Our Research
The pages of the Centre for Real Estate Research provide comprehensive information about our past and current research projects and industry collaborations. We encourage you to review our pre-defined PhD opportunities, which are projects that the University has identified as promising research areas for strong candidates. Check available PhD opportunities.
For informal inquiries, please contact the programme coordinator Dr Rainer Schulz. You may also contact potential supervisors directly to discuss research proposals. Below are our current research interests, though we remain open to innovative ideas that align with your expertise.
Research Interests
Analysis of listings platforms
Listings platforms serve as crucial intermediaries between sellers and buyers in real estate markets, yet their business models vary considerably. Some platforms restrict listings to licenced agents, whilst others permit sellers to list their properties directly. Pricing structures also differ between platforms. These variations create research opportunities for economic analysis. Additionally, these platforms generate substantial data sets that enable the investigation of estate agent marketing strategies, real estate pricing behaviour, and market trends.
Supervisors: Dr Rainer Schulz, Dr Martin Wersing
Investment behaviour and financial innovation in real estate markets
This research area examines decision-making processes in real estate investment, including spatial and temporal investment patterns, risk management strategies, and the role of financial innovation. Research questions encompass investor behaviour analysis, portfolio optimisation in real estate contexts, and the impact of new financial instruments on market dynamics. We are particularly interested in understanding how institutional and individual investors navigate market uncertainties and evaluate investment opportunities.
Supervisors: Dr Muhammed Bolomope, Prof. Norman Hutchison, Dr Nan Liu, Dr Rainer Schulz
Real estate technology
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly integrated across real estate operations. Automated valuation models now support mortgage securitisation processes and algorithmic approaches enhance credit scoring for loan applications. AI systems are also being used in property management and building operations. This research area investigates the effectiveness, limitations, and implications of these technological developments.
Supervisors: Prof. Norman Hutchison, Dr Nan Liu, Dr Rainer Schulz, Dr Martin Wersing
Sustainability in the built environment
Buildings account for a substantial proportion of global energy consumption, CO2 emissions, water usage, and waste generation. Reducing the environmental impact of the built environment requires integrating sustainability considerations throughout building lifecycles—from initial planning through to demolition. Effective implementation depends on incorporating sustainability metrics into real estate valuation methodologies and management practices. This research area addresses the challenges of developing robust frameworks for sustainable real estate investment, valuation, and management.
Supervisors: Dr Muhammed Bolomope, Prof. Norman Hutchison, Dr Nan Liu
