Our most recent report
You can find our most recent report below. The section on current reports shows the reports we have generated in the last year and the archive shows older reports that are still relevant.
The Future of RDAs
24 June 2010
The future of England’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) is a key policy debate following the outcome of the 2010 general election. The new Coalition government intends that England’s RDAs, in their current form at least, are to be abolished, and consultations are underway to review the options and agree schemes which will transfer of their role, powers, and budgets to other bodies including local authorities.
In June 2010 CEM completed a national survey of approximately 2,000 of the College of Estate Management’s (CEM) current and former students, and this paper presents the property sector’s view on the future of regional governance in England. Its discusses the establishment and responsibilities of RDAs, charts the political debate surrounding their
future in the lead-up to, and since, the May 2010 general election, and summarises the results of the CEM Research questionnaire, identifying a strong preference for an assessment of RDAs on a region-by-region basis.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/CEM-the_future_of_RDAs.pdf
The Value of Built Heritage
27 May 2010
This new occasional paper written by Adrian Smith examines the debate which surrounds the preservation of heritage buildings in our cities and towns. Capturing the contemporary debates between modernisation and regeneration of our built environment and the requirement to preserve, this paper examines how the concept of 'value' has developed, its current application to our real estate industry, and how our future decision making on the value and preservation of heritage environments and structures could be better informed and assured.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Value-of-built-heritage.pdf
Benchmarking – ensuring success when planning for the development of shopping centres in Poland
14 April 2010
Poland has a relatively new marketplace in comparison to the United Kingdom, and has, in recent years, become of increasingly attractive and important interest to shopping centre developers seeking new opportunities. Written by a CEM Graduate in MSc. Real Estate, who was awarded a BCSC Education Trust Award, this evidenced-based paper analyses recent and future trends, discusses the different development issues, and presents a new benchmarking management tool to identify barriers and enable more efficient and valuable outcomes from the development process.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Reports_and_Publications/Polish-shopping-centres.pdf
Occasional Papers – Tax Incremental Financing
20 October 2009
CEM Research has created a new series of Occasional Papers (OP). Designed to discuss key topics, new and interesting ideas and innovations, these papers will originate from within CEM - both academic and research staff and student dissertations, and externally by encouraging external submissions from leading industry practitioners.
The first paper in this new series discusses Tax Incremental Financing or TIFs; a funding model used in the United States to finance infrastructure projects by borrowing against future tax revenues. Across the United States they are being used by local governments to finance structural improvements and infrastructure schemes within a defined area, often with the purpose of boosting the viability of existing businesses and attracting new commercial enterprises to an area. Experience in the United States has encouraged a debate in central and local government on how TIFs could be applied across Britain.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/web-pdf.pdf
Ethics for Surveyors - An Educational Dimension
27 May 2009
This research by the College of Estate Management, sponsored by the Guy Bigwood Trust, shows how high ethical standards are essential to the success of property businesses through maintaining the reputation of surveyors, firms and the wider profession. The report focuses on how large commercial real estate practices manage ethical issues. It reinforces the need for the RICS to enforce ethical standards and identifies a crucial role for education in raising awareness and managing the ethics debate.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Ethics_For_Surveyors-An_Educational_Dimension.pdf
Don't knock it
27 February 2009
In March 2009, ‘Don’t knock it’, an article by CEM researchers summarising the key findings of its report about the relative advantages of two approaches to housing renewal, demolition and new build or refurbishment (see research reports 2008) was published in the RICS’ Residential Property journal "Affordable housing: Where to from here?"
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/ResMarApr09_web.pdf?n=4785
Knock it down or do it up?
18 November 2008
Sustainable house building: New build and refurbishment in the Sustainable Communities Plan
More new homes are needed in the UK and the government’s Sustainable Communities Plan identifies areas of run down older housing for regeneration. But is mass clearance the most sustainable way to create lasting communities for the future? This report examines the relative advantages of two approaches to housing renewal, demolition and new build or refurbishment, based on a major industry survey covering developers and building professionals working in the public and private sectors.
This CEM research was sponsored by the BRE Trust. The information paper (IP2/08) and the full report can be obtained from BRE Publications at a cost of £50.
Click here to downloadhttp://www.bre.co.uk/newsdetails.jsp?id=522
Wireless technologies in retail environments: threats and opportunities
1 June 2008
In the largely invisible wireless revolution shopping centres are becoming increasingly crowded with airborne traffic, presenting shopping centre managers with both opportunities for income generation and threats to signal congestion. A College research survey found that relatively few shopping centre managers had taken steps to manage Wi-Fi use and provided the basis for guidance on why and how this needs to change.
The report outlines the main issues with Wi-Fi technology, covering security, congestion, health and safety, and civil liberties. It explores how Wi-Fi is used by retailers and incorporates case studies with John Lewis and River Island. Recommendations for managing Wi-Fi use are then discussed in relation to the main lease covenants, including the covenant for ‘quiet enjoyment’, landlord’s consent to alterations and additions, services and service charges and duties to observe regulation and legislation. There is also a guide to Wi-Fi terminology and current acronyms.
The report was sponsored and published by the BCSC Educational Trust.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/2008Wi-FiReport.pdf
Flood risk and property - Impacts on commercial & residential stakeholders' strategies
1 December 2006
Increasing flood-risk coupled with development pressures pose a complex conundrum for the future well–being of key economic locations in the UK and the ability of the UK to manage its future accommodation and social needs in a responsible and sustainable manner. The way that stakeholders in the commercial and residential property sectors respond to flood-risk will be all-important to the physical and economic security of homes and businesses in areas likely to be most affected.
Research by the College of Estate Management, in Reading, investigated the impact of increasing levels of flood risk that threatens UK homes and businesses and the response of property developers, investors, occupiers and surveying professionals and their strategies for adapting, mitigating and coping with flood-risk, including the potential impact on property values.
The College of Estate Management undertook this research with sponsorship from English Partnerships, Fairview Homes, King Sturge, Marsh Ltd, Norwich Union, Peter Brett Associates, Prudential Property Investment Managers, The Harold Samuel Trust and The Worshipful Company of Constructors.
December 2006
A4, 239 pages
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Flooding.pdf
Does connectivity add value to commercial real estate?:
1 September 2005
This research by Tim Dixon and Bob Thompson is a preliminary study (funded by The British Property Federation), which examines the impact of connectivity on value in the managed office and conventional office sectors. The research is based on an extensive literature review, online survey and case studies carried out during 2005. The research shows, for the first time in the UK, how connectivity can increase value in office buildings and how technology is priced in the market place.
October 2005
ISBN 1904388485
A4, 70 pages
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Connectivity.pdf
The Role of UK Development Industry in Brownfield Regeneration Vol 2
1 September 2005
As part of the SUBR:IM work (www.subrim.org.uk) being undertaken at The College, the research team for this project (Tim Dixon, Yasmin Pocock and Mike Waters) has produced the first two of three volumes covering Stage 2 of the research. Volume 1 examines the results from the national UK developer interviews (carried out in 2004-2005); National Land Use Database (NLUD) analysis (1998-2003); and residential planning permission analysis for Salford/Manchester and Barking & Dagenham (2000-2004) using Estates Gazette Interactive (EGi) data and published information. Volume 2 covers the sub-regional context for Thames Gateway and Greater Manchester, which form the basis for the case studies (these are to be published as Volume 3 at Oxford Brookes University; email: tdixon@brookes.ac.uk).
Volume 2 (of 3): Sub-regional context (Thames Gateway and Greater Manchester)
October 2005, A4, 129 pages, ISBN 1-904388-49-3
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/BrownfieldVol2.pdf
The Role of UK Development Industry in Brownfield Regeneration Vol 1
1 September 2005
As part of the SUBR:IM work (www.subrim.org.uk) being undertaken at The College, the research team for this project (Tim Dixon, Yasmin Pocock and Mike Waters) has produced the first two of three volumes covering Stage 2 of the research. Volume 1 examines the results from the national UK developer interviews (carried out in 2004-2005); National Land Use Database (NLUD) analysis (1998-2003); and residential planning permission analysis for Salford/Manchester and Barking & Dagenham (2000-2004) using Estates Gazette Interactive (EGi) data and published information. Volume 2 covers the sub-regional context for Thames Gateway and Greater Manchester, which form the basis for the case studies (these are to be published as Volume 3 at Oxford Brookes University; email: tdixon@brookes.ac.uk).
Volume 1 (of 3): Literature Review, National Developer Interviews, Planning Permission Analysis and NLUD Analysis
October 2005, A4, 166 pages, ISBN 1-904388-47-7
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/BrownfieldVol1.pdf
Historic environments and tourism: Improving access for disabled people
1 January 2005
Historic environments and buildings are valued and valuable features of the UK tourism sector, as visitor attractions and as holiday accommodation. Keeping historic environments in economic use is crucial to their conservation, but they date from eras when access for disabled people was not a consideration. Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (the DDA) took effect on 1 October 2004 and requires service providers to make reasonable building adjustments to remove physical barriers to disabled access. This independent scoping study by the College of Estate Management, sponsored by Marsh Limited and The Mercers’ Company, explores progress in making historic environments accessible to disabled people through an examination of UK policy, literature and case studies in South Oxfordshire and London. The report findings are relevant for property and built environment professionals, business managers and all those involved with historic environments that are used for tourism.
January 2005
ISBN 1904388345
A4 112 Pages
Price £45.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/HistoricEnvironments.pdf
The Role of the UK Development Industry in Brownfield Regeneration
1 November 2004
UK Government policy currently places a strong emphasis on the reuse of brownfield land as part of its sustainable development agenda. In the light of the recent Barker review, and the government's aim of speeding up housing supply, developers are facing increased scrutiny over their role in the brownfield regeneration process. New research by the College of Estate Management at Reading, and based around a major survey of UK developers during 2004, examines the dynamics and role of residential and commercial property developers in relation to the assessment, remediation and reuse of brownfield land in the UK. This research report marks the first stage of a two-and-a-half-year project funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC). The project is part of the work of a larger consortium, called SUBR:IM (Sustainable Urban Brownfield Regeneration: Integrated Management), also funded by EPSRC, and involving 9 institutions working across 12 projects (www.subrim.org.uk) with major support from government, industry and other stakeholders. The report will be of interest to developers, planners and all those involved in the brownfield regeneration process.
November 2004
ISBN 1904388337
A4 101 Pages
Price £45.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Brownfield2004.pdf
The Impact of eBusiness on the City of London Office Market
1 September 2004
The City of London is a major financial centre where the property market is heavily dependent on the space requirements of office occupiers. Technological change, however, is changing the way in which organisations conduct their business and is challenging the continued locational pull of the City. This research presents findings from a major survey of City occupiers carried out by The College research team during 2002. The research examines how the shape and form of the office property market in the City will be affected by process change in eBusiness and related technology over the next 5 years. The report, which includes an extensive literature review, examines the implications of increased homeworking and other trends for future office supply in the City. The research was funded by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors Trust (Toby Sutton Research Award), and part of the literature review by the Small Business Support Research Unit of DTI. It is essential reading for surveyors, planners, facilities managers and all those interested in the technology and property interface.
Oct 2002
ISBN 1899769994
A4 88 pages
Price £20.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/eBusiness2003.pdf
eRPUK 2001 eCommerce and Retail Property the UK
1 October 2003
This new survey, which has just been completed and includes brand new data, has been funded by the RICS Education Trust and the European Shopping Centre Trust. It follows up our 2000 survey of UK retailers, investors and developers. The report presents results from our new 2001 survey. This continuing benchmark series of studies includes an extensive review of developments in ecommerce and retail in Europe and the USA. The survey reveals a cooling in attitude towards ecommerce in the UK, but there is rapid growth in some sectors and polarisation and marginalisation of secondary centres are likely to increase. In Europe the growth of a three tier system of ecommerce 'pioneers', 'followers' and 'laggards' is becoming established, and the research also reveals results from a recent joint survey on US and UK retailers conducted with Colorado State University. There is a danger of complacency as UK online sales (in percentage terms) now outstrip USA.
Sept 2002
ISBN 1899769897
A4 89 pages
Price £20.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Finalerpuk2003.pdf
Mixed Use Urban Regeneration
1 May 2003
Mixed Use Urban Regeneration at Brindleyplace, Birmingham and Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth: An Assessment of the Impact on Local and National Economies.
This independent research was commissioned by the British Property Federation. The report examines the local and national economic impact of two major, mixed use schemes in terms of tax revenue, household income, business rates and council tax and jobs creation. A regeneration balance sheet for each scheme is presented in the context of government policy and other related research. The report provides a comprehensive review of government policy and the role of retail and other land uses in regeneration. Highlighting the importance of national and local multiplier effects with detailed statistics drawn from a variety of sources, this fully illustrated colour research report builds up a detailed picture of economic impact of the mixed use regeneration schemes in the local economies of Birmingham and Portsmouth. The report will be of interest to property people, planners and all involved in regeneration and local economies.
June 2003
ISBN 1-904388-124
A4 77 pages
Price £75.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/mixeduseFinal.pdf
Residential Investment and Sustainable Communities
1 February 2003
This research examines the scope for more private rented housing as part of securing housing choice and affordability. A comprehensive review covers the current UK planning, housing and investment framework. It examines UK valuation practice and draws lessons from the Netherlands and Canada. UK case studies illustrate how private companies and social organisations are challenging commonly perceived barriers to mixed-use, mixed-tenure and rented housing through imaginative developments and investments. Additionally, the case studies incorporate financial appraisals of actual schemes and illustrate the reasons for different approaches by private and social organisations to assessing financial feasibility, based on their individual objectives. The report provides a practical resource for property professionals, investors and developers as well as an aid to policy makers in understanding property and investment market responses. The research was funded through the Pat Allsop Education Trust.
Feb 2003 ISBN 1-904388-02-7
A4 118 pages
OUT OF PRINT
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/resInvestment.pdf
The Role of UK Retailing in Urban Regeneration
1 January 2003
This research examines the role of retailing in urban regeneration nationally and locally in the UK. The research uses data at a national level and local shopping centre case studies to examine the employment and property impacts of retailing. Focusing on schemes built during the first part of the 1990s it shows that retail can bring employment and economic benefits to town centres, but that the impact on the inner city should not be overlooked. Valuable lessons can be learned from the experience of centres built during this period of recession, and new challenges such as eCommerce now face these centres and others being developed today. The research examines the multiplier effect of retail regeneration schemes nationally using National Accounts data, and the local property and employment impacts of shopping centre schemes in the case study towns of Aberdeen, Bristol, Norwich, Bromley, Worcester and Leicester. The report includes valuable statistical sources, a full literature and policy review and will be of interest to those involved in property investment, regeneration and planning. The research was funded by the Office of Science & Technology and the Harold Samuel Educational Trust.
Jan 2003
ISBN 1-904388-00-0
A4 143 pages
Price £75.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/UrbanRegen.pdf
Valuing for Fair Rents
1 October 2001
'Fair rents' were first introduced in the Rent Acts 1965, to provide a system of rent regulation and residential security of tenure. This research into valuing for fair rents finds practices that are confused, misguided and inconsistent between different parts of the country. A more rational approach to valuation is illustrated through worked valuation examples, but the report recommends other more radical changes to the fair rent system. The study is based on a thorough review and critical analysis of the legislative background, case law, housing market theory and valuation practice. Case studies of fair rent appeals to rent assessment panels are used to explore valuation practice, including implications for the Maximum Fair Rent Order 1999. As a case study of housing regulation and a practical guide to valuing fair rents, the report makes essential reading for valuation practitioners, regulated tenants and landlords, members of the rent service and housing policy makers.
June 2001
ISBN 1 899769 390
A4 96 pages
Price £15.00
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/FairRents.pdf
Future Shock or E-Hype?: The Impact of Online Shopping on UK Retail Property
1 March 2001
This research examines the impact of ecommerce on sales and rental values and on the future space and ownership/leasing requirements of UK retailers for 2000-2005. The independent study, commissioned by BCSC (and funded by BCSC Educational Trust with support from the RICS Education Trust), included a major postal survey, follow-up interviews, a retail focus group, and shopper survey and case study of Cyberton, a town in the South East of England. The study was conducted by the Research Department of The College of Estate Management between June and December 2000.
Two reports are available:
Summary Report - 32 pages - ISBN 1 897958 12 9 - £25 (£15 BCSC members)
Main Report - 128 pages - ISBN 1 897952 13 7 - £75
Main Report also available on CD-ROM
To order copies of the report please contact BCSC:
1 Queen Anne's Gate
Westminster
London SW1H 9BT
Tel: 020 7222 1122
Fax: 020 7222 4440
Email: info@bcsc.org.uk
March 2001
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/ECOMREPO.PDF
Relative Values: Residential Leasehold Reform in England and Wales - Valuation of lease extension and enfranchisement
1 August 2000
This research report was commissioned by the DETR and examines valuation issues relating to leasehold enfanchisement and lease extension - the right for flat owners to collectively purchase the freehold or buy a longer lease. The two factors examined examined in detail are the yield to be applied when capitalising the ground rent and the relative value of leases with a relatively short period left to run as against the value of the freehold or a new long lease, which determines the level of 'marriage level'.
The research report will be of interest to all those involved in the valuation of residential leasehold property and those with an interest in legislative proposals for leasehold reform.
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/detr1.pdf
Destination UK: International Property Investment and the Role of Taxation
1 March 2000
This research examines whether or not foreign property investors enjoy tax and other advantages over their UK counterparts and how, if such advantages exists, UK quoted property companies can redress the balance. Current issues such as lack of liquidity, inequalities amongst asset classes, and differences in tax burden are examined in detail. The report will be of interest to property investment specialists, valuers, fund managers, institutional investors and their advisers.
March 2000
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/dukfull.pdf
Waste Not, Want Not? Brownfield Development and the Effects of the Landfill Tax
1 May 1999
The report examines a variety of risks and constraints associated with developing brownfield land and suggests ways to improve the process. The report makes essential reading for all those involved in regenerating and redeveloping brownfield land, including those professionals providing advice to clients, such as surveyors, lawyers and environmental consultants.
May 1999
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/wnwnfull.pdf
The Dynamics and Measurement of Commercial Property Depreciation in the UK
1 March 1999
Beginning with an extensive literature review, this new research summary report analyses the process of rental depreciation, its effect on the performance of rents, and the impacts of capital expenditure on depreciation. It is based on an analysis of more than 700 commercial and industrial properties and newer property types and it is the most comprehensive national study of rental depreciation since the 1986 CALUS report. The report will be of interest to valuers, fund managers, institutional investors and their advisors and researchers.
March 1999
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/Depreciation.pdf
Building the Web: The Internet and the Property Profession
1 September 1998
The report examines the development of the Internet and Intranets in the world of business and commerce, drawing on previous literature and research. The new technology is explained, and key issues examined, such as the impact of the Internet on the surveyor's role as 'information broker' and its likely effect on clients' property requirements. The research is based on an analysis of 261 postal questionnaire responses and eight case study interviews from a sample of general practice and quantity surveying practices and corporates. For the first time the property profession is examined in detail and the key drivers, barriers and benefits of Internet use are identified for a range of different sized organisations.
September 1998
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/btwfull.pdf
Pitching for Public Work: Property Consultancy and Competition
1 April 1997
The report examines the factors which influence competition in central and local government (including CCT), the health and education sectors, and explores the relationship between formal tendering and the size of firms winning work.
April 1997
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/PitchingforPublicWork.pdf
'What Am I Bid?' Competitive Tendering of Property Services by the Public Sector
1 November 1995
This independent research by the College draws on the experiences of 49 managers and professionals from the public and private sector. It examines the impact of tendering on general practice firms in particular, set against policy and legislative changes which have been introduced since the late 1980s.
November 1995
Click here to download/uploadedFiles/Our_Research/WhatamIbid.pdf