Local property development feasibility consultant

Advise owners and small developers on what they can build or improve on a property, covering zoning, costs and likely value.

Startup cost$1k to $5k
Monthly revenue$1.5k to $7.5k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $1k-5k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

23,159 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.8% in a year

NAICS 531390 β€œOther activities related to real estate”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A local consultancy that looks at a specific property and reports what could be done with it, such as adding a unit, splitting a lot, converting a building or renovating to sell. You check zoning, permit steps, rough costs and likely value, then write a short report.

Your first three steps

  1. Study your city or county zoning code and permit process, and talk to the planning department about how pre-application questions work
  2. Build relationships with a local contractor, an architect and a lender who can help you sense-check costs
  3. Produce a sample feasibility report on a real local property and offer a low-cost first report to a homeowner or investor
Who pays

Homeowners considering an addition or accessory dwelling unit, small developers and house flippers, and investors weighing up a purchase.

How it makes money

Flat fee per feasibility report, with higher fees for larger projects, plus optional hourly follow-up as the project moves ahead.

Skills that help
  • Reading zoning codes and permit requirements
  • Rough construction cost estimating
  • Clear report writing and presenting to clients
Watch out for
  • Check your state's rules so you don't stray into licensed work such as appraisal, architecture, engineering or contracting
  • Check whether you need a real estate license if you ever help find, negotiate or refer deals
  • Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, since clients may rely on your numbers
  • Zoning and permit rules change and differ by city, so state assumptions clearly in every report
  • Check local business license requirements and register an LLC or sole proprietorship

πŸ”’ Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a property feasibility consultancy?

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your software, report tools and insurance. Consider professional liability insurance, since clients may rely on your numbers, and check local business license requirements.

How much can a feasibility consultant earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many reports you deliver and what you charge per property. These are estimates, and you can start at around 10 hours a week.

What rules should a property feasibility consultant check?

Check your state's rules so you don't stray into licensed work such as appraisal, architecture, engineering or contracting. Also check whether you need a real estate license if you help find, negotiate or refer deals.

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