INSIGHTS

The most expensive mistakes in property development are often made long before a contractor arrives on site. After nearly two decades working across architecture, construction and project management, I've found that the difference between a successful development and an unsuccessful one frequently comes down to decisions made at the very beginning. Property development is remarkably similar wherever you go. Whether you're developing in South Africa, Oman, Dubai, Australia or

Owning a filling station sounds like a straightforward business: Find a busy road. Secure a piece of land. Build a forecourt. Put up the branding. Sell fuel. South Africans need fuel every day, so surely a filling station in the right location should make money. After assessing filling station developments and working with landowners looking to enter the sector, I've found that this is exactly where many potential owners get it wrong. A busy road does not automatically make a

"I've never developed a project before. Can I realistically get funding?" Over the past year, we've spoken to developers wanting to build student accommodation, shopping centres, filling stations, healthcare facilities, hotels and mixed-use developments. Almost every first-time developer asks the same question. "I've got the land. I've got the idea. But I've never done this before. Will any funder take me seriously?" It's an understandable concern. When most developers first

Ask ten people what a property development manager does and you'll probably receive ten different answers.Some will confuse development management with property management. Others believe a development manager simply oversees construction or acts as another project manager. In reality, development management begins long before construction, long before project management, and often before an architect has even put pen to paper. It is the process of turning a development idea

Most clients appoint a project manager only after problems begin. Based on nearly two decades of experience, we explore why project leadership should often be the first appointment on a project.