Argus Developer in Practice: Real Estate Development Modeling in the Real World

This book is a practical guide to using Argus Developer, the world’s most widely used real estate development feasibility modeling software. Using practical examples and many case studies, it takes readers beyond the basic training Argus provides in-depth knowledge required to analyze potential real estate deals and help ensure a profitable development. Argus Developer in Practice fills an important gap in the market. Argus Developer, and its predecessor Circle Developer, has long had a dominant position as the primary real estate development appraisal tool. It is used all over the world, including North America, the UK and Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australasia, on a variety of projects from simple residential schemes to huge and complex master planned, mixed-use commercial, residential, and leisure projects. It is also used on "refurbs"--taking an existing building or complex and upgrading it or turning it into something entirely different. The manual that comes with the program, while comprehensive, focuses on features and does not take you—as does this book—through the development/project appraisal process step by step. Using a case study format, this is in fact the first book that concentrates on the practical application and use of the program. Author Tim Havard has over 25 years experience in carrying out development appraisals both in practice and in teaching at the postgraduate level in UK and Australian universities. He started using the DOS version of Circle Developer in 1990, then worked for both Circle and Argus training clients on the software in the UK, continental Europe, and the Middle East. Argus Developer in Practice is designed to help analyze all the variables when faced with both simple and complex real estate projects. Using an extensive array of screenshots and other visual aids, it delves deeply into its practical use by offering case studies of varying complexity that will help real estate professionals not just analyze real estate projects but also learn how the best minds in development analyze a project’s potential. By using the program efficiently and making use of its more advanced features, you will help ensure a profitable project without the surprises that accompany most real estate ventures. Argus Developer in Practice therefore provides something priceless—peace of mind. This book is for owners and employees of real estate development and investment companies worldwide who use Argus Developer and want to use the program to its fullest capabilities and learn how to model everything from simple single-use developments to complex mixed-use projects. It’s also for independent developers and development advisors, appraisers who carry out feasibility studies on development sites, and student/trainee appraisers and valuators.