An assessment of the application of investment appraisal techniques in development of commercial real estate in Kampala Central Business District

Abstract

This research study aimed to assess the application of investment appraisal techniques in commercial real estate development in Kampala Central Business District. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 60 respondents to achieve three research objectives. The first objective was to establish the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of commercial real estate developers towards investment appraisal techniques. The second objective was to establish the alternative methodologies employed by these developers when making development decisions. The third objective was to identify the gaps in the investment appraisal techniques that are applied. The study found that education plays a critical role in understanding the importance of investment appraisal techniques, and while there is some awareness of investment appraisal techniques, there is still a need for further education and sensitization to increase awareness and understanding of their benefits. The study also found that there is a reliance on subjective factors when making commercial real estate development decisions, which may lead to suboptimal outcomes. Finally, the study recommends increasing education and awareness of investment appraisal techniques, encouraging the use of investment appraisal techniques, encouraging the use of professional expertise, policy changes to make investment appraisal techniques mandatory, and making investment appraisal services more accessible. Overall, this study highlights the importance of investment appraisal techniques in commercial real estate development in Kampala Central Business District and suggests that there is a need for greater education, awareness, and policy changes to make them a mandatory requirement.