French students learning about international real estate at UWE have been given a hands-on insight into the different techniques used to measure office space in the UK compared to France.
The students, from the Ecole Supérieure des Professions Immobilières (ESPI – School of Real Estate Professions) in Paris, are on a month long pilot placement at UWE. Under the guidance of leading property advisers CBRE Bristol they carried out a measurement survey of 2 College Square, Harbourside to highlight the difference between the French and UK approach.
In France rent is based on the Surface Utile Nette, which is equal to the RICS Net Internal Area in the UK but includes WCs.
For example, when measuring a square office with a toilet block in the middle, UK surveyors would measure the area this takes up and deduct it from the rentable area. In France it would be included.
Head of agency and development at CBRE Bristol, Philip Morton, said: “The project between ESPI and UWE is fantastic in terms of building international relations between Paris and Bristol. We were delighted to offer students the opportunity to use 2 College Square for the measuring exercise and provide them with first-hand experience that will hopefully encourage them to enter the property profession.
“We have always believed in working closely with educational institutions in Bristol and further afield, and the importance of building close links with the academic world. This was a great opportunity for everyone involved in the visit, including those of us at CBRE.”
UWE senior lecturer Christopher Mason added: “The students are here to improve their written and spoken English and gain an understanding of UK planning, property law, valuation techniques and corporate real estate management.
“As in the UK, French property consultancies want their graduates to have an appreciation that there are other traditions and institutional arrangements. We would like to thank CBRE Bristol for letting us use 2 College Square for the exercise.”
The UWE project is a pilot and therefore not accredited. However, the university will be awarding a certificate of profession competence following a report and presentation from the students.
