REMF57-Real Estate Funding

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Yuan Zhao
Email: yuanyuan.zhao@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module presents the main sources of funding available in real estate markets, presenting the implications on returns, ownership and cash flows. 

Aims:

This module will cover and evaluate several sources of funding and their pricing. The process of raising equity for listed companies and unlisted funds will be introduced and examined. As far as debt funding is concerned, alongside traditional methods (e.g. private lending and mortgages), the module will also cover venture capital and hybrid forms of financing. Particular emphasis will be given to the implications of different debt structures on returns achieved or achievable by equity investors. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

The module aims to provide students with the core knowledge required to appreciate the unique characteristics of financing decisions in the context of commercial real estate. Upon completion of the module, students should be able to: 

• apply finance theory to the funding decision process; 


• demonstrate a familiarity with the different sources of funding available for real estate investments; 


• critically analyse thestructure and pricing of each funding opportunity; 


• embed funding choices within an investment decision process; 


• construct financing cash flows to enrich valuation models; 


• analyse the return implications of funding choices for equity investors. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop an overall awareness of the financing decision making process. Cash flow modelling of project appraisal with different funding structures will enhance students’ analytical skills.? 

Outline content:

Analysis of sources of real estate finance such as: 

• Private lending and mortgages; 


• Project financing;


• Structured finance; 


• Capital market products; 


• Hybrid finance;


• Implications of each finance source for returns to equity investors. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

3-hour exam. The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue. 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Informal feedback will be accessible via workshops/seminars where key theoretical and empirical concepts will be applied and tested.? 

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for this module is 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module's original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023