Real Estate Economics and Finance ECON5168

  • Academic Session: 2025-26
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the economics and finance of real estate.

 

The course emphasizes two aspects of real estate markets: First, what explains the spatial distribution of economic activity, and second, how are real estate investments made in dynamic environments. Students will learn about the fundamental drivers of real estate value, including location, expectations, and risk. In addition, the course addresses contemporary challenges, such as sustainability and the evolving role of cities in the face of technological and societal changes.

 

By the end, students will have developed analytical skills necessary to navigate real estate markets and make informed financial decisions. Students will engage with current scientific research in urban and real estate economics, preparing them for advanced research and dissertation writing. Students will also develop their skills in efficient and clear communication.

Timetable

10 x 2-hour lectures/workshops on campus

2 x 2-hour labs on campus, towards the end of the course.

 

Labs cannot take place before approximately week 6 as the relevant material for labs will be covered in the middle of the course.

Requirements of Entry

Students must be registered on one of the associated programmes listed in this course specification.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

ILOs

Assessment

Weighting

Word Count/Duration

1-4

Written assignment

50%

Maximum 2500 words

Course Aims

This course aims to help students:

■ Understand the key concepts in commercial and residential real estate economics, focusing on how location and spatial factors affect real estate value, as informed by urban economics.

■ Develop analytical skills to assess risk and return in real estate markets, enabling informed financial decisions.

■ Read and critically analyze research in urban and real estate economics.

■ Strengthen their ability to think analytically and communicate clearly and directly.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply key principles of economics and finance, such as supply and demand or risk and return, to the analysis of real estate markets.

2. Analyze and interpret key features of commercial and residential real estate markets, focusing on how location and spatial factors affect real estate value, as informed by urban economics.

3. Utilize financial and economic tools to evaluate real estate investments.

4. Efficiently communicate outputs from quantitative or qualitative analyses.

5. Demonstrate collaborative team working skills.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.