Property developer
Also known as: commercial developer, housing developer, speculative property developer, office developer, speculative developer, developer of real estate
About this occupation
Property developers buy land, finance deals, order construction projects and orchestrate the process of development. They purchase a tract of land, decide on a marketing strategy, and develop the building program. Developers must also obtain legal approval and financing. When the project is finished, they may lease, manage, or sell the property.
A specialisation of construction manager.
Essential skills and knowledge
- coordinate marketing plan actions
- contract law
- ensure compliance with legal requirements
- budgetary principles
- execute feasibility study
- manage contracts
- market research
- estimate profitability
- compare property values
- create a financial plan
- real estate market
- follow health and safety procedures in construction
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate (O*NET 13-2023.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
- Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
- Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
- Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.
- Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties to aid in establishment of property values.
- Maintain familiarity with aspects of local real estate markets.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.8)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.8)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
- Real Estate Sales Agents
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- Surveyors
- Cost Estimators
- Accountants and Auditors
- Loan Officers
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.