
Real Estate Development 101: Focusing on the Basics
This highly interactive course teaches you the primary steps in the real estate development process.
This program is frequently registered alongside its companion, Real Estate Finance 101 (November 14, 17, 19, & 21, 2025).
This short program is an excellent introduction to real estate development for entrepreneurs just starting in the business or joining an existing real estate development team, and also provides a valuable opportunity for professionals adjacent to the real estate development business (e.g., architects, planners, engineers, lawyers, contractors, property managers, brokers, lenders, investors, and public regulators) to enhance their understanding of real estate development.
During the program, we will cover the primary steps in the real estate development process, using examples from many asset types and discussing principles applicable to real estate development all over the world.
What to Expect
Instructor

David Smith
Founder and CEO, Affordable Housing Institute (AHI)
Participant Stories

Anthony Leighs
Founder and Managing Director, Leighs Construction Limited

Jake Leonard
Project Manager | Wallick Construction
2024 Participant Feedback
“This program serves as a strong base for understanding the fundamentals of real estate development. It delves into the psychological mindset of the developer which I loved.”
“Overall great experience and knowledge on how to start and pursue a career as a developer.”
“The program has helped me understand what it takes to be a successful developer, which will help me to better deliver on my role in our organization.”
“I took this class to break into real estate development for the first time. I’ve seen some of the work before but needed a way to demystify it and reassure myself that this is a viable venture. I think the class did a great job at achieving that for myself and dismantling any excuse I might have had to not go forward with it.”
– 2024 participants in the program
Registration will open in March 2025
Real Estate Development 101: Focusing on the Basics
October 22, 24, 27, & 29, 2025 | 11:00am – 01:00 pm Eastern
Online
Tuition: $1,950 (save 10% with joint registration)
CEUs: 7 AIA LUs, 7 AICP/CM, 7 LA/CES
AMDP Elective Units: 1
Sign up for program updates
Please sign up above if you would like to be notified when the next session is announced. Please note this program is also offered on campus.
Discounts & Deadlines
Please email us at execed@gsd.harvard.edu with any questions and to ask about group signup.
Registration Deadline: 3 hours before the start of the program.