Domus Methodology: How We Structure Development Workflows

How Domus structures viability modelling, planning intelligence, and underwriting workflows for UK development decisions

Core Principles

Structured Baseline

Every project starts with a consistent data foundation. Revenue assumptions, cost inputs, finance terms, and site constraints are captured in structured formats rather than freeform spreadsheets. This ensures teams can compare projects, scenarios, and outcomes reliably.

UK Development Focus

Domus is built around UK residential and mixed-use development workflows. GDV modeling, residual land value calculations, CIL/S106 handling, NHBC warranty considerations, and UK planning lifecycle stages are native to the platform, not bolted on from generic tools.

Role-Specific Views, Shared Data

Developers see viability-focused interfaces. Planning teams see policy and readiness workflows. Finance teams see underwriting metrics. All views draw from the same project dataset, eliminating data re-keying and version control issues.

Decision Support, Not Automation

Domus accelerates preparation and improves consistency. It doesn't replace professional judgment. Structured guidance supports teams in identifying issues faster. Final decisions on viability, planning strategy, and credit approval remain human-led.

Viability & Feasibility Methodology

Revenue Modelling

Teams define unit types, sales rates, prices, and phasing. Domus calculates GDV with escalation and holding period considerations. Rental income, ground rents, and other revenue streams can be layered in for mixed-use schemes.

Cost Framework

Build costs, professional fees, CIL/S106, land acquisition, finance costs, and contingencies are structured in line with RICS appraisal standards. Cost benchmarks can be applied or customised based on project specifics.

Residual Land Value & Returns

Profit targets and finance assumptions drive residual land value calculations. Teams can test "maximum bid" scenarios or fix land price and optimise scheme design for target returns.

Scenario & Sensitivity Testing

Teams can instantly compare scenarios with different unit mixes, phasing strategies, or cost assumptions. Sensitivity tables show how changes in key variables (build cost, sales rate, interest rates) affect viability.

Planning Intelligence Methodology

Lifecycle State Progression

Projects move through defined planning stages: Screening → Pre-App → Application Preparation → Submission → Determination. Each stage has associated tasks, evidence requirements, and blocker visibility.

Policy Context Layering

Local plan policies, SPDs, and national guidance are surfaced within project workflows. Teams track compliance requirements and identify potential conflicts earlier in the process.

Readiness Scoring

Submission readiness is assessed based on evidence completeness, policy compliance checks, and outstanding blocker resolution. This helps teams understand when applications are genuinely ready versus when gaps remain.

Finance Underwriting Methodology

Beta

Shared Viability Baseline

Instead of rebuilding appraisals, finance teams review the same project data developers created. This eliminates transcription errors and ensures both parties discuss the same assumptions.

Credit-Oriented Overlays

Lender-specific metrics (LTV, ICR, stressed scenarios, exit strategies) are layered over the developer appraisal. Policy checks and risk flags support faster triage and committee-ready outputs.

Evidence & Governance

Document checklists, borrower evidence tracking, and audit trail visibility help finance teams maintain governance standards and reduce back-and-forth with applicants.

See the Methodology in Action

Book a demo to see how Domus structures workflows for your role