MEET OUR SPONSORS
HEADLINE SPONSOR
We Are Fred
The future belongs to independents who move with
purpose and think like strategists. This isnt just
a statement; its who we are.
We Are Fred, brand builders, innovators, unburdened
by legacy, yet armed with strategic insight.
We partner with visionaries the innovative developers shaping skylines and changing the way we live and work.
For established giants, we forge brand architectures that stand the test of time.
or emerging players, we craft compelling narratives
that cut through the noise and capture hearts.
As architects of connection if its the built environment, we shape its story.
We Are Fred.
Destination Brand.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Lavastar
Lavastar is an award-winning UK signage specialist delivering bespoke visual solutions for the construction, housebuilding and property sectors. We work with leading developers, contractors and property professionals to create high-quality visual solutions that enhancebrands and developments.
Our services include construction hoardings, sales and marketing suite branding, wayfinding, building signage, building wraps, feature graphics and large-format print, all designed, manufactured and installed by our experienced in-house team, at our 7,000 square foot state of the art facility in Surrey. By managing every stage of the process, from site survey through to installation, we provide a seamless service that ensures quality, consistency and reliable delivery nationwide.
At Lavastar, we believe great signage builds confidence, strengthens brands and helps create exceptional places. We are proud to support the First Time Buyers Awards and celebrate the organisations that are making home ownership more accessible and inspiring for future generations.
PRIVATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by The Media People
For over a decade, The Media People has helped property brands connect with first-time buyers. From founding Shared Ownership Week to powering campaigns for some of the sector’s largest housing providers. For over four years, our bespoke research programme has listened to and tracked first-time buyers, because what’s never changed is where we start: the audience. Real data, real insight, real understanding of the people behind every reservation.
What is changing is what we can do with it. Through reAImagine, we’re rethinking how great work gets made: reimagining consumer journeys, content and measurement with AI at the core, backed by fresh investment in data, technology and the team behind it.
Same people. Same passion. A whole new level of possibility.
BEST LARGE DEVELOPMENT
Sponsored by LSL Land & New Homes
LSL Land & New Homes is a leading new homes sales and marketing specialist, supporting housebuilders, Housing Associations, Registered Providers and local authorities across the UK. Backed by the strength of LSL Property Services plc, we provide access to a nationwide network of expertise spanning land and new homes sales and marketing, estate agency, Shared Ownership, Part Exchange, financial services, conveyancing and surveying.
Through LSL The SO Hub, our specialist affordable housing division, we deliver nationwide services across New Build Shared Ownership sales, Shared Ownership Resales, Affordable Rent and Rent to Buy. We do more than market homes, we manage the entire customer journey, combining expertise across sales, marketing, operations and compliance to help clients improve performance and customer outcomes.
Trusted by leading Housing Associations and Registered Providers nationwide, we are proud to support the delivery of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities across the UK
BEST SMALL/MEDIUM DEVELOPMENT
Sponsored by Shared Direction Conveyancing
Shared Direction Conveyancing is a specialist in new build and Shared Ownership conveyancing. Based on client feedback, we are in Review Solicitors top 2% of conveyancing firms nationwide.
In the 2025/2026 financial year we completed 3644 transactions across our 3 offices, with 531 of these being in March 2026.
We work with over 190 housing associations across the country.
Well known and trusted within the affordable housing sector, we are partners of the NSG, a member of the SO Exchange, and are supporters of the National Shared Ownership campaign and National Home Buying Week.
Our services to first time buyers are now available to buyers of all types of new build property, including Shared Ownership, outright sale and discounted purchase price properties. All clients benefit from:
- Unrivalled expertise
- Competitive and transparent pricing
- Nationwide coverage
- The highest standard of service
BEST FIRST TIME BUYER APARTMENT
Sponsored by Faust PR
Faust PR is a creative, boutique communications agency specialising in the residential property sector. Renowned for our hands-on, personable approach, the team delivers dynamic and proactive campaigns packed with fresh ideas, strategic insight and industry expertise.
Clients range from some of the UK’s largest housing associations to private housebuilders, build-to-rent providers and luxury developers, meaning we have expertise in building brand awareness on every level, specifically within the property and lifestyle spheres. Alongside a strong presence in London and the Southeast, we have an established track record supporting developments across the northwest and Midlands too, delivering locally tailored campaigns that resonate with regional audiences while achieving national impact.
Highly experienced in delivering media relations and daily press office functions as well as events, social media and influencer marketing, through to case studies, video content and stakeholder liaison, Faust offers a 360° approach to your PR needs. Notable past works have included everything from award-winning art exhibitions to historic building activations, stakeholder engagements and successful sales launches.
BEST FIRST TIME BUYER FAMILY HOME
Sponsored by Sharratts
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Sponsored by Zoopla
Zoopla is a leading UK property website and trusted consumer brand, empowering movers to make better property decisions with over nine million monthly users generating over one billion annual property searches. Zoopla is more than a property portal. Over 6 million homeowners are subscribers, tracking their property values and providing a pipeline of movers for Zoopla’s customers. The business is investing in leveraging its scale and reach to build new, AI-driven experiences that engage movers and unlock value and a strong ROI for customers.
BEST USE OF DIGITAL INNOVATION
Sponsored by Influenced by Oracle
BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME
Sponsored by Censeo Financial
Censeo Financial is an affordable housing specialist mortgage broker dedicated to helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership through Shared Ownership.
Since 2007, Censeo has focused exclusively on this market, developing unrivalled expertise while working alongside housing associations, lenders, and policymakers to help establish Shared Ownership as a recognised route onto the property ladder.
Every aspect of the business is designed around the needs of Shared Ownership buyers, from affordability assessments, an integrated housing association portal to a team of dedicated specialist advisers. Each year, Censeo completes thousands of affordability assessments ,mortgages and remortgages, while maintaining an outstanding 4.9-star Trustpilot rating.
As an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Censeo is committed to the highest professional standards. Its long-standing commitment to Shared Ownership continues to help first-time buyers realise their ambition of owning a home.
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH
Sponsored by Core Media
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH
Sponsored by Metro Finance
Metro Finance is a leading supporter of Shared Ownership, partnering with over 130 Housing Associations nationwide and supporting more than 4,000 buyers each month on their journey to homeownership.
We specialise in guiding first-time buyers through what can often be a complex and unfamiliar process, providing clear, supportive advice from application through to completion. At the same time, we help Housing Associations meet their regulatory obligations with confidence, delivering compliant sign-offs within five days to keep transactions moving.
Our approach is built around accessibility, transparency and service, ensuring buyers feel informed and supported at every stage of their journey.
Beyond individual transactions, we actively champion the Shared Ownership sector, working with lenders, Homes England and partners to improve affordability, expand access and share market insight.
By combining expertise, service and collaboration, we play a key role in helping more first-time buyers take their first step onto the property ladder.
BEST PARTNERSHIP
Sponsored by Penningtons Manches Cooper
Penningtons Manches Cooper is a leading UK and international law firm, recognised for delivering outstanding legal expertise across the housing sector. Our specialist sales and homeownership team manages thousands of new build and after‑sales transactions each year, consistently achieving top rankings in independent legal directories.
As part of a 60‑strong, full-service housing group, we provide seamless support across the full spectrum of housing law. Our clients include housing associations, local authorities, housebuilders, developers, contractors, consultants and investors.
We are known for combining technical excellence with a commercial, solutions-focused approach. Clients value our responsiveness, deep sector insight and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience at every stage of the transaction.
With a collaborative culture and a forward-thinking approach, Penningtons Manches Cooper is a trusted partner, helping clients navigate an evolving housing landscape with confidence.
BEST LAW FIRM FOR CONVEYANCING
Sponsored by Buchanan Dean Design
Buchanan Dean Design is a full service design agency, which has been working within the social housing sector since our inception over 27 years ago! In that time, we have gleaned an enormous amount of information about this sector of the housing market, both in terms of what works in sales and marketing, but also anecdotally from some of the legends in the industry. We are proud to have stood the test of time.
We work across all disciplines and media and have a diverse client base in this sector, from small, niche organisations to some of the largest in the country. We take great pride in treating all our clients with the same care and respect and believe one of our key attributes is that we are discerning listeners. This translates through the brief and into our creative solutions.
We are thrilled to support First Time Buyer magazine, through sponsoring the Best Law Firm for Conveyancing Award and wish all involved every success in their worthwhile quest of helping hard-working people on to the first step of the housing ladder.
BEST OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Sponsored by SOWN & PLS Solicitors
SOWN is a specialist property services provider dedicated to supporting Housing Associations, Registered Providers and local authorities across the UK. As part of LRG, one of the country’s largest property services groups, we combine sector expertise with a customer-focused approach to deliver solutions that support both providers and homeowners throughout the property lifecycle.
With extensive experience in Shared Ownership and affordable housing, we work closely with our partners to maximise sales performance, enhance customer experiences and unlock value across their portfolios. Our team understands the unique challenges facing the sector and provides tailored support designed to help organisations achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively.
Built on collaboration, transparency and trusted relationships, SOWN acts as an extension of our clients’ teams, delivering expert guidance and seamless service from initial enquiry through to long-term portfolio support.
One Partner. Every Step.
PLS Solicitors is a nationwide conveyancing law firm. We guide first time buyers, home movers and developers through every step of their conveyancing journey, clearly and with genuine care. For over 15 years, we’ve helped tens of thousands of clients move into their first homes and navigate everything from straightforward sales to more complex transactions, including new build, shared ownership and secured lending.
As one of the UK’s largest new build conveyancing teams, we work directly with major housebuilders and developers, backed by our PLS 24/7 portal, which lets clients track their case, upload documents and stay updated in real time. That commitment to service was recognised with the Outstanding Client Care in Conveyancing award at the 2026 Conveyancing Awards.
Simple. Confident. Supported. That’s what every client can expect when working with PLS.
BEST SUPPLIER TO THE FTB MARKET
Sponsored by Regenta
At Regenta, we bring almost four decades of residential property expertise to every partnership we take on. Our team of around 60 specialists has grown into one of London and the South East’s most trusted development consultancies, working alongside developers, housebuilders, housing associations, local authorities and registered providers to bring ambitious schemes to life.
Our service offering spans the full development lifecycle — from land valuation, site appraisal and planning strategy, through to design input, market intelligence, sales, marketing and customer care. We work confidently across every tenure, including Private Sale, Shared Ownership, Discounted Market Sale and Rent, tailoring our approach to the needs of each client and each site.
As award-winning developers in our own right through Built by Regenta, we understand what makes a scheme succeed because we’ve built them ourselves. That practical experience, paired with strong industry knowledge and creative partnerships, gives our clients a consultancy that understands the commercial and operational realities of bringing a development to market.
BEST SHOW HOME
Sponsored by Red Loft
Red Loft is a market leader in bespoke housing consultancy, specialising in:
- Sales, lettings and marketing
- Development and regeneration
Land agency, options appraisals and viability. We deliver end-to-end services throughout the development journey, from initial site-finding throughout the development process to PC and beyond. Our sales, lettings and marketing services combine commercial expertise with excellence in the customer journey, whether for Shared Ownership or market sale, new build sales and lettings, or in delivering leaseholder services in resales and staircasing on behalf of our client landlords. We also offer expert market research and feasibility assessments for new sites, and interim staff resources. Working extensively throughout London and the South East, we have an impressive list of clients including registered providers, local authorities, housing charities and private developers. Delivering brilliant projects takes real experience, vision, and collaboration.
JONNIE IRWIN LEGACY AWARD
Sponsored by Space & Time
Space & Time is a growth marketing agency, enabling clients to secure optimal value from every part of the customer experience and their marketing investment. We use media and technology to drive your commercial growth. Over 20 years, we’ve honed it into a fine art and exact science. It’s in our DNA, and it works across a diverse range of sectors. No matter how ambitious your goals are.
EDITOR'S AWARD FOR SERVICES TO THE INDUSTRY
Sponsored by New Riverside Legal
New Riverside Legal Limited is a specialist property law firm with a particular focus on shared ownership conveyancing , and affordable housing. Founded and led by experienced property lawyers with backgrounds at leading national firms, New Riverside Legal was established with a clear purpose: to deliver expert, client-centred legal services to those navigating the property market — including the many first-time buyers for whom the journey to ownership can feel complex and daunting. Backed by Watson Ramsbottom, the firm combines the resources and rigour of an established legal group with the agility and personal service of a dedicated conveyancing practice. New Riverside Legal is proud to support the First Time Buyer Awards, recognising the vital work done across the industry to make homeownership accessible and achievable for all.
DRINKS SPONSOR
Sponsored by Full Comms
Full Comms helps brands deliver smarter campaigns with stronger results. We’re a full-service marketing agency covering strategy & insights, media planning & buying, creative, branding, social content and copywriting, all under one roof. We make budgets work harder, messages land faster, and campaigns do more. Whether it’s a one-off project or a long-term partnership, we bring energy, insight and commercial thinking to every brief. With specialist experience in property and Shared Ownership, we’ll turn heads & create clear communications that get people moving.
The moments that matter for your buyers, made that little bit easier with Full Comms. Big decisions. Less faff. Better marketing.
SHORTLIST LAUNCH DRINKS SPONSOR
Sponsored by Owen Paulo Legal
Owen Paulo is the only firm in the country that solely specialise in Resales and Staircasing conveyancing.
We are recommended by housing associations, financial advisers, agents and councils and we have been involved in Shared Ownership for over two decades.
Education and awareness are important to us and, in a time when shared ownership is scrutinized more than ever, we are always working to ensure aftersales are given as much attention as new build.
If you are looking to partner with a well-established firm for your aftersales clients, look no further than Owen Paulo. We have the knowledge and experience to take your leaseholders/buyers through one of the most important moments of their life and see them to completion as smoothly as possible.
Contact 0808 196 7020, enquiries@owenpaulo.co.uk or visit our website – owenpaulo.co.uk – for a quotation or further information.