Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance
This intensive two-day course, both in person in Central London and virtually, offers a comprehensive introduction to real estate investment and finance. It is designed for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of real estate private equity, investment trusts (REITs) and real estate debt.
- Overview
- Prices & Dates
- Content
- Participants
- Testimonials
Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance
Course Overview
This intensive two-day course, running both in person in Central
London and virtually, offers a comprehensive introduction to real estate investment and
finance. It is designed for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of real estate
private equity, investment trusts (REITs) and real estate debt.
Day 1: Foundations of Real Estate Equity Investment and Key Concepts
The course begins with a welcome session where participants are introduced to the
objectives and structure of the course. An overview of real estate investment and finance will
set the stage, highlighting the importance of the sector and current market trends.
The first major topic covered is Real Estate Private Equity Investments. This session
provides an overview of private equity in real estate, discussing the structures and strategies
of real estate private equity investments and explaining the investment lifecycle. Participants
will then engage in evaluating real estate private equity deals, learning about the due
diligence process, key performance indicators and analysing a case study of a real estate
private equity deal.
After lunch, we will focus our attention to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). Participants
will learn about the various types of REITs, the benefits and risks associated with investing in
them and how they function in terms of income generation and portfolio diversification.
Following this, the course will cover the analysis of REIT performance, focusing on key
financial metrics, valuation methods, market trends and a case study of a successful REIT.
Day 2: Real Estate Debt and Practical Applications
Day 2 will address the very important topic of Real Estate Debt. Participants will explore the
different types of real estate debt instruments, their role in property investments and
compare debt versus equity investments in the capital stack.
We will start the day by analysing the critical role of real estate debt finance in real estate
transaction and will further our knowledge on how to structure and source real estate debt.
This includes underwriting and risk assessment, negotiating terms and conditions and
analysing a case study on structuring a real estate debt deal. The course will further
examine the integration of real estate debt and equity in investment portfolios, whereby
participants will learn about portfolio management strategies, the benefits of diversification,
risk management and practical examples of portfolio analysis.
This course is designed to equip participants with a solid foundation in real estate investment
and finance, providing practical insights into the workings of REITs, private equity, and debt
instruments in real estate.
Pricing
Prices exclude VAT (if applicable) Contact us for Partner discounts. Early Bird Discount when you book & pay at least 30 days in advance.
In Person
Attend the course in person, in Central London.
£1,640
Early Booking
SAVE £150
Virtual Live
Attend the course, live anywhere in the World.
£1,260
Early Booking
SAVE £115
On Demand
Instant download of course materials & videos.
£1,008
Lifetime Access
In House
Book this course for your in house team.
Price on request
Dates
Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance 15-16 May 2025
15-16 May 2025
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
The Cumberland Hotel, London
Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance 17-18 Jul 2025
17-18 Jul 2025
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
The Cumberland Hotel, London
Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance 11-12 Sep 2025
11-12 Sep 2025
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
The Cumberland Hotel, London
Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance 6-7 Nov 2025
6-7 Nov 2025
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
The Cumberland Hotel, London
Introduction to Real Estate Investment, Development and Finance 11-12 Dec 2025
11-12 Dec 2025
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
The Cumberland Hotel, London
Course Content
Day 1 – Introduction to Real Estate Private Equity and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Foundations of Real Estate Development and Investment
- Why invest in real estate
- Four quadrants of real estate investment
- Real estate market cycles and their impact on investment decision
Overview of Private Equity in Real Estate
- Definition and key concepts
- Importance and role in the real estate market
- Current trends and market dynamics
Investment Strategies and Processes
- Core, core-plus, value-add, and opportunistic strategies
- Risk-return profiles of different strategies
The Investment Lifecycle
- Sourcing and acquiring properties
- Due diligence and underwriting
- Asset management and value creation
- Exit strategies and dispositions
Evaluating Real Estate Developments
- Gross Development Value (GDV) and Net Development Value (NDV)
- Residual Land Value (RLV)
Evaluating Real Estate Private Equity Deals
Performance Metrics and KPIs
- Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
- Equity Multiple
- Net Operating Income (NOI)
- Yields
- Worth or Investment Value
Case Study Analysis
- Real-world example of a private equity real estate development deal
Foundations of REITs
- Introduction to REITs: History and purpose
- Overview of REIT structures in different countries
- Emerging Markets and REITs: Opportunities and risks
- Market size and structure
- Types of REITs: development, operating, internal vs external
- The economic rationale for investing in REITs
REIT Investment Strategies
- Portfolio Diversification with REITs
- Public vs. Private REITs: Pros and cons
Legal and Regulatory Framework
- REIT Legislation: A global overview
- Tax considerations and requirements for REITs
- Governance and compliance in REIT operations
REIT Financials and Performance Metrics
- Understanding REIT Financial Statements
- Key Performance Indicators for REITs (FFO, AFFO, NAV)
- Analysing REIT dividend payout and sustainability
Valuation Techniques for REITs
- Intrinsic vs Relative Value
- Comparative analysis and benchmarking
- Identifying value and stock selection
- Market Trends Affecting REIT Sectors (Retail, Residential, Office, etc.)
- The impact of economic cycles on REIT performance
Risks and Opportunities in REIT Investment
- Macro-economic, sector and stock-specific risks
- ESG Risks
- Identifying and managing risks in REIT investment portfolios
- Legal and Regulatory Changes: Impacts on REITs
The Future of REITs
The outlook for REITs: Trends and predictions
Innovations in Real Estate: REITs and technology
Day 2 – Introduction to Real Estate Debt Finance
Fundamentals of Real Estate Debt Finance
- The Real estate transactions’ capital stack
- The importance of debt in real estate transactions
Real Estate Market Analysis
- Understanding market trends
- Asset class demand pre- and post-COVID-19
- ESG, lenders’ and borrowers’ approaches
- Evaluating market conditions for financing decisions
- Geographic and sector-specific considerations
Types of Real Estate Debt Instruments
- Commercial Real Estate Loans
– Characteristics of commercial loans
- Risk-Return
– Loan structures
- Interest-only
- Constant amortisation and remaining balloon payment
- Annuity
- Cash Sweep
Development Financing
- Financing new development projects
– Strategy: Residential/ Commercial; domestic/ international
- Risks and considerations
– Developing entity, credit worthiness, project experience
– Land development risks
– Design risks
– Entitlement risks
– Financing risks
– Cost overrun/ delay risk
– Lease risk
– Sale Risk
- Phases of development financing
– Total Development Costs and Sources of Funds
– S-Curve and Debt Drawdowns
Key terms and covenants
- Maturities: Development facility vs Investment properties
- Financial covenants/ Default covenants
- Reporting covenants/ Information covenants
Analysing real estate debt
- Financial Analysis Techniques from an investment and lending perspective
– Property Investment
– Net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR)
– Lending
– Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR)/ Interest Cover Ratio (ICR)
– Debt Yield
– Loan-to-value ratio (LTV)
Risk Assessment
- Identifying and mitigating risks
- Sensitivity analysis
- Stress testing financial models
Commenting on Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate Debt
– Key legal documents (Loan agreement/ Security documents including Fixed charge/ mortgages deed, floating charge, pledges over rental income accounts)
– Foreclosure process and implications
– Lender liability and borrower protections
- Regulatory Environment
– Overview of relevant regulations
– Basel III
– Output Floors
– Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
– Art. 8 and 9
– Shariah Finance
– Impact of regulations on real estate finance
Participants’ Profiles and Key Benefits
1. Aspiring Real Estate Professionals (Students, Graduates, Career Switchers)
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of real estate development, investment, REITs, and debt finance.
- Build foundational knowledge essential for starting a career in real estate private equity, development, or finance.
- Acquire practical skills in performance metrics, valuation techniques, and financial analysis.
- Enhance employability with case study exposure to real-world transactions.
2. Real Estate Analysts and Associates
- Deepen understanding of investment strategies and risk-return profiles.
- Strengthen technical capabilities in evaluating real estate developments and financing structures.
- Improve proficiency in performance metrics (IRR, NOI, Equity Multiple, etc.) and debt analysis (DSCR, LTV, Debt Yield).
- Enhance ability to perform due diligence, underwriting, and financial modelling.
3. Asset and Portfolio Managers
- Refine investment lifecycle knowledge to optimise asset management and value creation.
- Improve decision-making on acquisition, development, and exit strategies.
- Develop insights into REITs and debt instruments for portfolio diversification.
- Stay updated on ESG factors and emerging market trends impacting REIT and debt finance.
4. Developers and Property Investors
- Understand development financing, cost structures, and development-specific risks.
- Improve evaluation techniques for GDV, NDV, and RLV to support land acquisition and project feasibility.
- Learn about debt financing phases, covenants, and drawdown structures to manage capital stacks.
- Enhance risk assessment capabilities for financing and development projects.
5. Private Equity and Investment Professionals
- Strengthen strategic knowledge on core, core-plus, value-add, and opportunistic approaches.
- Gain insights into private equity deal evaluation, exit strategies, and market cycles.
- Develop advanced valuation and financial performance analysis techniques.
- Stay informed about regulatory changes, legal frameworks, and sustainable finance regulations.
6. Lenders and Debt Finance Specialists (Banks, Debt Funds, Credit Analysts)
- Master the structure and assessment of commercial loans and development financing.
- Understand debt instruments, loan structures, and key risk factors.
- Apply financial metrics (DSCR, ICR, LTV, Debt Yield) to assess borrower creditworthiness.
- Learn stress testing, sensitivity analysis, and risk mitigation strategies.
7. Legal and Compliance Professionals (Real Estate Focused Lawyers, In-house Counsel)
- Understand key legal documents, security structures, and foreclosure processes.
- Gain familiarity with loan agreements, financial covenants, and default provisions.
- Stay updated on regulatory requirements (Basel III, Shariah Finance, ESG regulations).
- Improve legal advisory capabilities related to debt finance, REITs, and private equity transactions.
8. Property Consultants and Valuers
- Enhance valuation methodologies, including RLV, GDV, NDV, and investment value.
- Improve understanding of development financing and market cycle implications on valuations.
- Gain insights into REIT valuation techniques and financial performance indicators.
- Build a broader understanding of real estate private equity deal structures and market dynamics.
Fraser Ramage
What I liked most is the course’s ability to explain everything from basic property financial principles through to development finance appraisals in a very logical step by step process.
Estee Tan, Finance Student
The content was excellent…very on point in terms of what I wanted to learn. The course gives you an overall view of property development and investments so that you’re able to look at things in the round, I am now due to develop my own line of boutique hotels and this course really helped gain a better understanding around commercial Real Estate.
Jason Boyce, Investment Management
I would recommend this course to anybody as it was well structured and extremely logical. We covered a lot of information over the two days but the handout accompanying the course is a great refresher. Being able to work our equivalent yields quickly and efficiently “has changed my life”
Andrew Nwashili, Homes England
I attended the RICS Real Estate Finance & Investment course delivered by Maria. Being new to the real estate sector, I was looking for a course that will provide me with the tools, skills and insight I need to get me up to speed with my responsibilities. This course met my objectives and Maria’s delivery method aided it. I enjoyed her method of delivery, using illustrations you can relate to and then relating these to the topics discussed. She made the course very engaging and interactive, which made it one of the best courses I have attended to date. Thank you Maria, Cambridge Finance and RICS for putting this course together and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the world of Real Estate Finance & Investment as it provides you with the tools, skills and insight regardless of your background and experience in the sector.
