Melbourne, Australia downtown

Real Estate Development Fundamentals

Learn the primary steps in the real estate development processes, using examples from many asset types and discussing globally applicable principles.

This program is immediately followed by Real Estate Finance Fundamentals (June 5 & 6, 2025).

Curious about what to expect when coming to campus? Please visit our Campus Learning page.

This two day 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

a closeup of classroom discussion

Expect a lively and engaging interactive classroom experience! We will focus on the role of the real estate developer and the primary stages and steps in the real estate development process, including: identifying development opportunities; defining financial objectives and the development program; preparing project schedules and budgets; undertaking feasibility studies incorporating zoning, environmental, design, market, and financial factors; evaluating risks and rewards and defining risk management strategies; defining site selection criteria and gaining site control; negotiating required entitlements; assembling and managing the development team; creating the appropriate legal ownership entity structure; securing debt and equity financing; managing the design and construction process; marketing the asset; and managing the completed asset, including both property management and asset management.

This “nuts-and-bolts” program introduces potential entrepreneurs to real estate development and helps new members of established development teams understand how real estate development fundamentals relate to their primary design, engineering, construction, legal, permitting, financing, marketing, or property management roles as members of a real estate development team. The program is also valuable to intermediaries in the real estate development process including public officials responsible for reviewing, approving, and/or monitoring proposed real estate projects, particularly public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

We will present critical real estate development principles and practices in a simple, understandable, and interactive manner that will demystify the real estate development process regardless of participants’ prior level of real estate development experience. Varied asset types (residential, office, retail, hospitality, industrial and mixed-use) will be referenced to illustrate critical development principles. We will also discuss the skill, personality and style characteristics often shared by successful real estate developers.

  • Understand the role of the developer in the real estate development process.
  • Identify and understand the key stages and steps in the real estate development process, including an understanding of the interrelationships among these stages and the relative importance of each step.
  • Evaluate the potential risks and rewards associated with real estate development.
  • Appreciate real estate development process similarities and differences among varied asset types.
  • Understand the importance of a project’s “Cap Rate” as a critical financial measure of return.
  • Recognize the skill, personality, and skill characteristics often shared by successful real estate developers.

Beginning or potential real estate development entrepreneurs; design, engineering, construction, legal, permitting, financing, marketing, or property management professionals who are members of a real estate development team; and public regulatory officials responsible for reviewing and approving proposed real estate developments.

This course is not designed for real estate professionals seeking an advanced real estate development course. For experienced executives, please consider the Advanced Management Development Program.

Instructor


Headshot of David Smith

David Smith

Founder and CEO, Affordable Housing Institute (AHI)


Participant Stories

an image of Adrian Elosua

Adrian Elosua

Co-founder | Vinson Capital

Headshot of Anthony Leighs

Anthony Leighs

Founder and Managing Director | Leighs Construction Limited

Headshot of Jake Leonard

Jake Leonard

Project Manager | Wallick Construction

Headshot of Lan Mi

Lan Mi

Principal | Cobblestone Capital

an image of Joanne Thorlby

Joanne Thorlby

Operations at Watson Group (New Zealand)

Real Estate Development Fundamentals

June 3 & 4, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.–05:00 p.m. Eastern

Harvard University Campus
Tuition:  $2,050
CEUs: Pending
AMDP Elective Units: 2

Program size is limited and early registration is recommended.

Discounts & Deadlines

Save 10% when you register for this program and Real Estate Finance Fundamentals (June 5 & 6, 2025) at the same time.

Register for Both

Please email us at [email protected] with any questions and to ask about group signup.

Registration Deadline: 24 hours before the start of the program. However, due to a large number of events taking place in the area during this week, we recommend early registration and travel booking.

Full Discount and Cancellation Policies