The Evening Standard New Homes Awards are officially open.
Yes, the countdown starts here as we call for entries to the awards, now in their 33rd year. That’s 33 years of recognising and celebrating innovation and excellence.
Without blowing our own trumpet — well, actually, massively blowing our trumpet because it deserves to be blown — this must be the most prestigious event in the UK property calendar.
It pits small and large developers against one another and climaxes in a luncheon at a premium central London venue for more than 300 guests (previous hosts have included Jack Whitehall, Romesh Ranganathan, and last year, Joel Dommett), and winners receiving much-coveted award plaques and logo for their marketing.
With the property market showing signs — without jinxing it — of a revival, after so long of it being “in crisis”, it feels like a particularly big year for these awards.
Of course, it’s tough out there for buyers and renters, particularly in London, but this is where house builders can, and are, making a difference.
And it’s not simply about providing more homes, of course, it’s about giving people the very best for their money.
That means houses and developments that enhance people’s lives, taking care of their needs as well as their desires, whether that’s safety, affordability, eco-friendliness or stylish design — or all of the above.
To match the renewed impetus in the market, we have had an exciting revamp of the awards: a new look, a new hub at standard.co.uk and a new digital entry system.
On top of that, we also have a revamped set of award categories.
You can check them out below as well as details of where to go for more information and how to enter.
The glittering New Homes Awards ceremony will take place at its luxury venue on Friday, September 27.
Last year was a blast and this year promises to be even better.
The Categories
⬤ Best First-Time Buyer Home
Developers have the chance to excel in this key part of the property market. Entries are invited for lower-priced yet outstanding starter homes that do not compromise on design, style or construction quality.
⬤ Best Flat
This award embraces the full spectrum of apartment living: lofts, heritage conversions, mansion block apartments, city crash-pads and wow-factor penthouses.
⬤ Best House
Homes should be in a well-located, attractive setting, offer an impressive sense of arrival and have imaginatively designed yet functional interiors.
⬤ Best Luxury Home
Top-of-the-range properties with a first-class interior, often in coveted locations. These tasteful, no-expense-spared homes are often designed around a lifestyle and may include luxuries such as a spa, valet parking or conciergeservice.
⬤ Best Conversions
Exquisite conversions of prized older buildings. Entries are invited for sensitive conversion and restoration projects that respect the original building while creating practical modern homes within.
⬤ Best Commuter Home
A chance for commuter-belt developers to show that homes in the suburbs and shires can match the very best of the capital.
⬤ Best Small Development
Boutique projects, conversions and new builds. Nine units or fewer that appeal to design-conscious buyers seeking individuality and exclusivity.
⬤ Best Large Development
Projects with 10 or more units, including large-scale developments that form a new district or neighbourhood in their own right, bringing amenities and a range of uses for locals, as well as a place to live.
⬤ Best Later Living Home
Later-living developments catering for a diverse range of ages and needs and should show both strong design and thoughtful planning.
⬤ Best Shared-Ownership Home
Shared-ownership homes play a vital role in the housing market. They should be affordable, well designed and flexible enough to enable buyers to put down roots with the prospect of full ownership in the future.
⬤ Best Regeneration Project
Inspiring schemes that have transformed a neglected site or area into a vibrant new quarter, typically with a mix of residential and other uses, that impressively improves the local community.
⬤ Best Low Carbon Home
A project or home that responds to today’s environmental challenges and sets the highest standards in terms of energy efficiency, carbon reduction, recycling and sustainability.
Where to go to enter
Head to our new site, newhomesawards.co.uk.
Applications open today.
Key dates
Entry opens: April 17
Entry deadline: June 28
Shortlist released: Early autumn
Awards ceremony: September 27
