CAST YOUR VOTES TODAY!

BEST SMALL/MEDIUM DEVELOPMENT

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING FOR SMALL DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE DESIRABLE, AFFORDABLE AND INSPIRING ENVIRONMENTS IN WHICH PEOPLE WISH TO SET UP THEIR FIRST HOME. THIS AWARD IS FOR SCHEMES OF UP TO 80 HOMES.

Developed by industry leader Stonewater and in partnership with Speller Metcalfe, Blunden Meadows is a development of 38 homes comprising one bedroom apartments, two bedroom bungalows, and two, three and four bedroom houses in the small village of Ewyas Harold in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley, close to the Welsh border. The scheme offered a mix of affordable rent and Shared Ownership, with 14 two and three bedroom houses allocated as the latter. The development has been designed to integrate into its surroundings, with the design of the homes’ external elevations reflecting the area’s historic built vernacular. The Shared Ownership properties proved to be very popular, with the final home being occupied in November 2024. This bespoke development of character and quality contributes to and enhances the architecture and character of Ewyas Harold village. The new homes it provides will help local people to remain in the village they have grown up in, ensuring young households can stay local, supporting and delivering local services and keeping businesses and schools thriving.

BEST PARTNERSHIP

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD CATEGORY CELEBRATES A COLLABORATION OF TWO OR MORE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO DELIVER BOTH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS. IT WILL HIGHLIGHT BEST PRACTICE OF PARTNERSHIP WORKING WITHIN THE HOUSING SECTOR AND CHAMPIONS THE ETHOS OF WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER MORE.

Homes for Brighton & Hove (HBH) is a groundbreaking 50:50 joint venture between Brighton & Hove City Council and The Hyde Group, created to tackle the city’s housing affordability crisis. This innovative partnership combines Hyde’s development expertise with the council’s land assets and local insight, delivering high-quality, sustainable homes for first time buyers. To date, the partnership has delivered 346 affordable homes across two sites, with a pipeline of 1,000 more. Key developments like St James Square and Bluebell Heights exemplify the approach – offering a mix of social rent and Shared Ownership, energy-efficient designs and strong community integration. The partnership’s success is underpinned by transparent governance, early contractor engagement, and a commitment to sustainable construction and economic impact. HBH sets a benchmark for local authority collaboration, demonstrating how joint ventures can deliver scale, affordability and meaningful local impact.

BEST FIRST TIME BUYER APARTMENT

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD IS FOR AN APARTMENT SUITABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER, WHICH IS AFFORDABLE AND ALSO OFFERS EXCELLENT DESIGN FLAIR, BOTH INSIDE AND OUT.

Kingston Wharf by Hyde New Homes is the latest addition in the transformation of Shoreham Harbour into a vibrant, thriving waterfront destination. This exceptional collection of Shared Ownership apartments offers stylish and spacious living for the aspirational first time buyer. Bright full-height windows, striking views of the River Adur, and no corners cut when it comes to quality, this development offers a fantastic opportunity to buyers looking to own their first home. Apartment 131 is
an incredible waterfront, ground floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with parking. Integral to the design is a light-filled living area and large terrace providing flexible space for both relaxing and entertaining. The design of the apartment buildings has been created to enhance residents’ quality of life, with the interlinking lush landscaping of the communal podium gardens and riverfront boardwalk enabling residents to meet and relax, encouraging a strong sense of community.

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD WILL BE GIVEN TO THE MOST INNOVATIVE MARKETING CAMPAIGN THAT HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT USING ANY FORM OF MEDIA. THIS CAMPAIGN CAN BE FROM A RANGE OF METHODS THAT DEMONSTRATES THAT IT HAS HELPED FIRST TIME BUYERS START THEIR PROPERTY JOURNEY.

Leading housing provider Latimer and PR agency The Oracle Group sought to raise awareness of shared ownership and shift perceptions. The goal: to position Latimer as the housing association of choice for young people aspiring to move out of their family home and introduce shared ownership as a solution to parents, unaware of its benefits as a stepping stone to independence.

With homeownership becoming increasingly challenging, more young adults are staying in the family home longer, giving rise to the ‘parent landlord’ phenomenon. We commissioned research to explore this shift and its impact on family dynamics, recruiting a spokesperson and influencers to help deliver key messages and create content.

Our approach combined traditional media outreach with social media marketing to drive discussion and engagement, delivering impressive results: a 35% increase in visitors to the Latimer website, 24 radio interviews, national press coverage, and 224,700 views from influencer collaborations.

BEST SHOW HOME

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD GOES TO THE COMPANY WITH THE BEST SHOW HOME ALLOWING BUYERS TO SEE THE PROPERTY TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL, GIVING THEM A REALISTIC INSIGHT INTO THEIR NEW HOME.

Moonhill Rise is a remarkable development by Sovereign Network Group (SNG) set in the East Devon village of Broadclyst. Comprising a landmark collection of 33 two, three and four bedroom houses available with Shared Ownership, Moonhill Rise is the first development to be built to SNG’s new standard of homes, designed to increase sustainability and contribute to the wellbeing of residents. Designed to appeal to first time buyers, SNG collaborated with global brand and buyer favourite, IKEA, on the three bedroom show home at Moonhill Rise. Marking IKEA’s first show home install outside of London, plot one has been kitted out using budget-friendly furnishings, showcasing how buyers can furnish their home on a realistic budget. Further enhancing the customer experience, SNG placed QR codes on IKEA’s feature items, providing an accessible way for buyers to replicate the look in their own homes.

BEST FIRST TIME BUYER FAMILY HOME

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD IS FOR A FAMILY STARTER HOME WHICH IS AFFORDABLE FOR A FIRST TIME BUYER. IT SHOULD OFFER A COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT, AT A REALISTIC PRICE, WHICH IS IDEAL FOR FAMILY LIVING.

With one-in-five first time buyers searching for family properties; The Brambles, from Thrive Homes, offers contemporary four bedroom forever homes via Shared Ownership. Set on the edge of Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, The Brambles offers 42 new homes, including a selection of four bedroom, gable-ended urban townhouses with 196 sq m of versatile family space. With a deposit of £16,000 to buy a 25% share, families can move into one of these future-proofed new homes at an achievable price. Carefully designed with two different interior layout options, these properties offer everything a growing family could need – a spacious kitchen/family room, a separate dining room and living room, a practical utility with garden access, and four WCs to cut down on queues. Outside, homes have a spacious rear garden, car port and driveway. Set on a crescent-style road, with public open space around the perimeter, The Brambles is convenient for schools, shops, leisure and commuting.

BEST LARGE DEVELOPMENT

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD IS FOR DEVELOPMENTS OF 81 OR MORE HOMES THAT HAVE USED THE BEST DESIGN AND QUALITY TO CREATE AN AFFORDABLE, DESIRABLE AND INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND THAT HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL FACILITIES TO BENEFIT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOODS. THESE HOMES ARE ON LARGE DEVELOPMENTS IN A MIXED-TENURE ENVIRONMENT OR STAND-ALONE DEVELOPMENTS.

Sherford is a visionary new town in South Devon, led by Latimer (Clarion Housing Group’s development arm) and Vistry Cornwall South West. Construction began in 2016, with 5,500 high-quality homes set to be delivered by 2035. To date, approximately 1,200 homes have been completed, with 20% classed as affordable. To help more people on to the housing ladder, Shared Ownership options are priced well below local market averages. The town features extensive green infrastructure, with nearly half the site dedicated to green space, including a 500-acre country park and Europe’s longest living wall. Social value is also central to the project, with the Sherford Skills Training Centre successfully delivering trade-based courses for local residents, with a strong focus on retraining veterans from Plymouth’s large Armed Forces community. Sherford is designed as a thriving, self-sustaining community, with future phases set to deliver schools, leisure facilities, commercial space, and two town centres.

BEST USE OF DIGITAL INNOVATION

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD CELEBRATES THE MOST INNOVATIVE USE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY WITHIN THE HOUSING INDUSTRY. IT RECOGNISES PROJECTS, SCHEMES, OR DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE EMBRACED DIGITAL SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND STREAMLINE THE HOMEBUYING PROCESS. THIS COULD INCLUDE THE USE OF ONLINE VIEWING TOOLS, VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCES, INTERACTIVE PLATFORMS, AI-DRIVEN SERVICES AND SMART TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS.

L&G Affordable Homes has revolutionised digital technology in the affordable housing sector with “Brolly”, a platform inspired by our iconic umbrella logo. This pioneering technology provides housing providers with end-to-end visibility, from deal signing to development pipelines; seamless customer onboarding and self-service issue; and property management onboarding slashed from weeks to under 48 hours. Powered by cloud technology and AI, Brolly centralises operations, tenant information and property details, enabling exceptional 24/7 customer service. Given the modern world we live in, you’d think this would be standard for Registered Providers, but we can assure you that this groundbreaking platform is unlike anything else in the housing sector. Since launch, over 2,000 accounts have been activated, with thousands of repairs resolved and direct debits set up. Brolly is more than just a platform, it’s a complete digital ecosystem, designed to simplify and personalise the homebuying and living experience.

BEST LAW FIRM FOR CONVEYANCING

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD CELEBRATES LAW FIRMS WITH OUTSTANDING CONVEYANCING PACKAGES FOR  FIRST TIME BUYERS.

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 2024/25 we completed nearly 3,500 new build Shared Ownership purchases • We work with over 150 housing associations across the country • Well known 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. With every client feeling informed, confident, and supported from start to finish, we are the ideal firm to share your journey into homeownership.

BEST OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENT

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING TO RECOGNISE A DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN BUILT/COMPLETED BUT OFFERS GREAT POTENTIAL TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

Standing tall in a competitive off-plan market, L&Q’s Prime Point is a development of 476 new homes in Greenwich Peninsula, one of south east London’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods. A brand new landmark development overlooking the Peninsula’s Central Park, two slender bronze-framed towers (the tallest at an impressive 29 storeys) are blended with restrained brick mansion buildings around landscaped gardens. Offering affordability in a premium location, the scheme is entirely delivered and built by L&Q, which means an outstanding 70% of the development is affordable. Catering to the needs of first time buyers, particularly those living locally, it offers a truly unique opportunity to buy in an area that will undoubtedly go up in value. With a selection of ways to buy, Shared Ownership and London Living Rent homes are priced accessibly for first time buyers. Helping first time buyers through the process, a spacious POD marketing suite gives a superb off-plan experience – complete with an interactive smart screen and two models.

BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME

Sponsored by

THIS NEW AWARD CELEBRATES HOMES THAT SET A BENCHMARK FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENCY, COMBINING SMART DESIGN, HIGH-PERFORMING MATERIALS AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND LOWER RUNNING COSTS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS. FROM GREAT INSULATION AND EFFICIENT HEATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY FEATURES, ENTRIES SHOULD SHOW HOW SUSTAINABILITY IS BUILT IN FROM THE START.

Sherford is a bold new town in South Devon, led by Latimer (Clarion Housing Group’s development arm) and Vistry Cornwall South West. By 2035, it will provide 5,500 high-quality homes – with 1,200 already complete, including 20% affordable housing to help first time buyers on to the property ladder. Designed with nature at its heart, nearly half of Sherford is dedicated to green space, including a stunning 500-acre country park. In the past year alone, 62,000 trees have been planted and 3,000 sq m of wildflowers sown, enhancing biodiversity and beauty across the site. Investment in people has also been a key focus. In 2024, 46 apprentices received hands-on training, and over 200 local students took part in site tours – inspiring the next generation of construction talent. With 77% of residents having moved from within 10 miles, Sherford is not only easing the housing crisis but also helping communities stay together and families remain close.

BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND (FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS CATEGORY – BELOW BIRMINGHAM). A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES IS INCREASING, THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

Sherford is a bold new town in South Devon, led by Latimer (Clarion Housing Group’s development arm) and Vistry Cornwall South West. By 2035, it will provide 5,500 high-quality homes – with 1,200 already complete, including 20% affordable housing to help first time buyers on to the property ladder. Designed with nature at its heart, nearly half of Sherford is dedicated to green space, including a stunning 500-acre country park. In the past year alone, 62,000 trees have been planted and 3,000 sq m of wildflowers sown, enhancing biodiversity and beauty across the site. Investment in people has also been a key focus. In 2024, 46 apprentices received hands-on training, and over 200 local students took part in site tours – inspiring the next generation of construction talent. With 77% of residents having moved from within 10 miles, Sherford is not only easing the housing crisis but also helping communities stay together and families remain close.

BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD IS FOR THE BEST DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SIZE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND (BIRMINGHAM AND ABOVE), AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE HOUSEBUILDING IS INCREASING AND OFFERS A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE. THIS AWARD RECOGNISES AN EXCEPTIONAL RANGE OF NEW HOMES THAT STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, WHILE REMAINING ACCESSIBLE TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.

Wood Mill Rise, Doncaster, is an exceptional new development from PfP for first time buyers, offering a stylish collection of 59 two and three bedroom homes. The homes feature modern, energy-efficient specifications, spacious interiors, stylish finishes and private rear gardens. Affordability is key – 100% of homes are available via affordable tenures, with 60% offered through Shared Ownership. Buyers can secure a 50% share from just £94,500, with deposits starting under £5,000. Community spirit is at the heart of the development’s design, which is set around a central green with a play area where neighbours and children can connect. It is conveniently located near shops, good schools and leisure facilities, with excellent transport links, including Bentley station just a 12-minute walk away. Combining affordability, quality and community-focused design, Wood Mill Rise is an outstanding choice for first time buyers looking to step on to the property ladder in the North.

BEST SUPPLIER TO THE FIRST TIME BUYER MARKET

Sponsored by

 

THIS AWARD GOES TO A SERVICE, COMPANY OR AGENCY THAT SUPPORTS THE FIRST TIME BUYER INDUSTRY. THIS COULD BE A PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT HELPS TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF HOMEOWNERSHIP.

HomeOwners Alliance is a small, entrepreneurial, female-led team that’s supported over 650,000 buyers and movers since 2012. With 36.5 million website visitors since 2012 and three million views of our first time buyer content in the past year, we provide independent, practical advice on leasehold, homebuying schemes and affordability challenges. Our tools, such as First Time Buyer Best Mortgage Rates, Best LISA Rates and financial calculators empower first time buyers to make informed decisions. And by thinking outside of the box, our Home Buyers Protection Insurance has safeguarded thousands from financial loss due to failed transactions. Beyond advice, we campaign for industry change. Our campaigns have changed policy and sparked national debate, from Stamp Duty reform to leasehold abolition. Our recent Generation Gap campaign highlighted that two million aspiring homeowners don’t believe they’ll ever follow in the footsteps of their parents and own a home. We don’t just offer advice – we push for change.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD WILL GO TO AN ORGANISATION THAT HAS SHOWN INNOVATION IN THE WAY IT DESIGNS, BUILDS AND MARKETS ITS PROPERTIES AS WELL AS OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES WHICH CAN HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS ON TO THE PROPERTY LADDER.

As Clarion Housing Group marks 125 years in 2025, its development arm, Latimer, is celebrating a landmark 2024 – delivering around 1,000 affordable homes across 30 developments and managing 125,000 affordable homes nationwide. With 67% of homes built classed as affordable, Latimer consistently exceeds council targets while reinvesting profits to fund future affordable schemes. Its diverse projects range from city centre towers to heritage conversions and entire new towns, with all homes – whether private or affordable – built to the same high standards. Each development offers stunning shared amenities and outstanding sustainability credentials, earning Latimer recognition as the UK’s most sustainable not-for-profit housebuilder. First time buyers benefit from sector-leading low-deposit options, enabling them to secure premium homes in sought-after developments. Customer service is best-in-class, recognised with Gold at the In-House Research Customer Satisfaction Awards for two consecutive years. Latimer is not just building affordable homes – it’s creating inclusive, future-proof communities that will thrive for generations.

PRIVATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by

THIS AWARD WILL FOCUS NOT ONLY ON THE DESIGN AND QUALITY OF THE PROPERTIES BUILT, BUT ALSO ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPER’S PERFORMANCE.

Croudace Homes was founded in 1946 to meet the housing shortage during the post- war building boom, helping young people get on to the property ladder in Surrey. Fast forward to 2025, and this ethos is embedded throughout the company, rooted in its passion for helping first time buyers. Croudace is committed to delivering high-quality new homes across the South East, with 15 live sites and forthcoming developments that are home to many first time buyers. Innovation is at the forefront of development. Croudace recently launched The Green Collection, cutting-edge low carbon homes that will exceed the Future Homes Standard and pave the way for more sustainable developments. Croudace also partners with housing associations to unlock affordable homes, enabling greater access to alternative homeownership routes. Croudace’s 290-strong team pride themselves on delivering exceptional service, particularly to first time buyers, working with them throughout the initial buying process and long after completion.