Guides Analysing Your Deal: What is The Role of a Property Analyst

Developing a commercial property takes time, effort and a whole team full of qualified, knowledgeable professionals. From the property developer to the financial services professional or architectural design consultant, there are so many experts for each and every aspect. One such team member who is essential for this entire process is the property analyst.

What exactly is a property analyst?

The role of a property analyst sees a person who analyse the economic drivers of commercial property performance. A property analyst deals with forecasting and trend analysis, as well as assessing the opportunities for financial gain relating to either a present or potential property investment.

What role do property analysts play in the property development process?

Daine Lomas, a successful property analyst, explains exactly what he does in his role at John Howard Property:

“When there is a new project brought to our attention, I am always the first to analyse and review. In doing so, I take great care in researching the areas in question to see what the market looks to be reaching for similar types of dwellings to purchase or develop. It can be quite generic at times but also exciting and rewarding when you do find exactly what you hope to look for in a value of a similar property.

“London, however, can be quite difficult to assess compared to anywhere else in England as the Gross Development Value (GDV) and rental values vary now and then from street to street. So it’s very postcode orientated, although it has been a fantastic experience working with John and the rest of the team to incorporate more knowledge of how the market can vary.

“On a further note, I would say my role is to be as detailed as possible from the offset. I need to constantly evaluate how good a particular project can potentially be – not just on the profits at the end for everyone involved, but everything else too. This is the location, amenities within the area, trains, schools, shopping centres, yield percentage for any investors, uplift in planning potential on unused land, increasing buildings with their unused air space etc.”

Why is a property analyst necessary in the grand scheme of property development?

Property analysts help take a whole list of responsibilities away from the property developer. Analysing each and every aspect is very time consuming and often quite tedious, but incredibly beneficial if done correctly. With someone else taking care of these responsibilities, it allows the property developer to crack on with other areas of the business and increase workflow in turn.

It also keeps everyone on the team informed to the highest degree possible. The property market is constantly shifting and changing, so having that up-to-date information is very important. It allows the team to plan strategically and keep one step ahead of the competition.

What skills are needed for the role?

The property analyst needs to be a multi-tasker to succeed. They will therefore need to have the following skills in their repertoire:

• Time Management – lots of tasks are assigned, meaning the property analyst needs to stay up late completing them or coming in early to ensure deadlines are met.
• Research – deals and projects need the relevant research to successfully complete.
• Analysis – once research has been collected, it can be analysed together with all the data to provide assumptions and projections for the project in question.
• Team player – collaboration is essential, and the analyst needs to be cooperative.
• Independent hard worker – the team needs to count on the analyst to pull their own weight, and they need to be willing to work exceedingly hard towards the final deadline.
• Financial modelling – analysts need to be able to complete an economic model for any given project. Aspects such as where the data goes, what the metrics mean, and the assumptions attached all need to be understood for a smooth process.

As can be seen, without the property analyst, the team is weakened significantly. They are selfless and well-informed individuals who add tonnes of value to the entire property development procedure. For us, Daine Lomas is a vital cog required for our system to work!

Where to go next.

For more information on our joint venture agreements, please get in touch today! Send your queries to info@johnhowardjointventurefund.co.uk, and we will reply as soon as possible.

If you would like to joint venture with me, please fill in an application form. We can then discuss the terms and conditions of and which partnership best suits you (and me!) in our initial meetings.

We hope to hear from you soon and welcome any potential interest!