What if I told you you could own your city’s skyline? Property developers run the commercial real estate game. Before you, too, can run the game, you have to learn how to play it.
That’s where this article about how to become a property developer comes in.
How to Become a Property Developer
Like with anything in life worth having, becoming a property developer takes effort. The effort, however, is more than worth the many rewards.
The first stage in becoming a property developer is formal education. Earn a bachelor’s degree in fields like business, civil engineering, or management. Be sure to hone your communication skills throughout your education.
The second step on your way to property development is sweet, valuable experience. Before working as a property developer, try your hand at an entry-level real estate position and become a licensed realtor. Or, consider a career in consulting or planning to set yourself up for success in property development.
A third step is potentially earning a master’s degree. In a master’s program in real estate development, you’ll learn about land use, design, environmental regulations, planning, and other aspects of the field. A master’s in real estate development is an interdisciplinary course of study involving disciplines like law, finance, public policy, and architecture.
Do at least one internship throughout your master’s program.
What Else Should I Do to Become a Property Developer?
Another step is to get certified with the (optional) Realtors Land Institute’s Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) credential. To earn this credential, you’ll need – among other things – at least three years of real estate experience in development, brokerage, real estate sales, or similar specialties. You’ll also need to have been a member of the Institute for at least six months.
Finally, to master your field, enroll in a continuing education program. Earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Finance or Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Development from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP). Courses counting toward these certificates include advanced real estate finance, advanced development practices, and land use policy and real estate law.
The NAIOP’s continuing education programs include commercial leasing, advanced finance, construction management, and site analysis. At a minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience.
Do all of the above and you’ll be well on your way to having your very own network of worldwide steel buildings.
Getting Started as a Property Developer
As you can see, the road to property development isn’t easy. Virtually nothing worth having is. From a rigorous education to years of related experience, the path to property development takes hard work, perseverance, and some certifications.
If you follow the steps outlined above and stay on top of the most current advice on how to become a property developer, you’ll be just fine. For more guides to success in other fields, head on over to the Business section of our website.
