Honestly, I was caught totally off-guard ...
It was initially hard, chaotic in the middle and then awesome at the end!
Whilst most are winding down, I waved goodbye to my comfort zone once again and tackled what proved to become the most intensive course I have tackled in my whole career – Cambridge Finance Ltd Real Estate Investment & financial modelling.
We discussed alpha to omega on all things Real Estate Valuation & Financial Modelling, not just conceptually but more so practically, with the very people who are actually 'walking the walk'.
Our cohort (literately) included a boot camp of cherry-picked expatriates from across the world, involved in place-making NEOM’s £1.1 trillion project called 'The Line' , in Saudi Arabia – a 120 km line of future living.
Then we also had the Gents from Public Investment Fund (PIF) & KAFD | كافد, who would find our modest UK investment target rates amusing but then confused by any negative cash flows related to UK tax 😅 .
Even as a seasoned RICS registered valuer, the journey of continuous learning is becoming all the more rewarding and challenging, IF coupled with humility and curiosity.
I was left in awe by Maria Augusta Wiedner, MRICS, CFA, whose real estate finance expertise & experience is unmatched and rightfully positions her as part of the expert working group for the RICS Practice Information Paper on Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuations.
Christopher Lavery, ex-Director Nomura Bank International would also jump in and demystify just how lenders are navigating risk and structuring their debt whilst reminding me that modelling for what are financially uncertain times ahead, is easier when you enjoy a pint in the present.
‘Anticipation is your greatest weapon’ and I am certain that these forward-looking real estate financial models will play their part in helping lenders, investors & asset managers decide on their strategy.
Thank you to everyone.
Andy Xitsas MRICS
PRECISE PROPERTY
Maria Augusta Wiedner, MRICS, CFA
Cambridge Finance Ltd
KAFD | كافد
NEOM
Meshary Al Musayid , Turki Alouda , Feras Almadhi ,
Meg Delahoy , Ashley Holland (MSc) MAPM , Joyce Ncube, Jodie Norman, Paul Fanning Youssef Daoud Christopher Lavery
