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Learn how real estate shapes cities

Real Estate Economics and Finance

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Understand how cities evolve and what role policy can play

The minor in Real Estate Economics and Finance consists out of 5 courses. Each course deals with a specific field in the Real Estate Economics and Finance field. In the courses, you will develop your research skills, will learn to link economic theory to urban and real estate issues, and get more insight in the field by studying theoretical models but also considering practical examples and issues that we face everyday.

This minor offers five courses, which are briefly described below. Alternatively, you have the opportunity to take a 12 EC internship as part of the minor instead of two of the listed courses. If you choose this option you have to arrange your internship in periods 2 and 3. In case you have questions about internships you can contact Career Services at the Faculty of Business and Economics. They can answer your questions and support you in the application process.

For more information see the study guide. 

Overview courses

  • Real Estate Finance and Urban Development

    This course on real estate investment and urban development (Vastgoedkunde) deepens the knowledge of students by introducing them to the real estate investment industry and the world of urban development and financial markets. Students will get in touch with the people engaged in the dynamics of the real estate world through guest lectures and visits to the Zuidas and (re)development projects in and around Amsterdam. They will study the developments in real estate markets and the techniques to invest, to develop, to evaluate and manage real estate, also in the context of urban development. The focus will be on understanding the behaviour of the actors involved.

    For more information see the study guide. 

  • Real Estate and Urban Planning

    Economic activity is clustered in space and so is real estate. Cities are often designed by planners, but they are also subject to economic forces that structure their spatial organization, leading to order without design. In well-organized cities planning and market, forces complement and correct each other, but there also exist many examples in which they counteract or behave independently of each other. This course focuses on the interaction between planning and market functioning. It highlights the economic principles behind the spatial organization of economic activity.  Topics discussed include land use, commuting and urban transport, preservation of ancient inner cities and housing affordability. As an assignment, students prepare an area development plan for an existing site.

    For more information see the study guide. 

  • Behavioral Finance and Real Estate

    This course provides a behavioural perspective on real estate decision making and markets. In particular, students learn how behavioural biases affect the decisions of participants in real estate markets, and how the bounded rationality of market participants can explain real estate market dynamics. The course starts with a general introduction to the psychology of decision making. The second part provides a psychological perspective on property valuations, negotiation outcomes, and mortgage choices. The last part of the course considers the efficiency and dynamics of real estate markets, with a special focus on bubbles and crashes.

    For more information see the study guide. 

  • Urban Economics and Real Estate

    This course in Urban and Real Estate Economics addresses the relationship between urban space, real estate development and economic development. It links economic theory to urban and real estate development, and it places real estate development in the wider context of the relation between city growth and economic development. Insights are developed both through studying theoretical backgrounds and by considering practical examples of the issues at hand.

    For more information see the study guide. 

  • Real Estate Economics and Finance Research Project

    In this course you will identify a relevant research topic in real estate economics and finance, write a paper about it and present your results. The research topic must be in the field of real estate economics and finance, broadly defined so as to include urban economics, spatial planning and behavioural economics aspects of real estate markets. The topic can be in any type of real estate including that used for commercial and non-profit purposes, land and infrastructure. The choice of the topic can be based on current new items, large societal problems, a specific interest of yourself, et cetera. The earlier courses in the minor may also provide inspiration. To help you further, a list of potentially interesting topics will be provided. After having received the approval of the chosen topic, you have to formulate the main research question and formulate a research strategy to find the answer. This can be a review of existing literature, but doing some research yourself is encouraged. This may involve the use of techniques like regression analysis, questionnaires, and interviews.e considers the efficiency and dynamics of real estate markets, with a special focus on bubbles and crashes.

    For more information see the study guide.