having a business plan, #1. executive summary, #2. company overview, #3. market research, #4. customer analysis, #5. marketing plan, #6. swot analysis, #7. management team, #8. financial plan, #9. appendix, property development business plan template, how do you start a property development business, is property development profitable, how much money do you need to get into property development, how can i start property development with no money, where do property developers get money, what qualifications do i need to be a property developer, what makes a good property developer, do you wish to finish your property development business plan in 1 day, final thought, what does a property development company do, what does a property developer actually do, why do property developers make so much money.

Do you need a business plan to launch or grow your property development business? A business plan or investor presentation of some sort will likely be required to attract investors. A business plan is a crucial foundation for property development companies because it details the management and operations of the company and seeks to attract investors. We have a ready-to-download property development business plan template to make it easier to write your plan.

What is Property Development Business Plan?

A property development business plan is a written document that details your intended business’s structure and operation. The first fallacy is that a property development business plan cannot be changed. In other words, it’s a living, breathing thing that changes as your ideas develop and you flesh out the finer points of the project. It provides a structure within which you can organize and modify your ideas as necessary.

The property development industry requires a business plan that is similar to the standard business plan but with more emphasis on the specifics of the industry. You’ll also give more consideration to the finer points of the property development sector. Your property development business plan will account for any factors that will have an out-of-the-ordinary effect on your company.

You need a business plan if you want to start a property development business or expand an existing one. You can also increase your chances of success in the property development industry by putting together a thorough business plan that you will use to solicit investments and map out the company’s future expansion. Get in touch with us at Business Yield Writers if you struggle to put together a comprehensive plan in writing. Our team has extensive experience in writing successful business plans for the property development industry, and we can use the data and insights gleaned from our collaboration with you to develop a comprehensive plan for meeting your specific goals.

How to Write a Property Development Business Plan

There’s always that anxiety about starting to write a business plan for your business, but you need to know that it’s important that you know how to write a business plan for your property development business. Download our property development business plan template to help you construct a plan of your own.

Although it serves as an introduction to the rest of your business plan, the executive summary is typically written last because it summarises all of the other major sections.

Your executive summary should quickly interest the reader and get them to read the rest of your work. Also, educate them on the nature and current state of your property development business. 

The nature of your company will be described in your company overview.

You could, for instance, focus on a specific kind of property development company, such as:

• Single-family detached housing: Developers who specialize in single-family detached homes create properties that are not attached to any other structures.
• Multifamily housing: Developers specializing in multifamily housing construct apartment complexes, condominiums, and other mixed-use projects.
• Developing and Subdividing Lots:  Subdividing and developing lots involves the purchase of developed or undeveloped land, it’s subsequent clearing and its subsequent sale to builders.
• Commercial buildings: Developers specializing in commercial properties construct and manage office and retail complexes.

The company overview should provide context for the business in addition to describing the nature of the property development company you intend to run.

Market research is essential to any industry and it allows you to have a deep understanding of the market you’ll be going into. The best way to do it is to do market research first. Look at overall data within the market, as well as more niche data sets. You can use this method to create a successful plan for expanding your business.

Your property development business plan’s customer analysis needs to include specifics about the types of clients you currently work with and those you intend to attract in the future.

Customers can be broken down into groups such as individuals, families, and local businesses.

You should also segment your potential buyers by their demographic and psychographic characteristics.

Also, a customer’s wants and needs can be described in detail using a psychographic profile. A company’s ability to attract and retain customers depends on its ability to identify and meet these needs.

More and more people are opting out of using an agent entirely, and this means you have a wide variety of options when it comes to selling and advertising your property.  Find out what’s new in marketing, and talk about the social media other approaches you’re thinking about trying.

 If you’re trying to convince banks or investors to give you money, this section is crucial. The four pillars of SWOT are material costs, current market values, projections, and competitors; write down everything you can think of that fits into these categories.

Your property development business would also benefit from a business plan, even if you are not actively seeking investors. Your understanding of the risks increases, and you can adjust the rest of your strategy accordingly.

Do not put a description of the company’s staff in the middle of your business plan; instead, put it either at the beginning or the end. Director names and bios, a list of any outside consultants you can expect to work with on a long-term basis, and a clear depiction of the organizational structure should all be included.

This section lays out your financial forecasts, arguably the most crucial part of your business plan. Projected profit margins should account for profit as a percentage of revenue, profit as a percentage of costs, and return on investment, all three of which can be more easily understood than a single numeric value.

You can also learn more about the methods used to evaluate profitability in property development if you need help determining how to arrive at a number for this.

In addition to an annual financial statement , your 5-year financial plan should also include monthly or quarterly projections for the first year. The three main documents that make up your financial statements are the income statement, the balance sheet, and the cash flow statement.

Include a full set of financial projections and any other supporting documents that will help your plan stand out in the appendix. You can also add a detailed plan for your showcase properties and a rundown of the various construction methods you employ.

A persuasive property development business plan for your company requires not only following the aforementioned steps but also making use of a template checklist. Also, the essence of a checklist is to help you keep track of all the necessary processes you need to achieve while starting your new business.

However, we advise you to download our property development business plan template to make sure you follow the right steps while writing your property development plan. Here is a property development business plan templat e checklist:

• Join a property development community
• Narrow down your niche
• Have a financial plan
• Get your management team
• Get a business plan
• Adopt a marketing technique 
• Manage the properties

To start a property development business, you’ll need to:

• Pick a name for your company
• Register your company with Companies House or a formations agent
• Register your business address
• Appoint your directors and a company secretary
• Allocate shareholders and shares
• Submit your memorandum and articles of association
• Register for corporation tax

Yes, it is.  if it’s done right, property development is extremely profitable. Once you understand how things work, you can make careful plans and avoid pitfalls so that you can put all of your energy into making as much money as possible.

The scope and scale of a development project will determine the financial resources required to complete it. Generally speaking, you should have between 25% and 35% of the total estimated cost of development.

You can start a property development business with no money with the following means:

• Visualise Your Success
• Learn about the Industry
• Get Some Hands-on Experience
• Informal Loans
• Commercial Finance
• Commercial Mortgages
• Buy-To-Let Mortgages
• Auction Finance

You might be asking about how a property developer gets the money . I want you to know that it’s possible that a property developer gets approved for a loan from a private lender who specializes in property investment. In addition to traditional mortgage lenders, there are countless online and offline resources dedicated to finding investors for new construction projects of all sizes.

To begin a career in property development, formal training is unnecessary. However, furthering your education through coursework is one way to boost your credibility with potential clients and expand your knowledge in areas like planning regulations.

The following makes you a good property developer:

• Know your exit strategy, know your plan
• Write a business plan
• Work out your financing
• Know your target audience
• Have a vision

Creating a business plan from scratch is a tough task, especially when it is your first time, but the good news is that you are not alone. However, it’s understandable that you become fixated on a certain aspect of your plan; all you need is some guidance or an already made property development business plan. Here at Businessyield Consult, our experts assist business owners in creating a winning business plan. We’ve assisted numerous companies, and we’re always up for taking on more. Why not get our already made property development business plan today?

Considerations such as the intended audience (whether investors, third parties, or banks) are essential in crafting a successful property development business plan. They need to hear from you directly, and you need to make sure the plan is well-researched and convincing before you approach investors with it.

If you have trouble composing one, you can choose our already-made property development business plan to get your business running.

They make a living erecting new structures and restoring older ones to resell at a profit.

Property developers are responsible for overseeing the entire process of designing, obtaining approval for, building, and selling new properties, including managing architects, builders, real estate agents, and other third parties.

Property developers generate a profit when they sell a piece of land for more than it’s worth. They accomplish this by constructing multiple homes on a single lot and subsequently subdividing them into smaller units.

Property developers generate a profit when they sell a piece of land for more than it's worth. They accomplish this by constructing multiple homes on a single lot and subsequently subdividing them into smaller units.

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How To Write A Real Estate Business Plan

What is a real estate business plan?

8 must-haves in a business plan

How to write a business plan

Real estate business plan tips

Success in the real estate investing industry won’t happen overnight, and it definitely won’t happen without proper planning or implementation. For entrepreneurs, a  real estate development business plan can serve as a road map to all of your business operations. Simply put, a real estate business plan will serve an essential role in forming your investing career.

Investors will need to strategize several key elements to create a successful business plan. These include future goals, company values, financing strategies, and more. Once complete, a business plan can create the foundation for smooth operations and outline a future with unlimited potential for your investing career. Keep reading to learn how to create a real estate investment business plan today.

What Is A Real Estate Investing Business Plan?

A real estate business plan is a living document that provides the framework for business operations and goals. A business plan will include future goals for the company and organized steps to get there. While business plans can vary from investor to investor, they will typically include planning for one to five years at a time.

Drafting a business plan for real estate investing purposes is, without a doubt, one of the single most important steps a new investor can take. An REI business plan will help you avoid potential obstacles while simultaneously placing you in a position to succeed. It is a blueprint to follow when things are going according to plan and even when they veer off course. If for nothing else, a real estate company’s business plan will ensure that investors know which steps to follow to achieve their goals. In many ways, nothing is more valuable to today’s investors. It is the plan, after all, to follow the most direct path to success.

8 Must-Haves In A Real Estate Business Plan

As a whole, a real estate business plan should address a company’s short and long-term goals. To accurately portray a company’s vision, the right business plan will require more information than a future vision. A strong real estate investing business plan will provide a detailed look at its ins and outs. This can include the organizational structure, financial information, marketing outline, and more.  When done right, it will serve as a comprehensive overview for anyone who interacts with your business, whether internally or externally.

That said, creating an REI business plan will require a persistent attention to detail. For new investors drafting a real estate company business plan may seem like a daunting task, and quite honestly it is. The secret is knowing which ingredients must be added (and when). Below are seven must-haves for a well executed business plan:

Outline the company values and mission statement.

Break down future goals into short and long term.

Strategize the strengths and weaknesses of the company.

Formulate the best investment strategy for each property and your respective goals.

Include potential marketing and branding efforts.

State how the company will be financed (and by whom).

Explain who is working for the business.

Answer any “what ifs” with backup plans and exit strategies.

These components matter the most, and a quality real estate business plan will delve into each category to ensure maximum optimization.

A company vision statement is essentially your mission statement and values. While these may not be the first step in planning your company, a vision will be crucial to the success of your business. Company values will guide you through investment decisions and inspire others to work with your business time and time again. They should align potential employees, lenders, and possible tenants with the motivations behind your company.

Before writing your company vision, think through examples you like both in and out of the real estate industry. Is there a company whose values you identify with? Or, are there mission statements you dislike? Use other companies as a starting point when creating your own set of values. Feel free to reach out to your mentor or other network connections for feedback as you plan. Most importantly, think about the qualities you value and how they can fit into your business plan.

Goals are one of the most important elements in a successful business plan. This is because not only do goals provide an end goal for your company, but they also outline the steps required to get there. It can be helpful to think about goals in two categories: short-term and long-term. Long-term goals will typically outline your plans for the company. These can include ideal investment types, profit numbers, and company size. Short-term goals are the smaller, actionable steps required to get there.

For example, one long-term business goal could be to land four wholesale deals by the end of the year. Short-term goals will make this more achievable by breaking it into smaller steps. A few short-term goals that might help you land those four wholesale deals could be to create a direct mail campaign for your market area, establish a buyers list with 50 contacts, and secure your first property under contract. Breaking down long-term goals is a great way to hold yourself accountable, create deadlines and accomplish what you set out to.

3. SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. A SWOT analysis involves thinking through each of these areas as you evaluate your company and potential competitors. This framework allows business owners to better understand what is working for the company and identify potential areas for improvement. SWOT analyses are used across industries as a way to create more actionable solutions to potential issues.

To think through a SWOT analysis for your real estate business plan, first, identify your company’s potential strengths and weaknesses. Do you have high-quality tenants? Are you struggling to raise capital? Be honest with yourself as you write out each category. Then, take a step back and look at your market area and competitors to identify threats and opportunities. A potential threat could be whether or not your rental prices are in line with comparable properties. On the other hand, a potential opportunity could boost your property’s amenities to be more competitive in the area.

4. Investment Strategy

Any good real estate investment business plan requires the ability to implement a sound investment strategy. If for nothing else, there are several exit strategies a business may execute to secure profits: rehabbing, wholesaling, and renting — to name a few. Investors will want to analyze their market and determine which strategy will best suit their goals. Those with long-term retirement goals may want to consider leaning heavily into rental properties. However, those without the funds to build a rental portfolio may want to consider getting started by wholesaling. Whatever the case may be, now is the time to figure out what you want to do with each property you come across. It is important to note, however, that this strategy will change from property to property. Therefore, investors need to determine their exit strategy based on the asset and their current goals. This section needs to be added to a real estate investment business plan because it will come in handy once a prospective deal is found.

5. Marketing Plan

While marketing may seem like the cherry on top of a sound business plan, marketing efforts will actually play an integral role in your business’s foundation. A marketing plan should include your business logo, website, social media outlets, and advertising efforts. Together these elements can build a solid brand for your business, which will help you build a strong business reputation and ultimately build trust with investors, clients, and more.

First, to plan your marketing, think about how your brand can illustrate the company values and mission statement you have created. Consider the ways you can incorporate your vision into your logo or website. Remember, in addition to attracting new clients, marketing efforts can also help maintain relationships with existing connections. For a step by step guide to drafting a real estate marketing plan , be sure to read this guide.

6. Financing Plan

Writing the financial portion of a business plan can be tricky, especially if you are starting your business. As a general rule, a financial plan will include the income statement, cash flow, and balance sheet for a business. A financial plan should also include short and long-term goals regarding the profits and losses of a company. Together, this information will help make business decisions, raise capital, and report on business performance.

Perhaps the most important factor when creating a financial plan is accuracy. While many investors want to report on high profits or low losses, manipulating data will not boost your business performance in any way. Come up with a system of organization that works for you and always ensure your financial statements are authentic. As a whole, a financial plan should help you identify what is and isn’t working for your business.

7. Teams & Small Business Systems

No successful business plan is complete without an outline of the operations and management. Think: how your business is being run and by whom. This information will include the organizational structure, office management (if any), and an outline of any ongoing projects or properties. Investors can even include future goals for team growth and operational changes when planning this information.

Even if you are just starting or have yet to launch your business, it is still necessary to plan your business structure. Start by planning what tasks you will be responsible for, and look for areas you will need help with. If you have a business partner, think through your strengths and weaknesses and look for areas you can best complement each other. For additional guidance, set up a meeting with your real estate mentor. They can provide valuable insights into their own business structure, which can serve as a jumping-off point for your planning.

8. Exit Strategies & Back Up Plans

Believe it or not, every successful company out there has a backup plan. Businesses fail every day, but investors can position themselves to survive even the worst-case scenario by creating a backup plan. That’s why it’s crucial to strategize alternative exit strategies and backup plans for your investment business. These will help you create a plan of action if something goes wrong and help you address any potential problems before they happen.

This section of a business plan should answer all of the “what if” questions a potential lender, employee, or client might have. What if a property remains on the market for longer than expected? What if a seller backs out before closing? What if a property has a higher than average vacancy rate? These questions (and many more) are worth thinking through as you create your business plan.

How To Write A Real Estate Investment Business Plan: Template

The impact of a truly great real estate investment business plan can last for the duration of your entire career, whereas a poor plan can get in the way of your future goals. The truth is: a real estate business plan is of the utmost importance, and as a new investor it deserves your undivided attention. Again, writing a business plan for real estate investing is no simple task, but it can be done correctly. Follow our real estate investment business plan template to ensure you get it right the first time around:

Write an executive summary that provides a birds eye view of the company.

Include a description of company goals and how you plan to achieve them.

Demonstrate your expertise with a thorough market analysis.

Specify who is working at your company and their qualifications.

Summarize what products and services your business has to offer.

Outline the intended marketing strategy for each aspect of your business.

1. Executive Summary

The first step is to define your mission and vision. In a nutshell, your executive summary is a snapshot of your business as a whole, and it will generally include a mission statement, company description, growth data, products and services, financial strategy, and future aspirations. This is the “why” of your business plan, and it should be clearly defined.

2. Company Description

The next step is to examine your business and provide a high-level review of the various elements, including goals and how you intend to achieve them. Investors should describe the nature of their business, as well as their targeted marketplace. Explain how services or products will meet said needs, address specific customers, organizations, or businesses the company will serve, and explain the competitive advantage the business offers.

3. Market Analysis

This section will identify and illustrate your knowledge of the industry. It will generally consist of information about your target market, including distinguishing characteristics, size, market shares, and pricing and gross margin targets. A thorough market outline will also include your SWOT analysis.

4. Organization & Management

This is where you explain who does what in your business. This section should include your company’s organizational structure, details of the ownership, profiles on the management team, and qualifications. While this may seem unnecessary as a real estate investor, the people reading your business plan may want to know who’s in charge. Make sure you leave no stone unturned.

5. Services Or Products

What are you selling? How will it benefit your customers? This is the part of your real estate business plan where you provide information on your product or service, including its benefits over competitors. In essence, it will offer a description of your product/service, details on its life cycle, information on intellectual property, as well as research and development activities, which could include future R&D activities and efforts. Since real estate investment is more of a service, beginner investors must identify why their service is better than others in the industry. It could include experience.

6. Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy will generally encompass how a business owner intends to market or sell their product and service. This includes a market penetration strategy, a plan for future growth, distribution channels, and a comprehensive communication strategy. When creating a marketing strategy for a real estate business plan, investors should think about how they plan to identify and contact new leads. They should then think about the various communication options: social media, direct mail, a company website, etc. Your business plan’s marketing portion should essentially cover the practical steps of operating and growing your business.

Additional Real Estate Business Plan Tips

A successful business plan is no impossible to create; however, it will take time to get it right. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind as you develop a plan for your real estate investing business:

Tailor Your Executive Summary To Different Audiences: An executive summary will open your business plan and introduce the company. Though the bulk of your business plan will remain consistent, the executive summary should be tailored to the specific audience at hand. A business plan is not only for you but potential investors, lenders, and clients. Keep your intended audience in mind when drafting the executive summary and answer any potential questions they may have.

Articulate What You Want: Too often, investors working on their business plan will hide what they are looking for, whether it be funding or a joint venture. Do not bury the lede when trying to get your point across. Be clear about your goals up front in a business plan, and get your point across early.

Prove You Know The Market: When you write the company description, it is crucial to include information about your market area. This could include average sale prices, median income, vacancy rates, and more. If you intend to acquire rental properties, you may even want to go a step further and answer questions about new developments and housing trends. Show that you have your finger on the pulse of a market, and your business plan will be much more compelling for those who read it.

Do Homework On The Competition: Many real estate business plans fail to fully analyze the competition. This may be partly because it can be difficult to see what your competitors are doing, unlike a business with tangible products. While you won’t get a tour of a competitor’s company, you can play prospect and see what they offer. Subscribe to their newsletter, check out their website, or visit their open house. Getting a first-hand look at what others are doing in your market can greatly help create a business plan.

Be Realistic With Your Operations & Management: It can be easy to overestimate your projections when creating a business plan, specifically when it comes to the organization and management section. Some investors will claim they do everything themselves, while others predict hiring a much larger team than they do. It is important to really think through how your business will operate regularly. When writing your business plan, be realistic about what needs to be done and who will be doing it.

Create Example Deals: At this point, investors will want to find a way to illustrate their plans moving forward. Literally or figuratively, illustrate the steps involved in future deals: purchases, cash flow, appreciation, sales, trades, 1031 exchanges, cash-on-cash return, and more. Doing so should give investors a good idea of what their deals will look like in the future. While it’s not guaranteed to happen, envisioning things has a way of making them easier in the future.

Schedule Business Update Sessions: Your real estate business plan is not an ironclad document that you complete and then never look at again. It’s an evolving outline that should continually be reviewed and tweaked. One good technique is to schedule regular review sessions to go over your business plan. Look for ways to improve and streamline your business plan so it’s as clear and persuasive as you want it to be.

Reevauating Your Real Estate Business Plan

A business plan will serve as a guide for every decision you make in your company, which is exactly why it should be reevaluated regularly. It is recommended to reassess your business plan each year to account for growth and changes. This will allow you to update your business goals, accounting books, and organizational structures. While you want to avoid changing things like your logo or branding too frequently, it can be helpful to update department budgets or business procedures each year.

The size of your business is crucial to keep in mind as you reevaluate annually. Not only in terms of employees and management structures but also in terms of marketing plans and business activities. Always incorporate new expenses and income into your business plan to help ensure you make the most of your resources. This will help your business stay on an upward trajectory over time and allow you to stay focused on your end goals.

Above all else, a  real estate development business plan will be inspiring and informative. It should reveal why your business is more than just a dream and include actionable steps to make your vision a reality. No matter where you are with your investing career, a detailed business plan can guide your future in more ways than one. After all, a thorough plan will anticipate the best path to success. Follow the template above as you plan your real estate business, and make sure it’s a good one.

Click the banner below to take a 90-minute online training class and get started learning how to invest in today’s real estate market!

NAR Settlement: What It Means For Buyers And Sellers

What is the assessed value of a property, what is bright mls a guide for agents and investors, how to pass a 4 point home inspection, defeasance clause in real estate explained, what is the federal funds rate a guide for real estate investors.

Property Management Business Plan Template

If you want to start a property management business or expand your current one, you need a business plan.

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their property management companies.

Below are links to each section of your property management business plan template:

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Property Management Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my property management business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Property Management Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Property Management Business Plan.

What Is a Property Management Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your property management business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why Do You Need a Business Plan for a Property Management Company?

If you’re looking to start a property management business  or grow your existing property management business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your property management company in order to improve your chances of success. Your property management business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

What Are the Sources of Funding for a Property Management Business?

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a property management business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a property management business is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Where can I download a Property Management Business Plan PDF?

You can download our free property management business plan template PDF here . This is a property management business plan template you can use in PDF format.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

• Property Mgmt Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan
• 10. Appendix
• Property Mgmt Business Plan Summary

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Career Advice

Apr 11, 2019

Starting your Own Property Development Business

The South African property market suffered a significant dip prior to mid-2017, however, it finally seems to be recovering. Since September 2017, property prices have gradually risen – reigniting the market after nearly a decade of weak performance, 1  providing opportunities for emerging developers in South Africa. But, as with the founding of any business, there are far more factors to consider than only the opportunity for growth. If you are thinking of starting a property development business, here are the necessary steps to implement to get you on your way.

1. Acquire the knowledge

It’s vital that educating yourself about the property market is your first step: read property development blogs , watch for property growth reports or past development statistics 2 and learn to identify investment opportunities .

Before embarking on the journey of beginning your own business, make sure you’re well equipped to manage and lead its development. Discover your local competition, understand legislation, property taxes, and your potential target markets. Without acquiring knowledge of the local property industry, its past and future, you will find it difficult to accurately build a business plan that is suitably aligned to your business objectives. 3

2. Build a business plan

Now that you understand your local market and industry, you are in a position to develop long-term goals. It’s important to consider the larger business outcomes when you create the initial foundation of the business plan. 4  Perhaps you want to introduce new affordable property investment options to lower-income brackets, or your business goals aim to create entirely “green” apartment blocks for the city. Whatever your long-term objectives, your business plan should be able to support you in reaching them. 5

Since September 2017, property prices have gradually risen – reigniting the market after nearly a decade of weak performance

Once you’ve settled on your position within the market, you can begin using market research (looking at competitors, and growth opportunities), financial projections (required budgets, cash flow projections, and available tenders) and knowledge of local property law to set your short-term goals. 6 The following steps will see you hiring a team to support the different roles required (property strategists, real estate agents, financial strategists, conveyancers, contractors, engineers, etc.), settling on the nature of your first projects, and giving yourself clear return-on-investments to reach. 7

Learn how to make intelligent investment decisions, conduct property management effectively, and navigate the landscape of property development and entrepreneurship with this online short course.

Entrepreneur Magazine aptly summarises it, “[w]ithout a sound business plan, you’ll be unable to find funding […] it’s also the blueprint of the business and the best way to test whether or not the business is feasible.” 8 Your business plan becomes that much more pertinent if you’re relying on investors to fund the capital growth for your business in its early stages.

The best way to learn is experience

Starting a business is exciting, but it is always going to require that you’re willing to learn and tweak your business’s goals/plan as you progress. As you look at your initial developments, keep the following in mind.

• Location and timing: Property prices are heavily influenced by social, economic, political, and geographic factors. 9 Being aware of trends like the increased rate of commercial property developments in South African city centres will help guide you in making the right investment decisions. 10
• Zoning and title deeds: Every property is zoned for a particular purpose, and being aware of such will help inform your investment and development decisions. 11  Property conditions differ depending on location and property type – these regulations are laid out in the title deed (which can be found in the Deed Registries Office in South Africa), 12 and decide whether or not the conditions fit in with your plans.
• Building regulations: Changes and updates to building regulations require property developers to keep an eye on new legislation and policies as they are introduced. 13 The penalties for not following regulation can be hefty enough to sink young businesses. 14
• Property management: You’ll need to continually reassess built environments according to new legislation, social issues (i.e. water restrictions are increasing the desire for water saving instalments in Western Cape dwellings), 15  and tenants’ needs. 16 However, property maintenance should be focused on longevity, rather than trends or frugality. 17
• Grading levels: There are nine grading levels in South Africa, which limit the value of government tender (a public request for contracted services or products) that companies can apply for. 18 If you plan on applying for private or government tenders, it is vital you know which grading level you fall into (which is decided on according to annual turnover, track record, capability, and capital). 19

Adrien Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX, has recently stated that he anticipates “reinvestment (both local and foreign) in the country post-election if the fight against corruption continues and tough decisions are made”, and went on to say with hope that “[g]reater stability should lead to consumer confidence, and with that a more buoyant real estate market”. 20 While our economy has been slow and volatile in past years, there is optimism for the future, which provides a good foundation of opportunity for emerging property development businesses in South Africa. 

Click here to view sources

• 1 (Feb, 2018). ‘South Africa’s housing market accelerates’. Retrieved from Global Property Guide .
• 2 Yardney, M. (Aug, 2018). ‘How to get started in property development’. Retrieved from Property Update .
• 3 Yardney, M. (Aug, 2018). ‘How to get started in property development’. Retrieved from Property Update .
• 4 Rampton, J. (Aug, 2016). ‘7 steps to a perfectly written business plan’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur .
• 5 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property development business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur Mag .
• 6 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property development business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur Mag .
• 7 Yardney, M. (Aug, 2018). ‘How to get started in property development’. Retrieved from Property Update .
• 8 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur Mag .
• 9 (Jan, 2018). ‘The outlook for South Africa’s property market in 2018’. Retrieved from Private Property .
• 10 Smith, C. (Oct, 2017). ‘Increase in rate of commercial property development’. Retrieved from fin24 .
• 11 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property development business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur Mag .
• 12 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur .
• 13 (Feb, 2018). ‘Building regulations and by-laws’. Retrieved from MBA North .
• 14 Talane, V. (June, 2013). ‘R1,5bn Construction fines’. Retrieved from Corruption Watch .
• 15 Stevens, P. (Jan, 2018). ‘The outlook for South Africa’s property market in 2018’. Retrieved from Private Property .
• 16 Yardney, M. (Aug, 2018). ‘How to get started in property development’. Retrieved from Property Update .
• 17 (Nd). ‘Regular property maintenance reduces long term costs’. Retrieved from Trafalgar . Accessed on 14 March 2019
• 18 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur .
• 19 (May, 2018). ‘How to start a property business’. Retrieved from Entrepreneur .
• 20 (Dec, 2018). ‘SA’s property marketing in 2019: predictions and expectations’. Retrieved from Property 24 .

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How to become a property developer

Written and reviewed by:

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The UK’s love affair with bricks and mortar means investing in property has always been attractive to those looking to grow their wealth, or even make it their primary business. While government regulations have undoubtedly impacted the UK housing market – making property development somewhat less attractive than in previous decades, it’s still a solid long-term investment route that can provide significant returns if done properly.

Even with the threat of a recession, plus very real crises around material supply chains and costs, plus a post-Brexit hiring struggle, there are signs that the UK property market will only continue to grow over the medium term. It’s not quite crisis-proof, but it remains a surer bet than most sectors.

Forecasts from global real estate agency Savills indicate that UK house prices should rise by 13.1% over the next four years, and rents in urban areas are expected to bounce back as life returns to normal post-pandemic. Growth is expected to be spearheaded by the North of England over this period, as Northern towns and cities become increasingly attractive to young professionals.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the risks, rewards and real opportunities around becoming a property developer.

There’s a huge amount of planning that needs to go into launching a property development business. Thankfully, one area which needn’t cause undue stress is creating a website to promote your business. Thanks to modern templates like the one below , you can create one of your own in under an hour.

At Startups.co.uk, we test and rate website builder tools, and we’ve identified Wix as one of the best you can choose for creating a business site. Wix even has a selection of  custom website templates designed specifically for property developers  – you simply drop your own company information, wording and preferred imagery into your chosen template. Better still, it’s completely  free to try  for yourself.

This property development guide will cover:

Creating a property development business plan, buy-to-let vs buy-to-sell, market research, calculating roi/rental yield, renovating for sale or rent, financing your property development, final thoughts.

At Startups.co.uk, we’re here to help small UK businesses to get started, grow and succeed. We have helpful resources for helping new businesses get off the ground – you can use the tool below to get started today.

What Does Your Business Need Help With?

Whatever your intentions, you’ll need to start by coming up with a property development business plan.

To an extent, all business plans are the same – you need to set out in detail exactly what you want to do with your business, and how you are going to achieve this (as detailed in our business plan template ). If you’re producing a plan for personal use, then you won’t need to go into quite as much detail as if you want to start a full-fledged property development business and pitch to investors, but there are still certain key elements you’ll need to be clear about before you begin investing.

Start by working out the following:

• Who is your target market?
• What sort of properties are likely to appeal to your target market?
• How are you going to obtain funding?
• Expected timescales and costs for construction or renovation

Mark Homer, the co-founder of property education company Progressive Property , says that it’s essential to have the total value of your development project estimated by a bank surveyor rather than estate agents. “Cashflow is critical,” he notes. “It’s important to understand how you will be paying the bills when waiting for properties to sell.”

If you are targeting investors, make sure your plan is clear and to the point, emphasising the most important aspects. Urbane Brix Business Development Manager David Potter advises: “Include the structure of your company, your funding plans, the financial targets and returns you’re expecting to see, a construction strategy, and your market research. You want to focus on the financial targets, as this will be the eye-catcher, but your market research will show the strength and relevance of your business plan and assure your investors that their investment will pay off – putting their confidence in you.”

How has COVID-19 affected the UK property market?

COVID-19 did have a major impact on the UK property market – with lockdown slowing the whole process down and meaning buyers had to wait months before actually getting the keys.

What it did not do is stop the steady increase in UK house prices, which spiked when chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a stamp duty holiday in July 2020 . This increased demand and led to a ‘mini boom’ in house prices which is now levelling off but not actually reversing.

Longer term, the shift towards hybrid working is expected to increase demand for high quality properties, with outside spaces like gardens and balconies more prized than ever.

Over the next few years, the strongest property growth is expected to be recorded in Northern England , as the government’s levelling up agenda takes hold and transport links are improved.

Help keep your business plan in order

A business plan will include a number of steps, and it can be difficult to keep everything in order. Whether you’re working alone or as part of a team, it’s important that you stay organised. A project management tool can help you to do just that.

Perfect for creating workflows and visualising strategies, project management software can organise personal work or increase and improve collaboration. Here’s our pick of the top project management tools:

A key decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to operate on a buy-to-let or buy-to-sell business model.

With buy-to-let, you’ll purchase a property in order to rent it out, using the rental payments to pay off the mortgage on that property – and provide a bit of extra profit, too.

While this may sound attractive, and given the fact that the rapid rise in UK house prices has created a huge market for attractive rental properties in towns and cities, you will ultimately be responsible for the maintenance of the property – including arranging for repairs, ensuring that things like the smoke detector and boiler are regularly inspected, and potentially even finding tenants and checking their references and credit scores. A letting agency will take care of much of this work for you, but obviously will charge for these services, cutting into your profit.

Buy-to-let is a great way to provide a long-term income stream, but it’s not an easy way to make a quick buck – you’ll need to be dedicated, and always recognise that the needs of your tenants are paramount (they are providing your income after all). You may also need to plan for void periods, as it’s likely the flat will sometimes sit empty while you’re in the process of finding a new tenant.

Buy-to-sell

With buy-to-sell (also known as property flipping), you’ll buy a property, hold it for a short time, and then sell it on again. For this strategy to be successful, you’ll generally need to buy a property that needs work, whether that’s upgrading the interior or converting the attic into an extra bedroom. You then make the necessary renovations and sell for a profit, making sure to factor in the costs of the work. The more work required, the larger the risk, and the bigger the potential profit – but it’s a good idea to start off with somewhere small to get your head around the process.

Staying on top of costs during renovation/construction is crucial, so make sure you set out a detailed plan before you start, and include some leeway (at least 10%). A project coming in under budget is almost unheard of – the majority cost more than initially expected.

Your contacts will be vital, so make sure you have a “black book” of builders, plasterers, architects, and electricians that you can trust to do a good job. Alternatively, you can try to do some jobs yourself to keep costs down. The upside of this model is that if you do sell at a profit, you’ll get a lump sum that you can then use on your next project, making this a much quicker way to build a property portfolio.

It’s also important to note that you may shift from one model to another, eventually selling a property after renting it out for a few years for example, or using the profits from a buy-to-sell property to invest in a buy-to-let property.

Your approach might also change depending on the market environment, so flexibility is crucial.

Bruce Burkitt, the Managing Director of residential property investment company Property Experts , recommends planning an exit strategy. “If the primary plan is to resell the home, then budget to sell the home for 10% less than today’s market value, as it is a difficult market.

“In this way, if the prices drop, there is a buffer for the investment – but if it sells for more, then it’s a pleasant surprise. However, in the event that prices slide away and the property does not sell, investors should ensure that there is finance in place to take out a buy-to-let mortgage on the property, and that rental values will cover mortgage repayments by at least 150%.”

Whichever route you choose, doing thorough research is crucial.

Key takeaways

• Buy-to-let is a great way to get long-term income
• Buy-to-sell is a quick way to build a property portfolio
• You may need to combine both models

Before spending a single penny, you’ll need to do your sums and know exactly what the situation is in your chosen area. You’ll need to know what buyer/renters in that area are looking for, and how much you can afford to pay for a property.

Location, Location, Location

It’s such a cliche that it’s even the name of one of the UK’s biggest property TV programmes, but picking the right location is a huge part of successful property development. However, this doesn’t mean you should always buy in the best part of town – whether you want to rent out or sell your property, chances are prices will already be near their peak, and the value of your property won’t significantly increase. Instead, the key is to find areas just before they get hot and house prices soar.

Look for locations on the fringes of popular parts of towns and cities, as the wave of gentrification is likely to spread out as people are priced out of the hottest areas. Property sites like Rightmove have easily searchable data on the prices of sold houses in different areas.

Always put yourself in the mind of your target market. Transport links are vital; young professionals and students will want bars and restaurants on their doorstep, while families will want a safe environment with good schools.

Make sure you get to know the local estate agents, as they will know what buyers and renters in an area are looking for. Check in regularly to build up personal relationships that mean you’ll be the first to know when new properties go on the market which may suit your requirements.

If you’re looking for buy-to-let properties, then university cities are a great option, with Urbane Brix’s David Potter noting that areas close to universities tend to be a sound investment: “With student numbers increasing, the need for student accommodation is at an all-time high, and this is giving investors good returns that are often guaranteed for three to five years.”

Also make sure you consider less conventional property sales. Paul Wheatcroft, Property & Mortgage specialist at My Local Mortgage , advises: “Auctions are a good way of finding real value for property investment – just make sure you’re aware of the process and potential pitfalls.” Particularly important is the fact that in property auctions, “a deposit is payable on the day for any property, and this deposit is not refundable if things fall through for some reason.”  Repossessions are another option, and while “these are less common than five to 10 years ago, they offer similar value to auctions.” Being aware of such sales is another benefit of having good relationships with local estate agents.

Expert Insight – Jonathan Rolande, House Buy Fast

The director of professional property buyers House Buy Fast , Jonathan Rolande has decades of experience in the property industry and says that navigating a hugely competitive is a big challenge for aspirant property developers:

“It’s not an easy market to operate in right now. Prices have been increasing so quickly, there is a lot of competition for every property, especially at the lower price levels. It’s all about building good relationships and being able to move fast when needed – so it’s vital to have a great team for finance, surveys, legal issues and more.

The good news for sellers is that all the signs are there are plenty of buyers for every property and prices holding firm for now so it is still a great time to sell.”

However, he warns that there could be trouble ahead in the short term.

“There’s no doubt that mortgages will become more expensive and harder to obtain in the coming months as interest rates look set to rise and the cost of living crisis forces lenders to look more closely at personal outgoings when calculating affordability. The majority of homeowners are already at a fixed rate so the immediate effects will be felt by new buyers.”

In any business, ROI (Return on Investment) is crucial, as it’s the only way you’ll know whether a particular project has made a profit or loss. And property development is no different – you’ll need to make sure you get your maths right, and know exactly what needs to be considered in terms of costs.

Buy-to-sell ROI

On paper at least, working out a buy-to-sell ROI is simple. It’s your sale price minus (purchase price plus costs) .

Depending on your financing, the purchase price may be more complex than it sounds, as you should only use the money that you’ve actually put up – which, in most cases, will be the deposit on the loan or buy-to-sell mortgage (a conventional mortgage is unlikely to be suitable for a buy-to-sell property). Of course, you will also need to pay back the loan amount when you sell, so include this in your calculations, and make sure that the property will increase in value enough to leave you a decent profit after you’ve repaid your loan or mortgage.

The really tricky bit is working out your costs. The bulk of this total will be the money you spend on renovating or refurbishing the property, but you also need to consider the costs of arranging finance, any loan/mortgage repayments, survey fees, solicitor fees, estate agent fees, and smaller costs like insurance, utility bills, and council tax.

You’ll also need to consider the tax implications.

Buy-to-let ROI (Rental yield)

While buy-to-let ROI is not fundamentally different from buy-to-sell ROI, it is a little more complex, as you’ll need to work out your rental yield (the annual return on your rental property). In its basic form, this is relatively simple:

Total annual rent divided by purchase price

Let’s start with the easy bit. To work out your annual rent, multiply your monthly rent by 12 .

So, let’s say you rent out your property for £1,250 a month – the annual rent would be £1,250 multiplied by 12, which equals £15,000

You then divide this by the amount you bought the property for – let’s say £400,000 in this hypothetical example.

£15,000 divided by £400,000 equals 0.0375

To convert this to a percentage, multiply it by 100.

0.0375 multiplied by 100 equals 3.75

So in this example, your basic rental yield is 3.75%.

Unfortunately, things are a bit more complicated in the real world, as you’ll need to consider buying costs (i.e. agent fees, survey costs, and other expenses), plus the costs of both arranging and paying for a buy-to-let mortgage or other similar financing.

The basic formula is as follows:

First, add together your deposit and buying costs , as you’ll need that combined figure for the next bit.

Now, use this calculation:

(Annual mortgage cost minus annual rent) divided by (deposit plus buying costs)

To properly explain this, let’s return to our hypothetical example.

If we use the same example as before, the purchase price was £400,000. A buy-to-let mortgage is commonly offered on the basis of a 25% deposit, so your deposit would be 25% of £400,000. The easiest way to work this out is to multiply £400,000 by 0.25.

£400,000 multiplied by 0.25 equals £100,000

So, your deposit would be £100,000.

Buying costs vary, but for a £400,000 property, around £3,000 is reasonable.

So, the total of your deposit and buying costs is £100,000 plus £3,000, which is £103,000.

Now, we need to work out the cost of the mortgage. Buy-to-let mortgages are most commonly offered on an interest-only basis, where you only pay the interest on the amount loaned rather than paying back the amount loaned itself.

If the interest was 5%, then the total cost of the mortgage would be 5% of the loan amount. Remember you put up 25% as a deposit, so the loan amount would be £300,000 (75% of £400,000).

You now need to work out 5% of £400,000. The easiest way to do this is to multiply £400,000 by 0.05.

£400,000 multiplied by 0.05 equals £20,000

To work out the annual cost of your mortgage, you’ll need to divide this amount by the number of years your mortgage covers . We’ll say 2 years in this example, so the annual cost would be £20,000 divided by 2, which is £10,000.

You now have all the elements for a good idea of your annual return – in other words, the profitability of the project.

Again, this is the formula:

In our example, the annual mortgage cost is £10,000

The annual rent is £15,000 (£1,250 multiplied by 12)

The difference between these is £5,000 (£15,000 minus £10,000)

The deposit + buying costs total is £103,000

So, finally, divide £5,000 by £103,000

This equals 0.0485

Multiply this by 100 for the percentage, and you get 4.85%…

…which we’ll round up to 4.9%.

While this might seem a reasonable annual return, you also need to consider tax, maintenance costs, letting agent fees, and other expenses, all of which will eat into your profit.

The calculation above also assumes that the property will be rented for all 12 months every year, but in reality, you’ll also need to budget for void periods when it’s empty and no money is coming in.

If you’re going to make the economics of buy-to-let work, it’s absolutely crucial to work out what you need to charge in rent, and what you can afford to pay for a property.

• Buy-to-sell ROI = sale price – (purchase price+costs)
• Buy-to-let rental yield = (Annual mortgage cost minus annual rent) divided by (deposit plus buying costs)
• For buy-to-sell, you also need to consider the cost of renovation
• For buy-to-let, factor in tax, maintenance costs, letting agent fees, and void periods

The importance of timing

They say the secret of great comedy is timing, and the same can be said for great property development. When looking for an investment property, you’ll need to stay calm and do your research properly. Look at sold prices in the areas you’re looking at, and work out the floor and ceiling price for the sort of property you’re searching for – e.g. a two-bed terrace house or one-bed flat. Next, work out what is driving the difference between floor and ceiling values – is it the condition of the interior, transport links, proximity of good schools, being just off the buzzing high street, or some other factor?

You also need to use the same forensic eye when choosing an area to invest in. It’s often a good idea to start off relatively close to home as you’ll have a good knowledge of the local area, but you may need to venture further afield in order to find a location with strong growth potential. Look for an area where properties sell quickly and construction or investment activity is occurring, as these are both great signs of somewhere on the up.

Finally, don’t let estate agents rush you into a purchase before you’ve done your research. While they can be a great resource, at the end of the day, they are trying to sell properties as quickly as possible for as much money as possible. Stay strong if they try to pressure you into a quick decision. It’s much better to miss out on a property than overlook a serious problem, and end up with a money pit that no one wants to buy or rent.

However, while you should take your time choosing, once you’ve found a property that ticks the right boxes, you’ll need to act quickly to secure it. Property markets in popular areas move rapidly, and you’ll need to be decisive in order to secure your investment property. Don’t overpay, though – set a budget and stick to it. If someone else pays more, they may have advantages you don’t (being a skilled tradesperson for example), or may simply be more optimistic about the property market in that area.

Many experienced property investors live by the adage that “you never regret the deals you don’t do”. Remember this when you miss out on a property.

Speed is also of the essence when renovating – the quicker you can fix up a property, the quicker you can get it back on the market and making money. However, don’t be hasty and don’t cut corners – potential buyers or renters will be put off by rough edges or a poor-quality finish. When doing up a property, always bear in mind the following points:

Consider your ideal buyer or renter

If there’s a golden rule of property development, it’s this – it’s not about you. Every decision you make should be based on ending up with a property that’s going to appeal to as many people as possible.

As veteran property investor and chair of Women in Property Mandy St John Davey notes, “Do not be tempted to over personalise an investment property, and make sure to keep your business head firmly screwed on.” Be particularly careful about using too much colour – one person’s bright and bold is another person’s garish, and while magnolia walls may be dull, they make rooms feel bigger and present a blank canvas that can be customised by whoever buys or rents your property.

It’s equally important not to blow the budget on fixtures and fittings, especially if you’re investing in a mid-priced area. Always bear your target audience in mind, and think about what they would expect. Student renters may not need, appreciate, or want to pay for a swanky bathroom suite, while young professionals may be willing to pay a premium for a stylish and elegant property. Area will always be a huge influence on price though, so check property sites to see what’s selling, and to learn more about what sort of interior is found in higher priced properties.

Stay on schedule

When renovating a property, your key skill will be project management, ensuring that you know when and how each element of the renovation is being tackled, and how much it will cost.

To ensure you can keep track of every little detail and won’t incur the added expense of having to change things during the renovation, Progressive Property co-founder Mark Homer recommends producing a detailed specification sheet that sets out what needs to be changed in each room, what needs to be replaced, what needs to be inspected/tested, and what should be left alone entirely.

You can also take advantage of some of the great project management tools listed below, which make it easy to get an overview of the project, make notes, update progress, and issue instructions on the go.

The bare necessities

Even if you’re not renting to Baloo the Bear, there are still some things that everybody will expect from a rented or purchased home, and will cause plenty of worries and strife if you don’t get them right. These include:

Until it goes wrong, you won’t appreciate quite how much your boiler does for you. It heats the home, provides hot water for your morning shower, and even pulls its weight in the kitchen too (just try washing up without hot water).

They come in all shapes and sizes, but make sure you do your research carefully – not all boilers are suitable for all properties. The right choice for yours will depend on where it will be stored, the requirements/size of the property, and the existing pipework. Make sure you consider all relevant factors when choosing a boiler for your renovation project.

• Home security

No matter who buys or rents your property, feeling safe in their own home is likely to rank pretty high on their list of priorities, so make sure this is a key area of emphasis.

This is even more important for a buy-to-let property, as it’s the landlord’s legal responsibility to make sure any rental property meets basic security needs, including doors and windows that can be closed properly and locked. Any money you invest in home security will also reduce your insurance premiums, and while there’s no legal requirement for landlords to have insurance in place, your buy-to-let mortgage provider may require you to take out a policy.

For higher-price properties, your home security needs are likely to go way beyond lockable doors and windows. An intruder alarm should be a must, and you may also want to consider a guard response system and CCTV.

If you’re confused by the latter, then help is at hand – simply click here to start comparing the best CCTV systems and find the right one for you.

• The kitchen

Exactly how much money you spend on the kitchen will depend on your target market, but it’s a key part of most homes, and a space that needs to be carefully planned. The minimum requirement is a clean space that functions effectively, so think about how the room is likely to be used, practical requirements like storage, and making sure the sink and any appliances are easily accessible.

Remember: it’s a landlord’s responsibility to ensure that all electrical appliances are safe at the start of each tenancy, so make sure they are regularly inspected and upgraded when necessary.

While this may be a significant expense, it will make your property more desirable to renters, and reduce the risk of fire or other problems from outdated equipment. Legally, you must also make sure your appliances are regularly checked for gas safety by a Gas Safe registered engineer , and anyone renting out an HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) needs to ensure PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) checks are conducted at least once every five years.

Outside space is a key consideration for many buyers and renters, so if you buy a property with a garden, make sure to maximise it. Again, your target market is key here: families with children are likely to want an unbroken expanse of green lawn, professional couples will want something easy to maintain, while students probably just want a nice place to have a drink in the sun.

Think about the movement of the sun as well – if that old shed in the corner is occupying the sunniest spot, then knocking it down and constructing a pergola could make a huge difference to the usability of the garden, and increase the desirability of your property.

• It’s not about you – always make every decision with your ideal buyer or renter in mind
• Project management is crucial – you need to know exactly what needs to be done, how long it will take and how much it will cost
• Get the basics right: the boiler, home security, kitchen and garden (if the property has one) are all fundamental parts of a renovation project

Our dedicated page on property development financing will tell you everything you need to know, but in the meantime, here are five basic options:

• Cash – Unlikely to be an option when you’re starting out, but one to bear in mind when you’re further along your property development journey.
• Buy-to-let mortgage – If you want to rent a property out after buying it, then you won’t be able to use a standard mortgage – instead, you’ll need a buy-to-let mortgage. These are generally offered on an interest-only basis, and have a larger deposit, higher interest charges, and bigger fees than a standard mortgage.
• Buy-to-sell mortgage – Similarly, a standard mortgage won’t be suitable for those planning to buy, renovate, and then sell on a property. A buy-to-sell or flexible mortgage, however, will allow you to sell the property shortly after purchasing it. Of course, you pay for this flexibility in the form of much higher interest rates, higher fees, and a significantly larger deposit.
• Bridging loan – A bridging loan is a short-term, high interest loan, often used by people who need to buy a property while waiting to sell another. They are also popular among property developers, who can use bridging loans to buy a property, fix it up, and then sell it, paying off the loan and interest in the process. They are a secured loan, so are most suitable for those who already own property or land that the loan can be secured against. You’ll also need a clear exit plan, i.e. a clear strategy for how the loan will be paid off at the end of the term.
• Property development finance – Generally offered to established property development businesses, this is basically a form of business loan for property development companies, meaning it will generally take into account your turnover and other financial figures.
• Personal loan – Whether you’ve inherited a property that needs a bit of TLC or just require a little extra cash for light refurbishment, then taking out an unsecured personal loan might be a good option.

Handling your finances

Starting a business takes time, money and effort. Fortunately, accounting software can help with all three.

If you have started developing properties, either to sell on or rent out, you’ll need to make sure you keep an eye on your finances. From paying for materials or contractors – to monitoring incoming revenue and organising your taxes, there is a lot do. There are several options here: you can manually organise all of this yourself, pay for an accountant to help out, or you could use software specifically designed to do all this.

Accountancy software simplifies the often complex processes involved in making sure your finances stay balanced. Much cheaper than hiring external support, this software allows you to keep an eye on your money in a much easier way than doing everything manually.

Take a look at our top-rated accounting software options below:

The key thing to not about property development is that it’s not a quick way to make a fast buck – while analysts are cautiously predicting the market to recover over the medium term, it’s going to be a long time before it returns to the sort of massive gains we saw in the past. However, if approached with the right mindset, it can be a good source of long-term investment.

If you’re tempted, begin by diligently completing these six steps, they’ll be crucial to the success of your plans.

• Produce a property development business plan
• Decide whether you want to use a buy-to-let or buy-to-sell business model (or even a combination of both)
• Research your market carefully – you’ll need to know what’s selling, for how much, and what buyers are looking for
• Work out your ROI/rental yield, this will give you an idea of how viable your plans are financially
• Consider your target market – everything you do should have your ideal renter or buyer in mind, think about what they’re looking for, not what you want to do
• Sort out your finance – whatever you want to do, you’ll need cash, so carefully consider the funding options available and work out how you’ll afford the repayments

You’re ready to get started – good luck!

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Related articles.

A Sample Property Development Business Plan Template

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

When you talk about property development business, loads of entrepreneurs will back off because they know that it is a business that involves huge startup capital. Beyond every reasonable doubt, one of the most profitable, creative and interesting aspects of the real estate industry in south africa is property development.

As a matter of fact, developers are major players when it comes to determining the prices of properties. Although this type of business venture can be risky, but in other to make it big in the industry as a property developer, you just have to take calculated risks.

Some factors that are major concerns in the property development business are cost increase as a result of inflation, currency devaluation and economic challenges. Unforeseen delays on the part of government agencies, litigation and also delays from contractors can lead to substantial cost increase especially if the project is heavily dependent on bank loans.

If perhaps during this period there is a change in the supply and demand dynamics of the property sector, the project can be affected negatively. Below is a sample property development company business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress.

How to Write a Property Development Business Plan for South Africa

1. industry overview.

Property development industry is a many-sided business that covers all activities ranging from acquiring raw land to selling or renting or leasing of fully finished and furnished properties. Developers are responsible for turning ideas into real properties; i.e. they acquire land, they finance real estate deals, they engage in building projects and they sell, rent, lease and manage properties on behalf of their clients.

In 2016, the investment volume in South Africa’s real estate saw a 55.2 percent increase, in spite of economic challenges, weak currency and political uncertainty. The South African listed property industry has risen nearly 9 percent in the first nine months of the year, about double in equities achieved which was 4.82 percent. At 7%, South Africa’s real estate market continues to demonstrate maturity and ongoing resilience.

The South African property sector is valued at R5.8 trillion, according to the latest Property Sector Charter Council’s (PSCC) report. New research shows 75 percent of global real estate investment takes place in highly transparent markets with South Africa ranking 25th out of 109 markets.

Property Divisions in the Pretoria region enjoyed a 49 percent increase in turnover and a 42 percent increase in unit sales. Foreign buyers only make up around 5 percent of new homeowners in South Africa.

Just like all other investment vehicles, there are potential down sides that you need to look out for as a property developer. One of the major risks in property development is a sudden down turn in the economy. Property development could take a period of two to three years from conception to completion depending on the size of the project and the cash flow.

As a matter of fact, some projects can even take much longer than that. Because of the time involved in developing properties from start to finish, loads of unanticipated things could crop up.

The property development cum real estate industry is highly regulated in South Africa and anyone who aspires to start a property development company must apply and obtain a license before they can legally operate in the industry.

Lastly, as a property developer, it is very important to be creative, to be able to use your ideas to meet the rapidly changing needs of the society when it comes to properties.

2. Executive Summary

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is a South African based property development company. Our head office will be located in a centrally located office facility in the heart of Cape Town – Western Cape Province. We chose Western Cape because reports show that the Western Cape will continue to outperform all other areas of the country, remaining the top performing major metro housing market in SA. House price inflation in the region has risen by over 10.35 percent, with no indication of it slowing down.

Although our Head Office will be located in Cape Town, but we will open our branch offices in major cities in South Africa within our first five years of operation. Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company will engage in property development projects for a wide range of clients. We will work towards becoming one of the largest property development companies in South Africa.

We are quite aware that property development requires huge a capital base, which is why we have perfect plans for steady flow of cash from private investors who are interested in working with us. We can confidently say that we have a robust financial standing and we are ready to take on any opportunity that comes our way in the real estate industry.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority and to become one of the leading property development companies in South Africa, we have perfected plans to adopt international best practices. Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company has perfected plans that will help us to become a specialist in turning slums into beautiful cities and turning dilapidated buildings into master pieces, and that hopefully will be our brand and signature.

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is owned by Lucas Polokwane and his immediate family members. Lucas Polokwane has a Degree in Building Engineering from the University of Cape Town and he has successfully acquired over a decade of experience prior to starting his own company.

Other investors with the same investment ideology whose names cannot be mentioned here for obvious reasons are going to be part of the business especially as it relates to pooling cash together for property acquisition, renovation and beautification.

3. Our Products and Services

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the property development industry in South Africa. Our intention of starting our property development company is to favorably compete with leading players in the real estate industry both in Western Cape and in the whole of South Africa.

Our business offerings are listed below;

• Residential additions, alterations and renovations
• Construction management for residential remodeling
• Fire and flood restoration
• Home improvement
• Porch construction
• Sunroom additions
• Kitchen and bathroom upgrades
• Disaster repairs
• Manage Properties and Facility for Clients
• Property Makeover Services
• Real estate consultancy and advisory services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to become one of the top 10 property development companies in South Africa within the first 10 years of starting Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company.
• Our mission is to help people, businesses, property owners and clients in Cape Town – Western Cape and throughout South Africa develop and remodel their homes, offices and properties to fit into the ideal mental picture they have.

Our Business Structure

Our company’s structure is not entirely different from what is obtainable in the real estate industry. As a matter of fact, we have created a structure that will allow for easy growth for all our employees and also, we have created platforms that will enable us attract some of the best hands in the industry.

We are quite aware that the success of any business lies in the foundation on which the business is built on, this is why we have decided to build our property development company on the right business foundation. We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all our stakeholders.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target.

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is fully aware of the modus operandi in the property development line of business, hence adequate provision and competitive packages have been prepared for independent sales agents. Our marketing department will be responsible for managing this aspect of our business structure.

Below is the business structure we will build Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company on;

• Chief Executive Officer

Project Manager

• Company’s Lawyer/Secretary

Admin and HR Manager

• Head of Construction and Renovation
• Business Developer/Sales and Marketing
• Customer Service Executive/Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (President):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions.
• Creates, communicates and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for planning, management and coordinating all projects on behalf of the company
• Supervises renovation projects
• Ensures compliance during project execution
• Provides advice on the management of projects
• Responsible for carrying out risk assessment
• Uses IT systems and software to keep track of people and progress of ongoing projects
• Ensures that project desired result is achieved, the most efficient resources are utilized and different interests involved are satisfied.

Company’s Lawyer/Secretary 

• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consults and handles all corporate legal processes
• Develops company policy and position on legal issues
• Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
• Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Plays a part in business deals negotiation and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
• Prepares annual report for the company
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities

Construction Engineers

• Responsible for handling property development services
• Establishes and enforces company’s engineering and construction standards
• Ensures that renovation / construction work meets or exceeds standards within a designated geographic area.
• Provides overall direction on assigned construction projects; reviews and makes recommendations on planning and design of projects; negotiates contracts or participates in contract negotiations; monitors day‐to‐day progress and activities on project construction sites.

Marketing and Sales Executive/Business Developer

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s need s, and communicate with clients
• Finds and qualifies land for development based on company’s land requirements; maintains a land search database; initiates discussions with property owners about the possible sale of property
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managers with financial analyses, accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Front Desk/Customer’s Service Officer

• Receives visitors/clients on behalf of the organization
• Receives parcels/documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the line manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s properties that are put up for sale, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

The fact that property development is a very rewarding business in South Africa does not mean that there are no challenges in the industry. Starting a property development business in South Africa comes with its own fair share of challenges as you would have to abide by the law and also compete with entrepreneurs in the real estate business value chain.

In order to compete favorably in the property development industry, we have been able to hire the services of HR consultants to help us conduct critical SWOT analysis for us. Here is a summary of the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company.

Some of the strengths that we will be bringing to the table in the industry is our robust relations with property owners and properties investment moguls in the whole of South Africa; our access to funding and our team of experts who have cut their teeth in the property development line of business; our commission structure and relationship with freelance real estate agents in Cape Town – Western Cape and other province in South Africa will also count towards our advantage.

As a newbie in the property development line of business, we may have challenges competing with big time property developers in South Africa; that perhaps is part of our weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the property development industry especially in Cape Town – Western Cape is massive considering the fact that reports show that the Western Cape will continue to outperform all other areas of the country, remaining the top performing major metro housing market in S.A. We are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a property development company operating in South Africa are unfavorable government policies , and global economic downturn; global economic downturn usually affects spending power and the real estate industry is known to encounter decline in sales and profits during this period. There is hardly anything we could do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

A notable trend in the property development industry in South Africa shows that the biggest group of home buyers are millennials; in fact, buyers who are 36 years old and younger continue to purchase homes at a higher rate than other age groups.

The market trend in the property development sector is that there are no fixed profit projections when engaging in a property development deal.

The profit you stand to gain depends on loads of factors amongst which are your attention to details, ability to turn a slum into an edifice and knowing exactly when to seal a property development deal. If you are able to get all the above stated factors right as a property development company, your gains will always be far more than your loss.

Another obvious trend that is common with property development companies in South Africa is that there is also an increased demand for luxury cluster homes in areas like Hyde Park, Atholl, and Morningside. In Gauteng, luxury homes that move away from the noise and congestion of traffic have become popular. High-end buyers are also opting for homes that are still opulent, yet offer more security and convenience.

This explains some of their big sales including the sale of a R33 million French style house in Constantia Upper Cape Town, and a R35 million property in Zimbali.

One thing is certain for every property development company; if they are hardworking, creative and proactive, they will always generate enough income to meet all their overhead and operational cost, keep their business going without struggle and make reasonable profits from all business deals that they are involved in.

8. Our Target Market

As a property development company, our target market cuts across property owners of different class and people from all walks of life. We are coming into the property development industry with a business concept that will enable us work with people of different financial capabilities.

As a matter of fact, our target market is the whole of South Africa and we have put plans in place to recruit freelance agents to represent our business interest wherever they are located in South Africa. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically designed our services for;

• Families who are interested in acquiring a decent and well renovated home
• Corporate organizations who are interested in acquiring their own property
• Home owners who are interested in developing/remodeling and selling off their homes
• Properties owners who are interested in remodeling and selling off their properties
• Foreign investors who are interested in owning properties in South Africa and remodeling the property
• The government of South Africa (Government contracts)
• Managers of public facilities who would want to engage property development companies to help them develop/remodel properties under their care

Our competitive advantage

The property development industry is a highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can help them remodel their homes to fit into the picture of the ideal home they have in mind.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the property development industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality property development jobs and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company might be a new property development company, but the owner of the business is a guru in the industry and has what it takes to grow a business from scratch to become a top brand within the shortest time possible.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our team, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us attract clients from all across South Africa.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business objectives. We will also engage freelance marketing agents on a commission level to help us market our services.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the property development industry. Although we are a property development company, but part of our work force are also licensed real estate agents hence we intend generating additional income from diverse means in the real estate agency.

We have successfully built a vibrant real estate network that covers the whole of South Africa so as to help us build a profitable business. Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company;

10. Sales Forecast

It is a known fact that as long as there are property owners in South Africa, there will always be need to for them to remodel their properties from time to time to conform with the trends in the neighborhood or city.

We are well positioned to take on the challenges that are synonymous to property development businesses in South Africa, and we are quite optimistic that we will meet out set target of generating enough profits from the first months of operation and grow the business beyond Cape Town to other Provinces in South Africa within record time.

We have been able to critically examine the property development line of business, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions peculiar to similar startups in South Africa.

• First Fiscal Year: R500,000
• Second Fiscal Year: R1.2 million
• Third Fiscal Year: R1.7 million

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and any major competitor offering the same services we do within the locations where we have a strong business presence. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher since some factors are beyond our control.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are competitions in the property development market in South Africa, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developers to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization. The training is not restricted to only our full – time employees but would also extend to our freelance brokers.

Our goal is to become one of the leading property development companies in South Africa which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force in the industry.

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to stake holders in the real estate industry
• Promptness in bidding for properties that are put up for remodeling and development
• Advertise our business in real estate/properties magazines and websites
• List our business on yellow pages (local directories)
• Attend real estate related expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to successfully remodel or develop their homes/properties
• Leverage on the internet (social media platforms) and our official website to promote our business
• Encourage word of mouth marketing especially when we have a home for sale

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to take the property development industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our property development business;

• Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
• Place our flexi banners with our company’s logo and contacts in every property we put up for sale
• Sponsor relevant TV shows so as to be able to communicate our brand and what we do
• Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other platforms (real estate online forums) to promote our business and list our properties for sale and for lease.
• Install our billboards in strategic locations all across Western Cape Province
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time
• Attend landlord and residents association meetings with the aim of networking and introducing our business.
• Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are branded with our company’s logo

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Part of our business strategy is to ensure that we work within the budget of our potential clients to help them develop or remodel their properties to meet their expectations. It is the practice in most parts of the world for properties to be valued by professionals based on the area the facility is located, the type of facility and other factors.

Since we are not directly in control of the pricing system in the real estate industry, we can only abide by what is obtainable when it comes to fixing a price for a property development contract. But one thing is certain, we will ensure that we deliver excellent jobs when have we are contracted to do so.

Lastly, we will ensure that we keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to our clients from time to time especially when they recommend clients to us.

• Payment Options

At Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company, our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will not accept payment by cash because of the volume of cash that will be involved in most of our transactions. Real estate deals usually involve huge amounts of money.

Here are the payment options that Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company will make available to her clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our aims without any hitches and we will also pay our freelance agents (real estate brokers) with same platforms. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

Any agent who intend paying with cash will be directed to deposit the money into our corporate account and then present their payment tellers to us.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market survey and feasibility studies , we have been able to come up with a detailed budget on achieving our aim of establishing a standard and highly competitive property development company in Cape Town – South Africa and here are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

• The total fee for incorporating the business in South Africa – Name reservation application costs R50 and company registration R125
• The budget for permits and license – R2,000
• The cost for hiring business consultant – R2,500.
• The cost for computer software apps (Accounting Software, Payroll Software, CRM Software, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Pro, Project Management Software) – R7,000
• The budget for insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – R5,400.
• Cost for payment of rent for a suitable Office facility with enough space in Cape Town – Western Cape for 12 months at R1.76 per square feet in the total amount of – R85,600.
• The cost for office remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – R20,000.
• The cost for equipping the office (computers, printers, fax machines, furniture, telephones, filing cabins, safety gadgets and electronics et al) – R15,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ( R2,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – R100,000
• Working capital (investment fund): R2,000,000 (2 Million Rand)
• The cost of launching our official website – R600
• Additional Expenditure (Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions et al) – R5,000

Going by our research and feasibility studies, we will need about R2,200,000 ( 2.2 Million Rand ) to set up a property development company in Cape Town – Western Cape.

In the property development business, the larger your capital base, the greater the opportunities you can access and the more profits you will make. Despite the fact that we have a working capital of 3 Million Rand , we have been able to create a business relationship with our banks so as to easily access loans when the need arises.

Generating Startup Capital for Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is a business that will be owned and managed by Lucas Polokwane, his immediate family members and other business partners. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about R200,000 ( Personal savings R150,000 and soft loan from family members R50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of 2 million Rand from the bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our developed properties and services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Lucas Polokwane® Property Development Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner.

We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in South Africa: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Renting of Office Facility and remodeling the facility in Cape Town – Western Cape: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from the CEO / President and Business Partners: Completed
• Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry: In Progress

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• The process of buying an investment property
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• How to flip a house: the ultimate guide
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• Mortgages: The ultimate guide
• Mortgages for limited companies
• New mortgage rules: rental cover and portfolio landlords
• Interest-only vs repayment mortgages
• Bridging finance: the ultimate guide
• Property joint venture agreements – The ultimate guide
• Recycling your cash
• Self-manage or use a letting agent?
• Landlord insurance guide
• How to find tenants
• Writing a tenancy agreement
• What does self-managing a property involve?
• Rent guarantee insurance
• The 18-year property cycle
• Will London house prices crash?
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How to create a rental property business plan (and why you need one)

Last updated: 21 October 2022

Take it from someone who’s spoken to a lot of investors over the last few years: almost everyone who achieves great success started out with a solid plan.

All businesses start out with a plan . Even if that plan is just “I think I can buy this widget for £1 and sell it for £1.50”, it’s still a statement of what the business will do and how it will make a profit.

But many – in fact, most – wannabe property investors start out without even the most basic of plans. Often, people have nothing more than vague thoughts like “ property prices go up, so it’s a good investment ” or “ most wealthy people seem to own property ”.

It might feel like sitting around planning is just delaying you from getting out to look at properties and start making money. But take it from someone who’s spoken to a lot of investors over the last few years: almost everyone who achieves great success started out with a solid plan.

(Or to put it another, more painful way: almost everyone who didn’t start with a plan ends up disappointed with where they end up – however much effort, money and time they put in.)

What does a rental property business plan look like?

It certainly doesn't need to be 100 spiral-bound pages of projections and fancy charts. In fact, the best plan would be so simple that it fits on the back of an index card – meaning that you can commit it to memory and use it to drive every decision you make.

In order to get to that simplicity though, you might need to do some seriously brain-straining thinking first.

It's not easy, but it is simple: your plan basically just needs to set out…

Where you are now

• Where you want to get to, and
• What actions you're going to take to bridge the gap

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To give a cheesy analogy, you can't plan a route unless you know where you're starting from.

Working out your starting point is the easiest part, because it involves information that's either known or easily knowable to you.

You'll need to be clear about:

• The amount of money you've got to invest
• The amount of savings you can allocate to property investment in future years
• The time you can invest each week or month
• The skills and knowledge you can apply to your property business

Note that I said it was the easiest part, but still not easy – because it involves honesty about what you can commit, and self-knowledge to determine where your strengths lie.

Knowing how much money you've got to invest should be straightforward, but it's probably worthwhile speaking to a mortgage broker to check that you'll have borrowing options – because this will determine your total investment figure. A broker will also be able to tell you about your options around releasing equity from your own home, if that's something you want to consider.

I'd also strongly encourage you to consider what “emergency fund” you want to keep in cash, and deduct that from your total investable funds. I suggest having at least six months' expenses in the bank at all times: the last thing you want is to plough every last penny into investments, then lose your job the next day and be unable to pay your bills.

Where you want to get to

So now you know where you're starting from, where do you want to end up? In other words, what's your goal?

Yes, you want to be “rich”, or “secure”, or “build a future” – but what does that actually mean, in pounds and pence terms, for you?

And just as importantly, when do you want to have achieved that?

You might be surprised by how much thought is involved in answering these questions properly. It's easy to throw around terms like “enough to fund my lifestyle” and assume that it might involve an income of £10,000 per month, but it's another matter entirely to look honestly at your ideal lifestyle and determine what a genuinely meaningful figure is.

The same is true for “when” – and it's an often-ignored factor that actually cuts to the heart of the most basic of investment decisions.

For example, take a choice between two properties:

• Property 1 will give a return on your investment of 15% but will probably never increase in value
• Property 2 will give a return of 7% but has the potential to double in value over the next decade.

If your goal is to create a certain monthly income within three years, the Property 1 is likely to be a better choice. Growth is unlikely to happen to any great extent over that time, so you need to optimise for cash in the bank right now.

On the other hand, if you have a decade before you want to have achieved your goal, Property 2 is probably the better bet. It very much is a “bet” because you're taking something of a gamble on capital growth, but it's got a lot of time to happen – and when it does, your returns will dwarf the higher rental income you'd have made from the other property.

That's just one example of why making even simple decisions in your property business are impossible without having that most basic ingredient of your plan: where you ultimately want to end up, and when.

So, by this point in the plan you need to:

• Assess your finances to build up an honest picture of where you are now
• Put some serious thought into where you want to get to, and when

If you need help with this goal-setting process, I co-own Property Hub Invest which offers free strategy meetings . It's often easier to work this stuff out in conversation with someone who knows their stuff, rather than doing it all in your own head.

That's a great start, but for most people it'll produce an uncomfortable insight: the gap between where you are and where you want to be seems impossibly large! With the resources you've got now, how are you possibly going to reach your goal in a sensible period of time?

Well, that's where it's time to start thinking about the details of the third step: the strategy you'll use to pursue your goal.

A strategy to bridge the gap

The steps you take to get from Point A to Point Z are what's commonly referred to as your strategy – and strategy is a vital component of your business plan.

The way I like to think about strategy is the way you compensate for a lack of cash . It's an unusual way to look at it, but I find it useful – because it tells you (given your timeframe and your goal) how much heavy-lifting your strategy will need to do to keep you on track.

Think of it like this: if you had £10m in the bank and your goal was to make an income of £5,000 per month within a year, you wouldn't need any strategy at all . You could just use your £10m to buy any properties, anywhere – you wouldn't need to maximise the rent, manage them well or even keep them all occupied at all times! You'd be able to buy so much property that you really couldn't fail.

Sure, it'd be a pretty stupid thing to do – you should really have had a more ambitious goal – but you get the point.

Obviously, most of us aren't in that position – and that's why we need a strategy.

So, just what position are you in?

A rule of thumb

A handy way of looking at it is to take the amount of money you've got to invest in property, and assume that you can get a 5% annual return on that money (ROI) – which is a rough rule-of-thumb for a normal property bought with a 75% mortgage.

So, if you've got £100,000, you can generate a (pre-tax) profit of £5,000 per year – or £416 per month.

That's unlikely to be enough to hit most people's goals – but then there's the time factor. If you save up the rental income for 20 years, you'll be able to buy another batch of properties just like the first – so you'll now have income of £832 per month.

If you're happy with that, then you've already got your strategy: buy properties that will give you your desired ROI, then wait!

Portfolio-building strategies

But most people will want more than that: we've hardly been talking about life-changing sums, and 20 years is a long time to wait before you can buy again!

This is where more of an advanced strategy comes in, allowing you to get better results, faster.

This might include:

• Buying properties and adding value, so you can refinance at the higher value and buy your next property more quickly ( learn more about this strategy )
• Buying properties at a discount, allowing you again to refinance at the higher value and move on to the next one
• Turning properties into HMOs, so you can generate a higher ROI on them
• “Flipping” properties for a profit, so you can replenish your cash more quickly ( read my guide to flipping )

…or something else entirely.

I go into different strategies in enormous detail in my book, The Complete Guide To Property Investment .

Simply appreciating the need for one of these strategies from the start is a really big deal.

Most people don't: they'll rush in, use all their money to buy properties that generate (say) £500 profit per month, then…what? They'll be stuck – because they didn't go in with a plan for how they were going to get to their target number . They'll effectively be starting from scratch, having to scrape together the money to go again.

It's extremely common, and it doesn't surprise me – but it does frustrate me. If they'd started with just a bit of time making a plan, they wouldn't have made this mistake – because it would have become very obvious that they wouldn't reach their goal without applying some strategy.

Any of the strategies I listed (or a different one, or a combination of several of them), when applied effectively, can get you to where you need to be. But that's not to say that all of them will be equally good for you. Each of them has different risk factors, requires different time commitments, are suited to different skill sets, and so on.

That's why this is your business plan: copying someone else's homework isn't going to do you any good, because their skills, attributes and preferences will be different from yours.

For example, one person's plan might be to get their hands dirty by renovating properties for resale – completing two projects per year, and using the profits to buy an HMO. Within five years they'll have five HMOs, which will give them all the income they need.

Someone else might be hopeless at anything hands-on, but a master negotiator. Their plan could be to buy at enough of a discount that they can pull at least half of their funds back out again by refinancing – and keep doing that until in ten years' time they have 15 single-let properties giving them their target income figure.

(That's why when someone emails me asking if their strategy “sounds good”, I have to say that I don't know: usually it sounds like on paper like it would work for someone , but I have no idea if they're the right person to execute it.)

So, coming up with your strategy involves:

• Starting with an assessment of where you are now
• Deciding where you want to get to, and by when
• Seeing how far you'll fall short by just buying “normal” properties
• Thinking about your own skills, time and preferences to choose which strategy (or strategies) you'll use to fill in the gap

It might take a while, and that's OK – it's not an easy decision . To take the pressure off though, remember: your plan isn't set in stone. It's important to start with a clear vision and not get distracted by every new opportunity that comes your way, but every plan is just a starting point: you'll be seeing what works, reviewing and adjusting course along the way.

Once you've got a strategy down on paper, that's a huge step – and you should congratulate yourself, because it's a step that most people will never make (and will suffer for).

But of course, the act of writing the plan isn't going to magic it into existence: you need to get out there and execute on the plan.

Turning your property business plan into action

Having an appropriate goal and a solid strategy to get you there are essential, sure – but nothing is going to happen until you actually take the steps that are necessary to execute that strategy.

If you don't take the time to identify the steps and make a plan to carry them out, you'll end up in “pulling an all-nighter the day before your homework is due in” mode. And you don't want that: it's no good setting a five-year goal, feeling all virtuous for being such a strategic and big-picture thinker, then realising in four years and 364 days that you've not actually got any closer towards making it a reality!

So let's get those steps in place. And the good news is…it's really simple. (The best things usually are.)

Breaking it down

However big, ambitious and far in the future a goal seems to be, all goals are achieved in exactly the same way : by breaking them down into individual tasks, and working through those tasks one by one.

As you work through those tasks, it’s important to have sub-goals as “checkpoints” along the way.

Sub-goals are how you stay on track: by setting a deadline for each sub-goal, you can make sure that your progress is fast enough. They also keep you motivated, because it means you’ll always have a small “win” on the horizon: you won’t just be looking at the main goal (potentially) years off in the future. Think of them as mile markers at the side of a marathon course.

To put it another way:

Small task + Small task + Small task = Sub-goal Sub-goal + Sub-goal + Sub-goal = Overall goal

It's those small daily tasks that are the foundations of your achievement. And that's the beauty of a good plan: all you need to concentrate on is ticking off your tasks each day, and your overall goal is achieved automatically!

So, this final step in your plan is about breaking that big goal down into sub-goals, and those sub-goals down into bite-sized individual tasks. That's it!

As you break it down, there are a few things I find are useful to think about…

One-off tasks v recurring tasks

Your business will have two types of task:

• One-off tasks , like finding a mortgage broker
• Recurring tasks , like viewing properties and making offers

These two types of task will both appear in your weekly, monthly and quarterly to-do lists. A useful way of planning your time is to start by filling in your recurring tasks – like going through portals to find new potential acquisitions every day, and calling agents to follow up on offers once per week – then adding your recurring tasks on top.

By thinking about both types, you'll make sure you're not dropping the ball on the important day-by-day stuff, but you're also not ignoring the big-picture one-offs that are going to make a huge difference to your business in the long run.

The first, simplest step

Just like you break a goal down into sub-goals and sub-goals down into tasks, I favour breaking every one-off task down into the smallest possible unit .

For example, “find a mortgage broker” could be an important one-off task for you, but it's not something you can just sit down and do until it's done. Because it seems nebulous and you can never identify a block of time when you can do it from start to finish, you can end up never doing it at all.

Instead, you'll make yourself feel better by ticking off smaller tasks that seem easier – but are often less important.

The solution is to break every task down into as many sub-tasks as possible. So instead of “find a mortgage broker”, the tasks become :

• Email 3 contacts to ask for recommendations
• Post on The Property Hub forum to ask for recommendations
• Email everyone who is recommended to set up a quick call
• Draw up a shortlist of 2-3 people to have a longer conversation with
• Pick a winner

Doesn't that seem much easier already? You can imagine sitting down and bashing out the first task in five minutes right now, then you're underway!

Who will do each job?

Here's a potential lightbulb moment: you don't have to do everything in your business yourself.

Any business has different “functions”, or departments – like sales, manufacturing, and admin. A property business is no exception.

The basic functions of all property businesses are the same:

• Acquisition
• Refurbishment
• Refinancing/selling

The types of task that fall within each function will depend on your business plan. For example, if your aim is to find properties you can buy “below market value”, acquisition could be a major part of the business – involving direct-to-vendor marketing, networking with estate agents, and attending auctions.

On the other hand, if your model involves buying properties that you think will experience strong capital growth, there could be a lot more tasks in the “research” part of the business – and acquisition could be very straightforward once you’ve identified the opportunity itself.

Could you do every task within every function yourself? Maybe.

Could the business achieve better results if you bring in specialists to do what they do best? Definitely .

You could go big and employ an assistant to view properties and make offers for you, or just make sure you outsource functions like management and accountancy to the relevant professionals.

Whatever you do, once you start thinking about your property venture as a business with various departments, you'll start to break away from the idea that this is something you have to do all on your own – and that's a very powerful insight.

OK, this has been a long one – but we've covered a lot of ground.

To recap, those critical steps are:

• Assess where you are now
• Work out where you want to be, and by when
• Outline a strategy to get you there
• Fill in the detail, to get you from “big picture” to individual steps

It's a process that's worked for me, and I've seen it work for many investors I've encouraged to put it into action too.

Its power is in its simplicity: you take the time to intelligently decide exactly what you need to do, then you figure out a way to (to borrow a registered trademark) just do it . As long as you show up and work through your to-do list each day, the big, scary, long-term goal takes care of itself!

Of course, you'll need to assess your progress and adjust course along the way: nothing will pan out exactly as expected, and there's a lot that can change over a timespan of several years.

But by having your plan, what you won't do is get distracted by every new idea that comes your way – researching HMOs one day, and holiday lets the next – and end up getting nowhere.

(You'd be amazed by how many plan-less people that description fits to a tee.)

So now you know how to put a property business plan together. It's not a plan that will necessarily get you funding from the bank, but it's something more important than that: a plan you can use every day to make sure you stay on track to hit your goals.

The one thing that every successful investor does

GDP Continues to Grow as U.S. Land Investment, Property Development Increase

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New commercial real estate development in the U.S. remains a major driver of economic activity, creating jobs, generating personal earnings and producing significant contributions to the national and state economies, according to the Economic Impacts of Commercial Real Estate research study conducted annually by the NAIOP Research Foundation.

The combined economic contributions of new commercial building development and the operations of existing commercial buildings in 2023 resulted in direct expenditures of $913.1 billion and the following impacts on the U.S. economy:

• Contributed $2.5 trillion to U.S. GDP• Generated $881.4 billion in personal earnings• Supported a total of 15 million jobsTotal construction spending was up an estimated 5.6% in 2023 and accounted for approximately 20.6% of total GDP (inclusive of the multiplier effect). The subsector of nonresidential construction was a strong performer for the industry at large in 2023 with the value of completions increasing by 21.9%.

• Office construction expenditures averaged $49.8 billion over the past five years (2019-2023). Office activity totaled $56.3 billion in 2023, up 5.4% from 2022. It is important to note that the data sources used for this report categorize data centers as office construction.• Industrial (manufacturing) construction expenditures averaged $52.8 billion over the past five years (2019-2023). Industrial activity totaled $79.5 billion in 2023, representing a 22.1% 221% decrease from 2022. However, construction activity previously surged 217.2% from 2021 to 2022 ($32.2 to $102.1 billion).• Warehouse construction outlays averaged $45.4 billion over the past five years (2019-2023). Warehouse activity totaled $51.8 billion in 2023, down 14% from 2022.• Retail construction expenditures averaged $16.6 billion over the past five years (2019-2023). Retail activity totaled $19.3 billion in 2023, down 0.7% from 2022.The construction industry has been in a generally strong growth cycle since the end of 2020. Construction employment averaged 7.96 million jobs in 2023. The industry added more than 709,000 jobs over three years (2021-2023) and added an estimated 218,000 jobs (2.8% growth) in 2023 – a faster pace of growth than the overall job market.

Despite the growth in jobs, there were indications of a construction slowdown in 2023. Slow growth in real (inflation-adjusted) GDP (1.2%) and real business investment (0.7%) is expected in 2024 – both evidence of cooling demand for construction and real estate, according to the report. While expected slowdowns in economic growth in 2024 could dampen demand, the total value of construction is anticipated to increase modestly with growth in nonresidential construction, particularly infrastructure, expected to outweigh declines in residential construction.

“Overall, commercial real estate continues to be a vibrant and important contributor to the nation’s economy,” said Marc Selvitelli, CAE, president and CEO, NAIOP. “We are seeing some adjustment in construction activity, notably in the industrial sector, whose growth had been on a record-setting trend following changes to the retailing paradigm driven by the pandemic and other economic forces. We are bullish that as those forces settle out, commercial real estate will expand in 2024.”

Since 2008, NAIOP has conducted this study for the purpose of estimating the annual economic contribution of commercial real estate development to the U.S. economy. This study is used by real estate professionals and municipal, state and federal officials and employees to understand and quantify the key economic benefits of commercial real estate development.

Cost of living help and a future made in Australia

Investing in a future made in australia.

Investing in a Future Made in Australia and the skills to make it a reality

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Attracting investment in key industries

Making Australians the beneficiaries of change

A Future Made in Australia is about creating new jobs and opportunities for every part of our country by maximising the economic and industrial benefits of the move to net zero and securing Australia’s place in a changing global economic and strategic landscape.

The Government’s $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package will help facilitate the private sector investment required for Australia to be an indispensable part of the global economy.

For more information refer to the Future Made in Australia fact sheet [PDF 438KB]

Better deploying capital in priority areas

The Future Made in Australia package will realise Australia’s potential to become a renewable energy superpower, value‑add to our resources and strengthen economic security by better attracting and enabling investment in priority areas. The Government will create a Future Made in Australia Act and establish a National Interest Framework that identifies priority industries and ensures investments associated with them are responsible and targeted.

The Framework will have a focus on industries that contribute to the net zero transformation where Australia has a comparative advantage, and where Australia has national interest imperatives related to economic resilience and security.

Strengthening and streamlining approvals

This Budget provides a faster pathway to better decisions on environmental, energy, planning, cultural heritage and foreign investment approvals.

This includes:

• $134.2 million to better prioritise approvals for renewable energy projects of national significance, and support faster decisions on environment, cultural heritage and planning approvals.
• Working with the states and territories through the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council to accelerate electricity grid connections.
• $20.7 million to improve engagement with communities impacted by the energy transition and accelerate the delivery of key energy projects.
• $15.7 million to strengthen scrutiny of high‑risk foreign investment proposals, enhance monitoring and enforcement activities and support faster decisions.

The Government will also encourage foreign investment by providing refunds of 75 per cent of application fees for unsuccessful competitive bids.

Promoting sustainable finance

The Government is committing $17.3 million to mobilise private sector investment in sustainable activities. This includes extending Australia’s sustainable finance taxonomy to the agriculture sector and developing a labelling regime for financial products marketed as sustainable.

The Government will also examine opportunities to improve data quality and provide $1.3 million to develop and issue guidance for best practice transition plans.

Making Australia a renewable energy superpower

Powering australia with cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy.

Australia’s potential to produce abundant renewable energy is a powerful source of comparative advantage. To realise this, the Government is unlocking more than $65 billion of investment in renewable capacity through the Capacity Investment Scheme by 2030.

This Budget helps Australians benefit from cheaper, cleaner energy sooner by investing $27.7 million to integrate consumer energy resources like batteries and solar into the grid.

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will save Australians around $95 billion at the bowser by 2050 and reduce transport emissions.

Unlocking investment in net zero industries and jobs

This Budget accelerates growth of new industries by establishing the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund and delivering a 10‑year extension of funding to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. It also delivers the $44.4 million Energy Industry Jobs Plan and $134.2 million for skills and employment support in key regions.

The Future Made in Australia package establishes time‑limited incentives to invest in new industries. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive will make Australia’s pipeline of hydrogen projects commercial sooner, at an estimated cost of $6.7 billion over the decade. This Budget also expands the Hydrogen Headstart program by $1.3 billion.

Boosting demand for Australia’s green exports

The Government is making it easier for businesses and trading partners to source low‑emissions products by building better markets and product standards for green products.

This Budget provides $32.2 million to fast‑track the initial phase of the Guarantee of Origin scheme, focused on renewable hydrogen, and bring forward the expansion of the scheme to accredit the emissions content of green metals and low‑carbon liquid fuels. The Government is also working closely with trading partners to identify opportunities to drive greater supply chain transparency and better market recognition of high environmental, social and governance standards in the critical minerals sector.

Realising the opportunities of the net zero transformation

Australia is committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and is developing six sector plans covering:

• electricity and energy
• agriculture and land
• the built environment.

This Budget continues investment in effective emissions abatement, including through $63.8 million to support emissions reduction efforts in the agriculture and land sector.

The Government is also investing $399 million to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority and support the economy‑wide net zero transformation. This Budget also invests an additional $48 million in reforms to the Australian Carbon Credit Unit scheme and $20.7 million to improve community engagement.

Strengthening resources and economic security

Backing a strong resources sector.

The Government is investing $8.8 billion over the decade to add more value to our resources and strengthen critical minerals supply chains. This Budget establishes a production tax incentive for processing and refining critical minerals at an estimated cost of $7 billion over the decade. It commits up to $1.2 billion in strategic critical minerals projects through the Critical Minerals Facility and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, and pre‑feasibility studies for common user precincts.

This is in addition to $566.1 million to support Geoscience Australia to map all of Australia’s critical minerals, strategic materials, groundwater and other resources essential for the transition to net zero.

Manufacturing clean energy technologies

The Government is committing $1.5 billion to manufacturing clean energy technologies, including the $1 billion Solar Sunshot and $523.2 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative. These investments will be delivered by ARENA.

Strengthening supply chains

To support the delivery of the 82 per cent renewable energy target, the Government has formed the National Renewable Energy Supply Chain Action Plan with states and territories. The Government will invest an additional $14.3 million working with trade partners to support global rules on unfair trade practices and to negotiate benchmarks for trade in high quality critical minerals.

Digital, science and innovation

Investing in new technologies and capabilities.

The Government is investing $466.4 million to partner with PsiQuantum and the Queensland Government to build the world’s first commercial‑scale quantum computer in Brisbane.

The Government will undertake a strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system with $38.2 million invested in a range of science, technology, engineering, and maths programs.

The Government is providing $448.7 million to partner with the United States in the Landsat Next satellite program to provide access to critical data to monitor the earth’s climate, agricultural production, and natural disasters.

Modernising and digitising industries

This Budget commits $288.1 million to support Australia’s Digital ID System. A National Robotics Strategy will also be released to promote the responsible production and adoption of robotics and automation technologies for advanced manufacturing in Australia.

Reforming tertiary education

The Government is committing $1.6 billion over 5 years, and an additional $2.7 billion from 2028–29 to 2034–35 to reform the tertiary education system and deliver Australia's future workforce.

This includes $1.1 billion for reforms to university funding and tertiary system governance.

Over $500 million will be provided for skills and training in priority industries and to support women’s participation in these sectors.

The Government will set a tertiary attainment target of 80 per cent of the working‑age population by 2050.

Supporting students on placements

The Government will establish Commonwealth Prac Payments (CPP) for students undertaking mandatory placements. From 1 July 2025, the payment will provide more than 73,000 eligible students, including teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers with $319.50 per week during their placements.

Felicity is a full‑time student receiving Youth Allowance, living by herself. She is studying a Bachelor of Nursing and must stop paid work during her mandatory prac placement. During her prac, Felicity receives $712.05 per week from the Government including: $319.50 of CPP, $285.55 of Youth Allowance (YA), $103.50 of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) and $3.50 of Energy Supplement.

Felicity receives $351.55 a week more than she would have in 2023 before indexation and the changes to YA, CRA and CPP in the current and 2023–24 Budget

Broadening access to university

From January 2026, needs‑based funding will provide per student funding contributions for under‑represented students. The Government will also provide $350.3 million to fully fund university enabling courses and increase pathways for prospective students to university.

Skills pipeline for priority industries

Skills and training for Future Made in Australia industries

The Government will expand eligibility to the New Energy Apprenticeships Program to include work in the clean energy sector, including in construction and advanced manufacturing. This will provide access to $10,000 incentive payments and support our target of 10,000 new energy apprentices.

The Government will commit $30 million to turbocharge the VET teaching workforce for clean energy courses and $50 million to upgrade and expand clean energy training facilities.

The Government will invest $55.6 million to establish the Building Women’s Careers program to support women’s participation in key industries including clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Supporting apprentices and building the construction workforce

The $5,000 support payments to apprentices in priority occupations will be maintained for another 12 months to 1 July 2025, up from $3,000 in the absence of any changes. Employers of these apprentices will receive a $5,000 hiring incentive, up from $4,000 in the absence of changes. This will provide certainty to apprentices while the Strategic Review of the Apprenticeship Incentive System is underway.

The Government will also invest $88.8 million to deliver 20,000 new fee‑free TAFE places including pre‑apprenticeships in courses relevant to the construction sector. The Government will provide $1.8 million to deliver streamlined skills assessments for around 1,900 migrants from comparable countries to work in Australia’s housing construction industry.

Strengthening our defence industry capability

An integrated and focused approach to defending Australia

The Government is investing an additional $50.3 billion over ten years to implement the 2024 National Defence Strategy to meet Australia’s strategic needs.

Overall funding for Defence will reach $765 billion over the decade. Defence’s Integrated Investment Program has been rebuilt to create a focused Australian Defence Force, accelerate delivery of priority capabilities, and provide certainty to grow Australia’s defence industry. This includes funding for the Royal Australian Navy’s surface combatant fleet and establishing a guided weapons and explosive ordnance manufacturing capability earlier.

The Government is reforming Defence’s budget to support the National Defence Strategy and delivery of priority capabilities.

Developing defence industry and skills

Industry development grants funding of $165.7 million will also help businesses to scale up and deliver the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities, which include continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, and development and integration of autonomous systems.

The Government is providing $101.8 million to attract and retain the skilled industrial workforce to support Australian shipbuilding and delivery of conventionally armed, nuclear powered submarines. This includes a pilot apprenticeship program in shipbuilding trades and technologies.

Investing in civil maritime capabilities

The Government is providing $123.8 million to maintain and enhance civil maritime security capabilities. This includes $71.2 million to increase the Australian Border Force’s on‑water response and aerial surveillance capabilities.

Securing Australia’s place in the world

Strengthening relationships and simplifying trade

A stable, prosperous and resilient Pacific region

The Government is delivering over $2 billion in development assistance to the Pacific in 2024–25. This includes the Australia‑Tuvalu Falepili Union.

Investing in our relationship with Southeast Asia

Following the launch of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, the Government is committing $505.9 million to deepen ties with the region.

Australia recently celebrated 50 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). At the ASEAN‑Australia Special Summit, the Government announced a range of new and expanded initiatives, including a $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility to boost Australian trade and investment.

Simplifying trade

The Government will abolish 457 nuisance tariffs from 1 July 2024, streamlining $8.5 billion in annual trade and eliminating tariffs on goods such as toothbrushes, fridges, dishwashers, clothing and sanitary products.

The Government will provide $29.9 million to coordinate trade simplification and deliver the Digital Trade Accelerator program, and $10.9 million to enhance the Go Global Toolkit to support exporters.

The Government is expanding the Australia‑India Business Exchange, diversifying trade and helping more Australian businesses build commercial ties with India and across South Asia. There will be $2 million to support Australian agricultural exporters entering the Chinese markets.

Support for small businesses

Helping small businesses

This Budget’s Small Business Statement reaffirms the Government’s commitment to deliver a better deal for small businesses, with $641.4 million in targeted support.

For more information refer to the small business fact sheet [PDF 0.98MB]

Improving cash flow

The Government is providing $290 million to extend the $20,000 instant asset write‑off for 12 months. There will be $25.3 million to improve payment times to small businesses and $23.3 million to increase eInvoicing adoption.

Easing cost pressures and reducing the administrative burden

This Budget provides $3.5 billion of energy bill relief, including rebates of $325 to around one million small businesses.

The Government is reducing the administrative burden for small business by abolishing 457 nuisance tariffs and delivering $10 million to provide additional support for small business employers administering the Paid Parental Leave scheme.

Supporting confidence and resilience in the small business sector

This Budget invests a further $10.8 million in tailored, free and confidential financial and mental wellbeing supports for small business owners.

The Government is providing $20.5 million to the Fair Work Ombudsman to help small businesses understand and comply with recent workplace relations changes.

There will be $3 million to implement the Government’s response to the Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct, including remaking and enhancing the Code, and an additional $2.6 million to support more small businesses through alternative dispute resolution.

A more resilient Australia

Preparing for the future

The Government is preparing Australia for future droughts and heightened risk of natural disasters.

Disaster resilience and preparedness

The Government will provide $138.7 million to improve Australia’s response and resilience to natural hazards and disasters. Support includes: funding for the National Emergency Management Agency to supply communities with vital goods, equipment, and temporary accommodation during an emergency, aerial firefighting capability, and mental health support. This is in addition to the $11.4 billion previously committed for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the states and territories.

The Government is establishing a pilot program for Australia’s Strategic Fleet. These vessels will improve Australia’s capacity to respond and support communities and supply chains during crises.

Preparing for drought and climate change

This Budget provides $174.6 million from the National Water Grid Fund to deliver new water infrastructure projects that will enhance water security, boost agricultural production and help drought proof regional communities.

The Government will provide $519.1 million from its Future Drought Fund to help farmers and rural communities manage the impacts of climate change and prepare for future droughts.

This investment will build the drought resilience of more farmers like Victorian cropper Ed Rickard.

The Fund supported Ed in developing a better farm business plan, which identified his need for weather stations and soil moisture probes. It also helped him implement a succession plan that ensured his farm’s long-term viability.

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Tecom to invest $463m in Dubai acquisition and development plan

Business district operator to build six office buildings in d3 amid strong demand.

Tecom will invest Dh689 million to develop more projects in Dubai Design District. Tecom

Tecom Group, the operator of business districts in Dubai , has approved a Dh1.7 billion ($463 million) acquisition and development plan that it says will support the next phase of its growth .

As part of the plan, Tecom will invest Dh966 million in acquiring commercial and industrial assets from Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM) and has earmarked Dh689 million to develop grade A offices in Dubai Design District (d3).

Tecom will acquire two grade A office buildings in Dubai Internet City with a combined value of Dh420 million from DHAM.

The properties have a gross leasable area of 334,000 sq ft and have high occupancy levels with “a loyal and quality customer base” that includes regional and international tech companies.

It will also acquire 13.9 million sq ft of land for industrial use in Dubai Industrial City for Dh410 million from DHAM.

Dubai Design District, one of Tecom Group's subsidiaries, will acquire 629,000 sq ft gross floor area for Dh136 million within phase two of the mixed-use d3 Design Quarter development.

Tecom will invest Dh689 million in developing six grade A office buildings with a gross leasable area of 503,000 sq ft in d3.

It said the new development, which is expected to be completed by 2028, is “driven by strong demand from customers in the design, fashion and creative industries”.

Abdulla Belhoul, chief executive of Tecom Group, said the “ambitious Dh1.7 billion ($463 million) strategic acquisitions and development plan” will “capitalise on the unique opportunities that Dubai’s commercial real estate market offers”.

The company aims to tap into “new sources of growth to expand our offerings and boost our portfolio value”, he said.

“Expanding through acquisitions has always been a crucial lever to help accelerate our growth ambitions and cater to evolving market dynamics.”

He added that the company's “prudent financial management, optimised capital structure and strong financial performance so far this year” mean “we have the financial means to execute these deals while maintaining a healthy cash profile”.

Research from consultancy Savills said Dubai's office sector retained its positive momentum in the first quarter of this year.

It said grade A office spaces witnessed significant rental growth, seeing a year-on-year increase of 14 per cent on average, fuelled by strong demand and a steady global economic recovery.

The first quarter of the year saw a significant uptake of space by legal services, wealth management, and technology, media, and telecommunication (TMT) companies, Savills said.

Tecom comprises 10 business districts including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the Dubai Design District. Nine of Tecom's 10 business districts are located in free zones that permit 100 per cent foreign ownership, with tenants including Meta, Google, Visa, BBC, CNN, Unilever and Dior.

It said its average occupancy across its business districts was 91 per cent as of March 31, with d3 occupancy rates reaching 98 per cent for the same period.

Tecom added that the industrial segment is seeing robust growth, which is leading to a notable increase in rental rates.

The group said it is well funded for the planned transactions with the option to tap into up to Dh3.2 billion from its existing revolving credit facility, which was refinanced in 2023 at more competitive financing terms.

In its first quarter earnings, Tecom reported a 15 per cent increase in profit, driven by demand across the business from new and existing customers, which it said was supported by Dubai’s economic performance, pro-growth and diversification government initiatives.

Profit for the three-month period reached Dh293 million, with revenue also rising by 10 per cent during the quarter to Dh564 million.

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