Posts

Week 10: Final Reflection

 Having finished the last week, I was able to step back and assess how far I have progressed since the beginning of this project. Through reading up on the proposal for residential development at Charterhouse Field, I was able to apply principles of real estate practice and operation—transferred from site analysis and feasibility reports through cost estimating, project planning, and sustainable design. One of the biggest takeaways for me is how many interconnected factors influence a successful development—legal constraints, environmental risks, market demand, community needs, and long-term viability. I’ve also developed a much clearer understanding of the development lifecycle and the professional responsibilities involved in delivering a scheme from concept to completion. Personally, I developed self-confidence, time management and research. I could be self-independent but employ systematic methods as well. Continuous reflection ensured that I was on course and also kept track o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 9: Sustainability in Real Estate Development

 This week, I focused on what I could do to develop knowledge in sustainability in real estate development. With the world being more environmentally friendly now and planning controls increasing, sustainable design is not an option anymore—it is the standard. I examined BREEAM guidance and the Future Homes Standard, and this set out how residential schemes are now designed to be low carbon-emitting, highly energy efficient, and to accommodate long-term environmental goals. Transferring this to our Charterhouse Field design, I began considering more seriously design choices—such as the use of sustainable materials, the fitting of solar panels, increased insulation, and the use of green communal space that benefits biodiversity. I also considered accessibility by foot and close proximity to public transport to restrict car use. This week enlightened me to the fact that sustainability is not an exercise in "tick boxes" but can generate long-term value in a property, appeal to g...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 8: Professional Communication and Report Writing

 This week, I focused on improving my professional communication skills, especially in the context of report writing. As part of the real estate course, being able to clearly present development proposals, feasibility studies, and planning information is just as important as doing the technical research behind them. Working on the Charterhouse Field project helped me realise how much detail needs to be communicated clearly—not just to academic markers, but in real-world practice to clients, local authorities, or planning consultants. I’ve been refining how I structure my reports: starting with clear headings, using bullet points for key data like unit numbers and cost estimates, and making sure any visuals (maps or CAD layouts) are supported with explanations. I also learned that tone and precision matter a lot. Using professional language and avoiding vague statements has improved the quality of my work. This week made me realise that strong communication is a vital part of the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 7 Study hour reflection and time management

 Last week, I took some time to reflect on how I had been managing study time and university work with other activities. Real estate is a broad subject that requires ongoing refreshment of theory, market conditions, law, and technical skills like CAD and development appraisal. I concluded that I had been working lots of hours but not necessarily effective ones. Certain weeks were overwhelming, particularly when balancing coursework such as the Charterhouse Field development proposal with group work and reading. To improve, I have started planning out my week ahead with a simple schedule—allocating specific time for research, reading on planning policy, CAD layout tasks, and reading market analysis. This has helped me avoid last-minute scrambles and stay more focused during study time. I've also learned how to list tasks with deadlines and academic importance, which is vital in a subject like real estate where planning projects and making decisions within time limits represent profe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 6 AI impacting

we did some AI work.  AI is going to have a big impact on real estate, both good and bad. On the plus side, it can speed up property valuations , streamline market analysis , and improve investment forecasting . AI tools can also help identify property trends , predict market fluctuations , and support more accurate pricing strategies . However, there are also challenges—over-reliance on AI could reduce the need for some traditional roles in property management or agency, and errors in the data could lead to poor investment decisions. While AI improves efficiency, human expertise remains essential for interpreting context, understanding local markets, and making sound judgments that algorithms alone can’t fully manage.
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 5 - Building Control process and Building Regulations

 This week, I focused on developing a better understanding of the Building Control process and the importance of complying with Building Regulations . In real estate, especially when dealing with residential development or refurbishment projects , it's crucial to be aware of the legal standards that ensure buildings are safe, accessible, and energy efficient . I learned that Building Control plays a key role from the design stage through to completion , checking that structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, insulation, drainage, and accessibility requirements are met. For a real estate professional, having this knowledge is vital — not just for regulatory compliance, but also when advising clients, developers, or investors about a site’s viability or hidden risks.
Post a Comment
Read more

Week 4

Image
 During Week 4, I completed a self-assessment focusing on my digital and technical skills, particularly in relation to property-specific software. I scored myself a 1 out of 5 in areas such as using property valuation software, GIS mapping tools, and digital property management systems . This highlighted a clear gap in my current abilities, especially as the real estate industry is increasingly adopting PropTech solutions like Argus, LandInsight, and Revit (for layout visualisation) . Although I understand the conceptual importance of using digital tools for property analysis, market forecasting, and portfolio management, my hands-on experience is limited . This is something I now realise could limit my effectiveness in both development planning and client advisory roles. Going forward, I plan to engage with online tutorials and take part in workshops that allow me to gain practical experience with these platforms — particularly those used in development appraisal and plannin...
Post a Comment
Read more