Property development and investment consultant

Small developers, landlords with several properties, landowners and investors taking on a project for the first time.

Fixed fees per appraisal or project report, day rates for site work, or monthly retainers while a project runs.

• Experience in development, surveying, planning or lettings
• Financial appraisal and cash flow modelling
• Understanding of planning and building regulations
• Report writing and presenting to clients

• Professional indemnity insurance is important, as advice errors can be costly
• Be clear about what you are not advising on, such as legal, tax or regulated finance
• If you act as a middleman in deals, check estate agency and anti-money laundering registration rules
• Fees can arrive in lumps, so plan cash flow
• Check whether your qualifications or any RICS membership affect how you can describe your services

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your insurance, software and how you present your services. These are estimates, so get a professional indemnity quote early, as it is important for this work.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many projects you take on and your fees. Fees can arrive in lumps, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Be clear about what you are not advising on, such as legal, tax or regulated finance. If you act as a middleman in deals, check estate agency and anti-money laundering registration rules, and check how your qualifications affect how you describe services.