A financial model that projects the potential profitability of a real estate development project is a proforma. It outlines anticipated revenues, expenses, and cash flows over a specified period, typically spanning the project’s construction phase and several years of operation. For example, a proforma for an apartment building development would estimate rental income, operating costs, debt service, and potential resale value to determine the project’s expected return on investment.
This financial projection serves as a critical tool for evaluating feasibility, securing financing, and managing risk. It provides a structured framework for assessing the viability of a proposed project by quantifying its financial potential. Lenders and investors rely on proformas to evaluate the creditworthiness and potential returns of a development, informing their decisions regarding loan approvals and investment commitments. Historically, these models were simpler spreadsheets, but modern tools allow for sophisticated sensitivity analysis and scenario planning.