Through presentations, case studies and discussions, this course exposes students to key concepts in global cross border real estate investment. These concepts will be understood in the context of performing a “top down” analysis of a country’s macroeconomic and geopolitical overlay (“country risk”) as well as a “bottom up” understanding of risks associated with specific real estate transactions including local real estate industry practices, supply and demand imbalances, the depth of relevant real estate capital markets, and exit strategies.

The course exposes students to a global perspective and explores how government policies affect the interconnected global economy as well as the economies of individual countries including regulation of currency, setting of interest rates, impact of inflation, and nature of cross border capital flows which in turn affect real estate values. Understanding these macroeconomic variables helps students recognize cyclical trends and learn how to find real estate investment opportunities in discrepancies between value and price.

In addition, using the case method, students will be exposed to the process of real estate investment and development in a broad spectrum of property types, including office, residential, industrial, retail, senior housing, data centers, single family rental (SFR), and hospitality on a global basis.

Students should have fluency with real estate financial analysis.

Note regarding the Fall 2025 GSD academic calendar: The first day of classes, Tuesday, September 2nd, is held as a MONDAY schedule at the GSD. This course will meet for the first time on Tuesday, September 9th.