I’m pleased to announce that the Kindle version of my new book, Breaking New Ground, an exploration of how property developers can harness technology to revolutionise real estate, is now available for purchase on Amazon worldwide. One of the things I cover in Breaking New Ground is how sustainability is key to the future of property development. I explore how and why you should focus on incorporating energy-efficient strategies and technologies into your projects. The win is two-fold: we can protect the environment whilst reducing operational costs and increasing value. I go into detail on this, covering: ➡️ Innovations in sustainable insulation and building materials ➡️ Smart heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems ➡️ Integrating green energy generation and storage into your developments ➡️ Building integrated solar panels (BIPV). Imagine creating developments that go further than carbon net zero – they are carbon offsetting. Or developments that are completely energy self-sufficient or even energy generating. It’s not easy but it’s possible. By delivering this level of sustainability, you have the opportunity to set yourself apart as a leader of change: creating high-quality, sustainable developments that meet the growing demand for “green” buildings. For more in-depth guidance on sustainable design and other innovative strategies, Breaking New Ground is an invaluable resource. Get your copy at : maindonald.com/book/. #BreakingNewGround #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyInvestment #ImpactInvesting #RealEstate #ConstructionTechnology #SustainableDevelopment #CarbonOffsetting #energygeneratingbuildings

There’s something coming soon which is set to revolutionise the construction industry, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency: Robotics. In my new book, Breaking New Ground, I explore how robotics can be integrated into your next property development project to streamline construction processes and reduce labour costs. Imagine robot bricklayers – machines that can lay bricks with incredible accuracy and speed, working continuously without fatigue. Companies like Fastbrick Robotics, Construction Robotics and Monumental are already selling machines that can automatically lay a thousand bricks per hour or more. Integrating robotics into the construction process will: ➡️ Accelerate construction timelines ➡️ Deliver high-quality work with a reduced error rate ➡️ Enable completion of dangerous and repetitive tasks ➡️ Reduce waste and costs ➡️ Deliver greater customisation and scalability in building design 3D printing is a type of robotic technology that is already starting to revolutionise the construction sector. It’s growing at a rate of around 90% per annum and is forecast to achieve sales of US$750bn by 2031. I explore all of this and more in Breaking New Ground, now available on Amazon: amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DN6SWRZB. The Kindle version is due to be released on Boxing day, so get your pre-order in now. #BreakingNewGround #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyInvestment #ImpactInvesting #AI #RealEstate #ConstructionTechnology #SustainableDevelopment #DisruptingRealEstate

A huge thank you to everyone who has purchased a copy of Breaking New Ground, shared the book with friends and colleagues or sent words of encouragement. I’m truly grateful to everyone who helped out. As a result of your support, the book became a bestseller in it’s category, hitting Number 1 in Home Improvement and Construction by the 22nd of November, just a couple of days after launch. Real Estate is constantly evolving. Staying ahead requires you to continue to educate yourself and adapt. We have an opportunity to lead change and create positive impact.. Get your copy of Breaking New Ground at one of these links: UK : amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DN6SWRZB US : amazon.com/dp/B0DN6SWRZB Italy: amazon.it/dp/B0DN6SWRZB Also live on Amazon Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Spain, Netherlands and Poland. Japan and Australia to follow soon. Links here : maindonald.com/book/. Thanks in particular to @GiovannaMelfi, @canerveli @GarethM, @JarettGross, @geneeidelman, @InvestorLadder @PaulMcGillivray, @RavikMima , @ardianhoxha, @DanielPriestley, @GeorgiaKirke and and everyone else who has re-posted, commented or helped to bring the book to life, get it published and take it to a bestseller in it's category 😊 🎉 . #BreakingNewGround #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyInvestment #ImpactInvesting #AI #RealEstate #ConstructionTechnology #SustainableDevelopment #DisruptingRealEstate

Breaking New Ground, an exploration of how property developers can use tech to revolutionise real estate, is now released : amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DN6SWRZB. There is a revolution coming – don't get left behind. #BreakingNewGround #PropertyDevelopment #AI #RealEstate #ConstructionTech

Real estate has not yet been fully disrupted. My forthcoming book is about how AI, 3D printing, robotics and Blockchain will change it - for more : maindonald.com/book/. #BreakingNewGround #PropertyDevelopment #AI #RealEstate #ConstructionTechnology #DisruptingRealEstate

"We think you get peace is by resolving all your external problems. But there are unlimited external problems. The only way to get peace inside is by giving up the idea of problems." From @navalmanack navalmanack.com/almanack-of-…

I’m looking forward to #Climb23 in Leeds on 23rd and 24th May 2023. I’ll be speaking about writing a book, chatting with @GarethM about podcasting and talking about how to raise a Venture Capital fund. See climb23.com for more. #venturecapital #investing #podcasting

Integrity and Ethics are everything. I'm proud to say that I support the Mensarius Oath for ethical investing. vcl.to/mensarius #MensariusOath

RIP, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, a great source of inspiration. Her ability to maintain a sense of humour through tough and serious situations is worth emulating.

The first rule of #propertydevelopment: Never lose money on a deal. How you do that is to follow the first rule of #propertysourcing, which is to be careful what you buy. A site that you pay for more than it's worth will be a millstone around your neck for many years.

When #propertydevelopment sites first come to market, they are normally marketed at a price that is in excess of their true value when properly appraised. Patience is key – often the best sites are those which have been hanging around for a long time.

When looking at a potential site, it's hard to know precisely how much capital a lender would be willing to lend to it. Development lenders use the #redbookresidualvaluation to determine the value of your completed development.

We need to be resilient and have the capacity to adapt quickly to market changes to help us succeed in our so-called 'new normal'.

There's always an upside #opportunity in complex #sites; that's why I typically look into these myself. However, you will need time to go through all the due diligence. Properly evaluating a site is a process that takes time, hard work, and cost, but it's always worth a shot.

The #construction industry is responsible for a significant amount of waste production. But with the rise of environmental awareness, industries are now developing methods to reduce their overall #carbonfootprint.

The process of evaluating sites is an art. The more you do it, the better you get at it. You get better at it with practice, but it's backed with analysis in the form of the #residual #valuation and #development #appraisal.

A developer's ideal outcome is to sell all the properties you are developing before completion. However, it's also difficult to sell properties 'off plan'. I still struggle to do that despite 20 years in property development. You need the 'wow factor' to get buyers to commit.

One of the essential things to look into when buying a site is to analyse how 'hairy' it is. In other words, how problematic is the site and how likely are you able to resolve the obstacles. So ensure you consider all aspects, Think Slowly, Act Quickly!