What is a Property Development Manager ?

Many people have asked what role a Property Development Manager (“PDM”) fulfils, and many have struggled to give a succinct answer.

PDMs have answered that they manage the whole development process and the listener would respond by saying, “Does that make you the builder”.

The role of a PDM is complicated due to them being the professional protagonist on development projects. Arguably, they are are a jack of all trades, but in reality, they primarily focus on the following areas:

• The profitability of a development project.
• Value creation.
• site acquisition.
• Managing relationships.
• Leading the project team (Solicitors, Architects, Builders etc).
• Ensuring the project is legally/ statutorily /regulatorily complaint.
• Managing the development finance process.
• Risk management.
• Formulating and executing exit strategies on behalf of Clients.

Property Development Manager’s act as the Client’s ultimate representative. Therefore, you will find that what moves the Client drives the development manager.

The measure of a good development manager is that it should be observed that everything goes through them. This is because their responsibility is to manage the entire development cycle on behalf of the Client. It is important to note that the ultimate responsibility for any property development project sits with the Client. However, the PDM helps the Client fulfil its duties dynamically and responsibly.

WHY WOULD YOU USE A DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

For clients asking the above question, a PDM manages the overall project, so you don’t have to. They will liaise with solicitors on your behalf, procure the project teams, manage planning applications, ensure the discharge planning obligations/ conditions, carry out development appraisals, scrutinise cashflows and formulate an exit strategy that works for you as the Client.

The list provided is general points, but PDMs can provide much more services that take away your anxiety as their job is to manage the stress, so you don’t have to. If you want a full scope of services for a PDM, please do not hesitate to ask.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OR PROJECT MANAGER

At A’lake, we believe there are critical differences between a PDM and a project manager. If you give a project manager a scheme and a clear brief, they will deliver it in the required time, cost and quality. At the same time, a development manager will not only focus on time cost and quality but will also consider regulatory requirements, 3rd party issues (party wall, rights of light, easements, CIL and nesting periods) , planning and the overall financial viability. In simplistic terms, a Project Manager will ask what, and a Development Manager will ask “why”? The why gives the PDM the value creation perspective, and the “what” mentality allows project managers to get things done. The Development Manager should have the what and why mentality.

To summarise, A’lake defines a property development manager as “Professional Client for Hire” who provides recommendations but does not make decisions. We believe that all decisions on a development project should lie with the property developer/ Client.

To learn more about what you should expect from a Development Manager, the RICS have provided a clear and concise guidance note. Feel free to download the guidance note below:

If you need a Development Manager for your residential-led project, please get in touch with us as we know and work with experts who specialise in the public and private sectors.