CONSULTANCY & OPTIONS APPRAISAL
Independent consultancy and options appraisal for estate decisions
AltMarkt helps schools, academy trusts, healthcare organisations and public sector clients evaluate the options available before committing to investment, funding routes, estate change or major property decisions.
AltMarkt Services Ltd is a RICS Regulated Firm with over 18 years’ experience supporting schools, academy trusts, healthcare organisations and public sector clients through independent estates consultancy, building surveying, architectural design and project delivery.
Clear advice before you commit
Good decisions begin with understanding the available options. Estate decisions are often made under pressure: a building may no longer support operational needs, a funding opportunity may have appeared, a project may need to be justified, or several possible routes may all seem viable at first glance.
AltMarkt provides independent consultancy and options appraisal to help clients step back, compare choices properly and understand the likely implications before committing to a preferred route.
This means decisions can be based on evidence, strategic fit, cost, risk, deliverability and long-term value rather than assumption or urgency alone.
OPTIONS APPRAISAL
Comparing objectives against cost, risk and strategy
Options appraisal helps clients move beyond preference or assumption. We assess possible routes against practical criteria such as cost, deliverability, estate impact, operational disruption, risk, funding suitability and long-term value.
The result is a clearer view of what each option means, what trade-offs are involved and which route best supports the organisation’s objectives.
HOW WE HELP
Independent consultancy for complex estate choices
Every appraisal starts by understanding the decision that needs to be made. We help clients define the problem, compare realistic options and choose a route that can be explained, justified and acted on.
Define the Problem
Clarifying what needs to be solved, whether the issue is capacity, building condition, funding, operational pressure, suitability or long-term estate performance.
Compare the Options
Reviewing realistic routes so clients can understand cost, benefit, risk, timing, operational impact and practical deliverability before deciding how to proceed.
Recommend the Preferred Route
Providing practical recommendations that can support internal decision-making, funding preparation, stakeholder discussion and future project planning.
EVIDENCE-LED ADVICE
Understanding the estate before recommending action
Strong estate consultancy starts with understanding the estate as it is, not just how it appears on paper. We consider building condition, use, constraints, stakeholder needs, operational pressures and future objectives before advising on the best route forward.
This helps avoid short-term decisions that solve one problem while creating another elsewhere in the estate.
PREFERRED ROUTE
Turning appraisal into a clear plan of action
Once options have been assessed, clients need a route that can be explained, justified and progressed. AltMarkt helps translate appraisal work into clear next steps, whether that means preparing a funding case, developing a project brief or aligning future works with a wider estate strategy.
The focus is always practical: helping clients move from uncertainty to a decision that can be acted on with confidence.
WHEN TO USE THIS SERVICE
When independent consultancy adds value
Consultancy and options appraisal is particularly useful when a client needs to decide whether to refurbish, adapt, extend, replace, defer, phase or fund a project differently. It can also support boards, leadership teams and estates teams who need an independent view before presenting recommendations internally.
By testing options before commitment, clients can reduce avoidable risk, improve value for money and make estate decisions that stand up to scrutiny.
Feasibility Studies
Helping clients understand whether an estate idea, project route or building solution is practical before significant time or funding is committed.
Property Consultancy
Providing independent property advice where clients need clarity around estate risk, investment, suitability, adaptation or future use.
Building Consultancy
Bringing technical building understanding into early-stage decisions so options are realistic, evidence-led and deliverable.
RELATED SERVICES
Connected support for estate planning and investment
Estate Strategy & Planning Services
For clients who need a wider estate strategy that connects long-term priorities, investment decisions and operational needs.
Capital Funding & Investment Planning Services
For clients preparing funding cases, prioritising investment or aligning project proposals with available capital routes.
Building Surveying Services
For technical surveys, condition advice and evidence that can support robust options appraisal and estate decisions.
Architectural Design Services
For clients who need feasibility, design development or technical planning once a preferred estate option has been identified.
Project Delivery & Management Services
For moving the preferred route into practical planning, procurement, delivery and project control.
Contract Administration Services
For protecting client interests once a preferred option becomes a live project or construction contract.
FAQ
Consultancy and options appraisal FAQs
What is an options appraisal?
An options appraisal is a structured review of possible routes before a client commits to a decision. It compares factors such as cost, risk, deliverability, operational impact, funding suitability and long-term estate value.
When should an options appraisal be carried out?
An options appraisal is most useful before major investment, funding applications, refurbishment decisions, extension proposals or estate changes are approved. It helps ensure the preferred route is based on evidence rather than assumption.
Is an options appraisal the same as a feasibility study?
A feasibility study usually tests whether a specific idea or project can be delivered. An options appraisal compares several possible routes and helps identify which one provides the strongest balance of cost, risk, deliverability and long-term value.
What can be compared during an options appraisal?
Options may include refurbishment, extension, reconfiguration, replacement, phasing, deferral, alternative funding routes or different delivery approaches. The right comparison depends on the estate issue, available evidence and client objectives.
Can options appraisal support funding or board decisions?
Yes. A clear options appraisal can help leadership teams, boards and funding bodies understand why a preferred route has been selected and how it compares with realistic alternatives.
Need help choosing the right estate option?
Speak to AltMarkt about independent consultancy and options appraisal before committing to your next project or investment decision.