News & Tips

RMIT University students in their second year of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Property and Valuation) have had the opportunity to attend a forum and industry site visit with Oliver Hume, Australia’s leading project marketer.

The one-day event enabled students to get a firsthand experience of how residential communities are developed, sold and marketed in the real world.

The forum featured leading industry heads, from developers and architectural firms including MAB, Tract, Lotus Living, Cox Architects, FKP, Oliver Hume management and other industry professionals. The students were helped to get a broader understanding about greenfield subdivision developments in Victoria, specifically development processes, market research, planning, design, promotion and marketing.

The group visited Oliver Hume-marketed master-planned developments at Merrifield, Jubilee and Saltwater Coast to gain insight into project visions, planning procedures, unique project assets and sales strategies to ensure our communities are leading the competitors.

The projects were specifically selected for their differing stages in the development cycle and enabled students to experience the contrast between a start-up community that has just begun construction and a development that is almost complete, with many established amenities. The students were amazed at how a barren piece of land can be converted into the perfect place for families and future population growth.

The students were excited to see each development, watch on-site managers in action and learn more about the property marketing industry and process.  One participant said “it was an excellent learning opportunity for the students and I found that the day was particularly beneficial as we were able to link the theories we’ve learned in lectures to real practices”.

Oliver Hume Director, Paul Ciprian spoke at the event, sharing advice regarding personal qualities and values that are important to be successful in the property industry. In addition, George Bougias, Head of Oliver Hume Research, presented an in depth analysis of the current property economy and the outlook for what the students can expect as they take their first steps into this industry.