
One of the commercial building under construction in Fort Portal city. An accurate budget will make construction work smooth by availing required materials for each stage. PHOTO/ALEX ASHABA
Property developers play a pivotal role in the real estate industry. However, many developers face significant challenges in their business due to poor management and inadequate planning.
According Farouk Bulondo Mubiru, a seasoned property developer at Zurafah Holdings Limited, one of the most crucial aspects property developers must consider is the location of the land or property they intend to develop. He notes that the location directly influences the type of development that can be carried out, as well as the target market for the property.
"Location determines everything, from the requirements for development within the area to the type of clients you will attract," he explains.
For instance, a development project in a highly residential area might require a different type of structure compared to one in a commercial zone.
The surrounding environment of the area also plays a critical role in determining whether the location is suitable for certain types of buildings. For example, a residential neighbourhood might not be an ideal place for setting up a business, as the noise and increased traffic could disturb the peace of the residents. As a result, property developers must thoroughly assess the potential of a location before moving forward with any plans.
Another essential consideration for property developers is the availability of utilities and essential services in the area. Bulondo stresses that the lack of basic services, such as water, electricity, schools, hospitals, and shopping centres, can significantly affect the feasibility of a development project. "Property developers should ensure that these services are accessible within the neighbourhood before beginning construction," he says. If essential services are not readily available, developers may need to make provisions to supply them, such as creating space for infrastructure such as electricity poles, water pipes, or building nearby schools and clinics. In many cases, if an area is distant from existing utilities, developers may need to incur additional costs to bring these services to the site. These costs must be factored into the overall development plan to avoid unexpected financial challenges later on.
Security is another significant challenge for property developers, especially in newly developed estates. Bulondo emphasises the importance of planning for security measures from the outset. "After subdividing land for development, developers should allocate space for a community police station," he suggests. Working closely with local security agencies is also essential to ensure the safety of the properties and the people living in them. He also notes that security should be handled as a community effort, not just the responsibility of the property developer.
In many cases, residents can contribute to a security fund that supports hiring security personnel, such as private security guards or Local Defence Unit (LDU) officers, to patrol the area. This collective approach to security helps create a safer environment for everyone.
The neighbourhood surrounding a development site plays a crucial role in determining the future value of the property. Bulondo points out that the type of clients a development attracts depends largely on the nature of the surrounding area. For instance, if the property is near a well-established estate, the value of the development will be influenced by the existing infrastructure, standards, and amenities. Developers should consider the overall development of the neighbourhood and align their projects with the existing trends.
He also emphasises that residential developments should adhere to the standards set by the neighbouring properties to maintain a harmonious environment and ensure that the new development complements the existing community.
In today’s digital age, property developers should also consider incorporating technological security solutions such as CCTV cameras. Bulondo points out that the use of CCTV has become a common and cost-effective alternative to hiring security guards. "In the past, it was difficult to install CCTV systems due to cost, but today, the technology is more affordable and easier to implement," he explains. CCTV cameras allow for continuous monitoring, reducing the need for physical security personnel, who might sometimes compromise the safety of the property. In addition to CCTV, developers could also explore other advanced technologies such as motion sensors, automated lighting systems, and smart locks to enhance the overall security of the development.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility is a key concern for both developers and future tenants or buyers. For an estate or property to be functional, it is vital to provide access roads that are wide enough to allow easy movement for cars. Bulondo recommends a minimum width of 16 feet for access roads. Unfortunately, many developers overlook this detail to maximise land usage, resulting in narrow roads that cause problems in the long term.