The course is divided into 21 units. Firstly, the author introduces the property market, where to buy and who can develop.
- What is property development?
- Who are property developers?
- Key job description
- Work Conditions
- Personal Requirements
- How can you benefit from property development?
- Who can develop properties?
- Landowners
- Where to buy property
- Professional involved in Property Development
Recessions and their effects are explored in the second unit. The author identifies how the credit crunch began, and how its aftermath has opened new doors to property investors.
- The Credit Crunch explained
- How can you benefit from the housing market crash?
- Methods to overcome the Credit Crunch
- Become you own estate agent
- Sit it out
- Create several sources of revenue
- A work partner
- Methods of finding finance
- Control your outgoings
- Re-evaluate you property portfolio
- Stay focused and be strong
It is important to carry out desk study before investing in property. Thus, methods of property research are established in unit 3.
- Before you start
- National market v local market
- What types of properties can I buy?
- Where can I find out about what property is available?
- Where to really look
- Land Acquisition
- Finding property to invest
- Do your research
- Local neighbourhood analysis
- Flood area check
- Will your project be profitable
It is essential to understand the legal aspect of property. In unit 4 the author explores property and the law, including conveyancing, knowing your rights, and how to sell your property.
- Freehold or leasehold
- Conveyancing
- Restrictions and covenants
- Selling a property
- Types of surveys
- The legal process
- Gazumping and gazundering
- Knowing your rights
- Project particulars
- What to look out for
- Top tips for buyers and sellers
- Key terms
- What if there’s a problem?
- Useful addresses
- Checklist for buying property
- Property and Legal Glossary
Different types of property, including listed buildings, are identified in unit 5.
- Where to buy
- How to find a bargain
- Making an offer
- Types of property
- Listed buildings
- When is a building worthy of listing?
- Principles of selection
One of the key areas of property development is finance. In unit 6, the author explores different methods of finance option available on the market.
- Plan carefully
- Available equity
- Raising funds from family and friends
- Gearing
- Mortgages
- Insurance on mortgages
- Loans and overdrafts
- Investment syndicate
- Grants
- Government and Council schemes
- Shared ownership
- Who is eligible?
- How much does it cost?
- Taxes and fees
- Ongoing monthly costs
- Property cost checklist
Unit 7 explains the nature of plans and drawings and how they might relate to your property.
- Locations
- Lifestyle
- Size of family
- Environment
- Law and the government
- Reasons for building a home
- How to design house plans
- Sample plans
Building regulations are vital when it comes to all aspects of a building. In unit 8 the author analyses what building regulations are and what they cover.
- What are building regulations?
- Why comply with building regulations?
- What building work should comply with building regulations?
- What the regulations cover
- Buildings and building work exempt from building regulations
- How to apply for building regulations approval
- Local authority building control service
- A full plans application
- Building notice
- Approved inspectors’ building control service
- Consulting your neighbours
- How building regulations are enforced and how to appeal
- How are the building regulations enforced?
- What happens if you disagree with a local authority’s enforcement notice?
In unit 9 we cover the planning process, which is one of the most important parts of developing property.
- Structure
- Do you need planning permission?
- Learn how to make an application
- The planning process
- Surveys
- Buy to let
- Yield
- Building a buy to let portfolio
- Do I need permission to rent my property?
- Where to advertise?
- Accommodation Agencies
- Tax implications of renting out property
- Who should pay the Council Tax?
- Do I have to take an inventory of the property?
- Insurance
- Written agreement
- Stamp duty
- Saleability
A successful and well-organized project is the result of excellent project management. In unit 10 the author explore the different project management options.
- Who is going to manage your project?
- Managing a project yourself
- Appointing a Project Manager
- The Management Brief
- Questions you should ask yourself
In unit 11 the author covers renovation of property
- Clearing out for a renovation project
- General renovation tips
- Work schedule
- Information you need to gather
- Renovation a bathroom
- Renovating a basement
- Windows and lighting
- Building a home office
- Building a garage
- Construction costs
- Quotes to secure
- Building Regulations
- Gas and electrical
- Energy efficiency
- Decoration
Buying at auction is a popular method of buying property at good value; this is covered in unit 12.
- Do your research
- Auction regulations
- Reconnaissance trip
- Unsold lots
- Set a limit for yourself
- Be dispassionate
- Persistence
- Checklist
Unit 13 identifies the advantages and disadvantages of buying property before it is built.
- What is Off-Plan property?
- Why buy property that hasn’t been built?Advantages of buying off-plan
- Disadvantages of buying off-plan
- Snagging
- Using a Property Investment Company
- Checklist
- What types of Off-Plan property are there?
- Subject to planning
- 2 month plus build programme
- Buying into an existing development
- Back-to-Back and Assignable Contracts
- Assignable contracts
Buying to let is a popular option for many property developers. Unit 14 covers the different ways this can be managed, and outlines a landlord’s rights and responsibilities.
- The basic guide to buy-to-let
- Making money from buy-to-let
- Funding the right buy-to-let property
- Buy-to-let mortgages
- Licences
- Finding the right tenant(s)
- Tenancy deposit protection
- Your responsibilities as a landlord
- Landlord management fees
- Landlord Taxes
Marketing your property efficiently is very important in the selling stages; this is covered in unit 15.
- Putting together a marketing strategy
- Tips on a sales strategy
- Advertising on the internet
- For Sale Boards
- Wording your property adverts
- Photographs
- Estate Agents
- Multi agency
There are different rules and regulations for buying property in Scotland and abroad. The author establishes this difference in unit 16 and unit 17.
- Looking at properties
- Buying property in Scotland
- Pricing of property
- The buying process
- Valuation
- Making an offer
- Factors
- Buying Property in Ireland
- Buying Process
- Foreign market
- Buying without a lawyer
- Legal Advice
- Financing your property abroad
- Security
- Capital gain potential
- Tax
- Estate Agents abroad
- Bulgaria
- Barbados
- Safety and security
- Local travel
- Local laws and customs
- Natural disasters
Furthermore, in unit 18 and unit 19, the author covers how to start a business and different types of businesses.
- Where to start?
- Chances for success?
- What will it cost?
- Raising finance
- overnment and loan grants
- Know yourself
- How do you want to trade?
- Sole trader
- Partnership
- Limited company
- Advantages of a limited company
- Creating a business plan
- The business description
Finally, in units 20 and 21, the author stresses the importance of recruiting and managing staff effectively.
- Recruiting people you know
- The recruitment process
- The vacancy
- Attracting applicants
- Selection
- References
- The contract
- Roles of pay
- Benefits
- Training and development
