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BEST SMALL/MEDIUM DEVELOPMENT
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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.
At 3 Chalkstone Lane, a new benchmark is set for design-led first time buyer homes, combining architectural quality, sustainability and affordability within a boutique urban development. Located in leafy Blackheath, part of a wider 63-home scheme by Vabel, 32% of the homes are delivered as affordable, including six stylish one, two and three bedroom Shared Ownership apartments from £100,000 for a 25% share with Hexagon Housing Association. The development’s characterful contemporary architecture draws on local Victorian and industrial references, softened by abundant greenery, private balconies and a landscaped rooftop garden. Interiors are light-filled, practical and stylish, featuring generous layouts, underfloor heating and high-quality materials. Sustainability is embedded via a ground source heat pump and MVHR systems, reducing environmental impact and energy costs. Beyond homes, 3 Chalkstone Lane fosters community through flexible workspaces and studios supporting creative enterprise. Delivering design quality usually reserved for private developments, it sets a new standard for first time buyer living.
Designed with first time buyers in mind, Parkside Triangle by Hyde New Homes is set in Waddon, a family friendly neighbourhood within the London Borough of Croydon. Built alongside the scenic surroundings of Duppas Hill Park, the wide range of designs offer an affordable route on to the property ladder through Shared Ownership. The layout of the development gives the sense of a close-knit, family friendly environment that encourages everyday interaction, while retaining a sense of space and openness. The Zone 5 location, new pedestrian links to the railway station and on-site nursery makes Parkside Triangle’s location perfect for commuters and parents. What makes this development unique is its biodiversity credentials, with a host of features to protect, increase and support plants and wildlife in the area, including a growing garden to cultivate vegetables and peaceful outdoor areas with a focus on a natural retreat for residents and the local community.
Located between the historic area of Rotherhithe and the rapidly changing Canada Water in the London Borough of Southwark, St Olave’s is a Peabody Shared Ownership-led development that demonstrates how high-quality design and genuine affordability can be delivered through a small-scale scheme. Completed in late 2025, it provides 48 Shared Ownership homes within a 100% affordable, 62-home development, transforming a long-vacant site into a desirable home for first time buyers to settle. Homes have been carefully designed to prioritise space, light and liveability, offering a wide range of layouts and generous private outdoor spaces that elevate the Shared Ownership offer. Affordability was central to the scheme’s success, with monthly costs on average £750 lower than local rents and deposits from under £12,000. Strong sales performance demonstrates the scheme’s impact, with over 80% of Shared Ownership homes sold off-plan and more than 60% purchased by first time buyers, many of whom are from the Southwark borough.
Palliser Road by Southern Housing New Homes is a boutique development of 36 apartments in West Kensington – delivering high-quality, design-led homes without the area’s steep price tag. With 27 homes available through Shared Ownership and set in a prime Zone 2 location, the scheme offers first time buyers a rare opportunity to access homeownership in a borough where average prices exceed £800,000. The scheme’s regeneration is one that’s close to the heart of Southern Housing. Homes are built on the site of the former Ada Lewis House – a historic residence established in the 1920s to support vulnerable women by the wife of Samuel Lewis, the founder of the Samuel Lewis Housing Trust, which went on to become Southern Housing. Launched in 2025, the development saw exceptional demand, selling out rapidly to predominantly local buyers.
Monarch Rise in Layer-de-la-Haye showcases Park Properties Housing Association’s (PPHA) commitment to delivering high-quality affordable housing that meets real community need, while combining strong design, premium specification and a desirable village lifestyle. Within the 70-home development, PPHA manages 24 homes (34%) secured through a Section 106 agreement, including affordable rent and Shared Ownership. Delivered in partnership with Denbury Homes, PPHA has brought forward a product typically associated with the private market, offering contemporary kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances, Porcelanosa tiling and energy-efficient features including air source heat pumps and EV charging. A standout feature is the inclusion of a two bedroom Shared Ownership bungalow, a rare offering that broadens access to homeownership. Demand has been strong, with 100% of homes sold off-plan and 80% purchased by first time buyers, with Shared Ownership buyers securing an average 48% share. Monarch Rise demonstrates how affordable housing can be aspirational, accessible and rooted in place.
Woodside Park delivers 37 genuinely affordable one bedroom homes for first time buyers beside Woodside Park station; each offered at 100% ownership with a 20% discount to market value. Delivered by Pocket Living, the scheme creates a real alternative to the high cost of renting, helping local “city makers” put down roots in the community they already serve. Homes are high ceilinged, energy efficient and carefully planned around how first time buyers live, while shared spaces prioritise wellbeing and everyday social life. Two rooftop gardens provide space for exercise, shared allotments and gatherings. Designed by HTA Design in response to its leafy Barnet setting, the development uses brick detailing, generous window reveals and landscaped communal spaces to create a small, rooted neighbourhood that feels crafted, calm and genuinely liveable.
BEST PARTNERSHIP
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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.
Twickenham Square demonstrates how strong partnership working can unlock complex sites and expand access to homeownership in high value locations. Delivered by London Square and Latimer, part of Clarion Housing Group, the development transforms the former Richmond upon Thames College campus into a vibrant mixed tenure community of 212 homes, including 108 affordable homes. The scheme includes 80 Shared Ownership homes alongside affordable rent and private sale properties, creating multiple pathways into homeownership for first time buyers in a borough where affordability remains a significant challenge. Shared Ownership homes will be available from a 25% share with a 5% deposit, enabling more local people to access the housing market. Sustainably designed with 73 net-zero carbon in operation apartments and townhouses to reduce energy consumption and running costs. Alongside housing delivery, the project has created jobs, apprenticeships and community initiatives, demonstrating how effective partnership working can deliver lasting social and economic impact.
Park Properties Housing Association (PPHA) and Persimmon Homes have built a highly effective partnership since 2021, delivering 968 affordable homes across 37 schemes nationwide. Focused on Shared Ownership, affordable rent and social rent, the collaboration is underpinned by a shared commitment to quality, placemaking and long-term community impact. Strong communication sits at the heart of the relationship, with weekly pipeline reviews and regular site meetings enabling early-stage collaboration and faster delivery. This proactive approach has unlocked significant efficiencies, exemplified by a scheme in Bideford where the first homes were delivered within just two weeks. Innovative portfolio deal structures have further accelerated delivery, enabling PPHA to acquire multiple sites simultaneously, improve viability and bring forward greater volumes of affordable housing. Together, PPHA and Persimmon demonstrate how aligned objectives, trust and flexible deal-making can accelerate delivery while maximising social value, supporting communities and meeting urgent local housing need.
Driven to give first time buyers more, NHG Homes and The Hill Group have joined forces in west London to create Lampton Parkside, a thriving new neighbourhood beside Hounslow’s 40-acre Lampton Park. Their shared 10-year vision will deliver 780 homes, including 257 affordable properties, combining Hill’s development expertise with NHG Homes’ commitment to widening access to high-quality, affordable homeownership. Together, the partners prioritise exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability and customer care, creating places residents are proud to call home. Space, greenery and light sit at the heart of the scheme, with podium gardens, a wildflower walkway, tree-lined streets and bright, contemporary homes with private outdoor space. Focused on offering more to first time buyers, NHG Homes and Hill have raised standards, from underfloor heating and low-carbon design to affordable buying schemes with exceptionally low-price entry points from just £4,600. Lampton Parkside goes beyond expectations, opening the door to sustainable London living for buyers who may be priced out.
Showcasing the power of partnerships in Harrow, SNG (Sovereign Network Group) and Countryside Partnerships (part of Vistry Group) are delivering high-quality, affordable homes at Northwick Parkside. The ambitious partnership will deliver 1,600 homes with gorgeous green courtyards, podium gardens and a community hub with shops, cafes and a nursery. Northwick Parkside champions inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability, with homes available through private sale, Shared Ownership and numerous affordable rental schemes. The ambitious partners are delivering affordability at scale, with 50% of the first phase of 654 homes available with Shared Ownership. The scheme allows buyers to buy with a deposit from just £4,687.50 to step on to the property ladder in this thriving new neighbourhood. The apartments deliver quality as standard, with versatile interiors and diverse layouts suiting a range of needs, plus impressive sustainability credentials. Every home features a private patio or balcony, underfloor heating and premium flooring as standard.
A first-of-its-kind partnership between housing association Vico Homes and national homebuilder Taylor Wimpey has made over 40% of homes on one new build development accessible and affordable for first time buyers with Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy. On average, affordable housebuying options make up less than 3% of a new development. Putting first time buyers at the forefront, this development prioritises them by providing a way to get on the housing ladder with high-quality, future-proofed homes and, most importantly, giving buyers the power to choose their dream home from a wide selection. This partnership has become the blueprint to provide more 100% affordable homes across Yorkshire.
Roe Wood Park is an exceptional partnership between national housebuilder Bellway and the London Borough of Havering, securing the provision of high-quality housing and new public open space for the community now and in the future. The sale of the former Quarles Campus of Havering College in Harold Hill has already helped fund a new purpose-built skills centre in the borough, while the site is being regenerated into a new residential neighbourhood to help meet local housing needs. The development includes two and three bedroom houses for private sale, with 75% of the homes purchased to date bought by first time buyers, as well as one and two bedroom apartments and a two bedroom house available through Shared Ownership with Havering Council, and homes for both affordable and private rent. The partnership’s shared vision is making it more affordable for buyers to take their first step on the property ladder in Romford.
BEST FIRST TIME BUYER APARTMENT
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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.
Apartment 15 at 3 Chalkstone Lane is a beautifully designed first home that brings together affordability, thoughtful layout and aspirational living in a highly desirable Blackheath setting. This 820 sq ft, two bedroom apartment offers generous proportions, with a dual-aspect, open-plan living space that maximises light and flexibility. Opportunities to access homeownership in Blackheath at this price point are exceptionally rare, making Apartment 15 a unique proposition for first time buyers. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony extend the living area, while exposed concrete ceilings add distinctive architectural character. Carefully considered interiors, including a contemporary kitchen with integrated Bosch appliances and bespoke storage, ensure style and practicality. Residents also benefit from landscaped communal gardens, a rooftop terrace and excellent transport links. Available through Shared Ownership at £122,500 for a 25% share, the home provides an accessible route into a premium London location. Sustainability is embedded through low-carbon heating, helping to reduce running costs.
The two bedroom corner apartment at Royal Albert Wharf shows first time buyers they can have it all. Part of the well-established riverside neighbourhood in London’s vibrant Royal Docks, the apartment stands out as the perfect affordable home for first time buyers thanks to its location, amenities, space, light and design excellence. The apartment is available through Shared Ownership. Buyers can purchase an initial share of just 10% of the property, meaning they need only raise a 5% deposit from £2,475, incredible for a home 15 minutes from Canary Wharf and 30 from central London. Light floods the apartment’s dual-aspect, open-plan kitchen and living room, with glazed doors opening on to a balcony with premium river views and space to dine al fresco. Both bedrooms also provide spectacular river views. The sleek, elegant interior is the epitome of contemporary London living, with a Symphony kitchen, Bosch appliances, rainfall showers and Karndean flooring.
Sheepcote Road HA1 is a standout residential development in Harrow, completed in 2025, delivering 149 thoughtfully designed one bedroom homes for first time buyers in one of London’s most constrained housing markets. Developed by Pocket Living, the scheme offers eligible Londoners 100% ownership at a 20% discount to local market value, providing genuine stability and a clear route into long-term homeownership. Prices start from £262,000, significantly below comparable new builds in the area. Designed by Threefold Architects, the building draws inspiration from Harrow’s interwar high streets, expressed through a layered brick facade with rich tonal variation and crafted detailing. Inside, compact yet highly liveable apartments maximise daylight, storage and functionality, with generous windows, quality finishes and energy-efficient appliances. Residents benefit from co-working and social spaces, shared roof terraces with planting and seating, and a strong sense of community, proving that affordable homes can also be beautifully designed and aspirational.
Stories Wharf by Hyde New Homes is the latest addition in the transformation of The Royal Docks into a vibrant, thriving waterfront destination. This exceptional collection of Shared Ownership apartments offers stylish and spacious living for the aspirational first time buyer. Striking views of the River Thames and no corners cut when it comes to quality, this development offers a fantastic opportunity to buyers looking to own their first home. Apartment 1 is an incredible upper ground floor two bedroom apartment with parking. Integral to the design is a light-filled living/dining area and balcony 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 garden and two further roof terraces enabling residents to meet and relax, encouraging a strong sense of community.
Aqua Gardens at Royal Eden Docks E16 offers first time buyers the chance to own a beautifully designed home in one of London’s most exciting waterside neighbourhoods. Set within the regeneration of the Royal Docks, Aqua Gardens combines contemporary apartments with outstanding resident amenities and excellent connectivity, all made genuinely accessible through Shared Ownership. Homes are bright and spacious, featuring generous layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows and private outdoor space – ideal for modern living, working from home and everyday wellbeing. Residents enjoy access of up to 17 lifestyle-focused amenities, including wellness and fitness spaces, landscaped gardens, resident lounges and flexible workspaces, helping to reduce everyday costs while enhancing quality of life. Located moments from Custom House station and the Elizabeth Line, Aqua Gardens offers fast connections across London while remaining a calm, community focused place to live. It’s a smart, attainable first step on to the property ladder – without compromising on space, design or lifestyle.
Square Roots Kingston KT1 demonstrates how affordable housing can deliver the quality, design and lifestyle expected of private sale homes while remaining accessible to first time buyers. The two bedroom show apartment, The Tolworth at Apartment 46, provides 787 sq ft of carefully planned living space that maximises light, flexibility and comfort. Located on the seventh floor, features include a generous open-plan living, kitchen and dining space with access to a private balcony and stunning views across Kingston. A spacious principal bedroom, versatile second bedroom and integrated storage ensure flexibility for modern lifestyles including hybrid working. The high specification throughout reinforces the sense of quality and longevity. Buyers can purchase a 25% share for £137,500, requiring a deposit of £6,875. Located close to Richmond Park, Kingston High Street and the River Thames, the development also offers landscaped gardens, cycle storage and excellent transport links, creating an exceptional and attainable first home opportunity.
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN
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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.
To launch The View at Aspect, NHG’s Shared Ownership development in Croydon, Influenced by Oracle recommended an entirely different approach to property marketing. Rather than using traditional channels, it partnered with London creator Abraham Bunga (@abrahambunga, 470K+ followers) to produce a humour-led video addressing perceptions of Croydon head-on. His reel, “How people from London react when you tell them you’re moving to Croydon”, used satire to showcase the development’s genuine appeal: fast connections to central London, local lifestyle and the affordability of Shared Ownership. Deployed across TikTok and Instagram with a supporting paid media campaign, the content generated nearly 135,000 organic views, over 938,000 paid impressions and a 150% spike in daily leads, with a halo effect driving traffic across three further NHG developments. Comment sections sparked genuine community debate, with users independently championing Shared Ownership and reappraising Croydon. The results have since made the case for rolling the approach out across NHG’s entire London portfolio.
The “Write Your Own Headlines” campaign was a collaboration between Focus Agency Group and Square Roots, created to challenge the negative narrative around first time buyers in London and inspire confidence among those who see homeownership as out of reach. Rising deposits, the end of Help to Buy, and sensationalist media headlines have created both financial and psychological barriers. The campaign flipped this narrative by inviting buyers to “write their own headlines”, positioning Shared Ownership as an achievable route to ownership. Bold, visually striking messaging contrasted pessimistic news with a hopeful alternative, centred on “Homeownership proving possible for first time buyers.” Delivered through an integrated strategy across digital, social, programmatic, press, out-of-home and experiential activity, including the London Home Show, the campaign increased website traffic by 65% and generated 417 leads, a 20% uplift on the previous year. It continues to evolve with influencer and educational initiatives, supporting buyers throughout their journey.
Guinness Homes’ Meta “Coming Soon” pre-launch campaign for The Waterside redefined how paid social can deliver qualified enquiries ahead of a development’s launch. Facing delayed assets, a near empty leads database and a challenging market with higher mortgage rates, the campaign relied initially solely on Facebook and Instagram to build a strong pipeline of qualified enquiries before any other marketing activity was live. Using bespoke, platform native creative across multiple ad formats, and leveraging data-led insight and experience from previous phases, the campaign precisely targeted intended audiences, including first time buyers, to “stop the scroll” and create a high intent lead pipeline. This innovative creative media approach enabled first time buyers to register their early interest and demonstrated how smart, targeted paid social can drive real results even before a development is physically ready to sell.
BEST SHOW HOME
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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.
Located within the highly popular Zone at Oval Village development, this studio show apartment by Peabody and Focus Agency Group redefines what first time buyers can expect from London apartment living. This is a home designed for real life, not just for show, proving that apartment spaces can deliver style, flexibility, space and a genuine sense of home. Created for first time buyers, the design maximises every square metre through clever zoning, integrated storage and a seamless workspace that adapts throughout the day. A warm, layered palette of soft textures, sculptural forms and natural tones creates a space that feels both contemporary and welcoming. Furnished using accessible high street products, the apartment is designed to demonstrate how a premium look can be achieved within a realistic budget. The result is a confident, characterful home that connected instantly with buyers, as the apartment was sold within its first week.
Creating a show home that would demonstrate how first time buyers could maximise life in a studio apartment was the challenge for L&Q at Rockcliffe Square, a development of Manhattan studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments a short walk from Woolwich Elizabeth Line station in south east London. The brief was to deliver a compact home that’s aspirational, functional and full of personality – and most crucially, on a realistic budget. Capturing the vibrancy of the location, the studio, created in partnership with interior designers Suna, presents an eclectic, confident aesthetic. Bold colour choices of teal and coral are blended with textured neutrals and vibrant locally sourced artworks. Accessibly priced items from high street brands have been used throughout, while clever zoning shows how first time buyers can make this the perfect starter home. Testament to the appeal of the show home, the studio apartment has proven the most popular property type at Rockcliffe Square since launch – with all Shared Ownership studios now sold out.
Lombard Square’s stylish show home is shaped around the needs of first time buyers, giving couples and individuals an immediate sense of how to make an untouched London apartment feel contemporary, warm and uniquely theirs. The interior reflects Plumstead’s artistic identity, championing the idea that high-impact spaces can be achieved through creativity rather than expense. Thoughtful combinations of colour, texture and form introduce atmosphere and personality in ways that feel both inspiring and attainable. The living area shows how sociable, welcoming spaces can be created within a one bedroom apartment, while the bedroom offers a calm, characterful retreat through considered pattern and material choices. Balcony styling extends this sense of liveability outdoors, reflecting the value FTBs place on private outdoor space. Locally sourced art and accessories further embed the home within its context, resulting in a design that feels achievable, grounded and ready for its first owner.
When Hyde New Homes planned the launch of Riverside Square in the historic heart of Canterbury, the storytelling needed to consider the challenges a typical first time buyer faced in today’s market. This spacious two bedroom, two bathroom show apartment available through Shared Ownership and priced at £80,625 for a 25% share, displays an interior design where potential buyers could understand how best the space could be maximised for living, and one they could easily replicate themselves or complement using their own personal pieces. Paired with a contemporary specification, striking the balance between aspiration and affordability, the interior look was designed using accents of calm muted greens, burnt orange and warm stone, to reflect the ecology of its riverside location. With most of the soft furnishings, paint and accessories sought through high street retailers, a helpful display shows customers how they can easily recreate the show home’s decorative look, without breaking the bank.
St Mary’s Field is an all-affordable development in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, which only sells homes through schemes like Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy. A show home on this development needed to prove that homeownership isn’t a pipe dream, it can be affordable, stylish and achievable. The home was designed with a strict budget guided by the average Shared Ownership customer and used affordable high street pieces to create a sophisticated, multi-functional and stylish home that first time buyers can see themselves living in.
Latimer Homes and Focus Agency Group collaborated on the interior design and styling of this one bedroom show apartment at Printmakers Yard in Brentford to help first time buyers experience the home at its maximum potential while offering a realistic and achievable interior. Designed to stand out in a competitive local market, the apartment balances relaxation, entertaining and hybrid working within a compact footprint, offering an aspirational yet achievable design. Inspired by Brentford’s Creative Mile, riverside setting and independent spirit, the interior blends calming greens and blues with layered textures, soft organic forms and bold graphic accents. The space feels contemporary, characterful and emotionally engaging. The apartment was furnished using a carefully curated mix of high street and accessible products, demonstrating how buyers can recreate the look within a typical first time buyer budget. Clever zoning, integrated storage and a lifestyle-led terrace complete a distinctive, relatable and confidently liveable home.
BEST FIRST TIME BUYER FAMILY HOME
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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.
Set in the picturesque family-friendly East Sussex village of Ninfield, Ingrams Farm by Southern Housing New Homes offers first time buyers a rare opportunity to access spacious, high-quality family homes through Shared Ownership. Plot 1 is a standout four bedroom show home that sets a new benchmark for first time buyer living – available to buy with deposits starting from just over £6,000. Spanning 1,361 sq ft, it offers the scale, flexibility and comfort typically reserved for second-step homes, with a light-filled kitchen/dining space, separate living room, dedicated study and four generous bedrooms. High-spec finishes, a private garden and ample parking ensure it meets the demands of modern family life. Available from £120,625 for a 25% share, Plot 1 provides a genuinely affordable route to homeownership in this desirable rural village.
Designed with first time buyers in mind, Whitstable Heights by Hyde New Homes on the North Kent coast offers affordable family homes at a realistic price point through Shared Ownership. Built next to a swathe of woodland with endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, the three bedroom Shearwater offers a strong sense of place. A clever solution to contemporary family living, this two-storey home’s thoughtful design includes a separate kitchen and large open-plan lounge/dining area, opening out to a private garden. There’s an abundance of practical features including a wealth of kitchen storage, energy efficient appliances, quality flooring and parking. The layout of the development gives the sense of a close-knit, family-friendly community, while also providing a feeling of space through its communal green and play area. New pedestrian links providing quick access to Whitstable town centre, the beach and schools make this the perfect location for growing families.
The Poppies by Barratt David Wilson, in the Kent village of Aylesford, offers an outstanding and genuinely accessible start for first time buyers with its Holly family home available through Heylo’s Home Reach Shared Ownership scheme. Spacious and energy-efficient, the Holly offers 850 sq ft of flexible family living, a garden and parking with EV charger. Its dual-aspect, open-plan lounge, kitchen and diner stretches the full depth of the property, creating a bright, sociable heart of the home, and there is a handy WC. Upstairs lie two generous double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Attractively finished with flooring and integrated appliances included, the Holly is warm and eco-friendly, with solar PV panels, wastewater heat recovery, argon-filled double glazing and efficient insulation. Set within 19 acres of open space and strong local infrastructure, the 42 Holly homes start from £190,000 for a 50% share, offering sustainable, future-proofed family living at an attainable price.
Wykham Park is a standout new neighbourhood in Banbury, Oxfordshire, delivering high-quality, affordable homes for families in an area where rising prices continue to limit access to homeownership. Delivered by Park Properties Housing Association (PPHA) with Persimmon Homes, the scheme forms part of a wider 1,000-home leafy masterplan and has already provided 95 affordable homes, with a strong focus on family-sized living. At the heart of the entry is The Kingley, a three bedroom Shared Ownership home designed around real family lifestyles, combining flexible layouts, durable, low-maintenance finishes and private outdoor space. With prices starting from £170,000 for a 40% share, compared to the local average of £319,010, and deposits from £5,200, it offers a genuinely accessible route on to the property ladder. Demand has been exceptional, with 747 enquiries and most homes sold to first time buyers, demonstrating its success in delivering a well-connected, sustainable community where families can put down roots.
With Oxford consistently ranked among the UK’s most expensive places to buy a home – where the average two bedroom property has sold for around £428,568 in the past year – The Snowdrop at The Aviary offers first time buyer families a realistic and affordable route on to the property ladder. This two bedroom home combines contemporary design with practical, family-friendly layouts. An open-plan living and dining space opens directly on to a private rear garden, while a separate modern kitchen and downstairs WC support busy day-to-day living. Upstairs, two well-proportioned bedrooms and a stylish family bathroom provide flexibility as households grow. One of just three Snowdrop homes available, the property sits within The Aviary, a fully affordable development at the heart of the transformative Blackbird Leys regeneration. Buyers can secure a 25% share from £97,500, with deposits from £9,750. Monthly costs from £1,398 provide an alternative to renting locally, where average two bedroom rents reach £1,710.
The Dalby at Birch Fields is an exceptional three bedroom first time buyer family home, offering thoughtful design, energy efficiency and long-term affordability. Delivered by Jigsaw Homes Midlands within the 131 home Birch Fields development in Gedling, it provides an accessible route on to the property ladder through Shared Ownership, with prices from £265,000 to £268,500 and shares from 10%–75%. Designed for modern family living, The Dalby features a flexible ground floor layout, a bright living space with French doors to landscaped gardens, practical storage and a convenient downstairs WC. Upstairs, the three well-designed bedrooms include two good-sized singles and a generous main with en suite, complemented by a contemporary family bathroom. Available in both modular and traditional timber frame construction, The Dalby combines precision engineering with striking external finishes and sustainable features, including EV charging and optional PV panels or air source heat pumps. Located in amenity-rich, well-connected Arnold, it offers families a high-quality, future-ready first home.
BEST LARGE DEVELOPMENT
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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.
Springstead Village is redefining what sustainable, affordable housing can achieve in Cambridge. Delivered through a joint venture between Latimer and Bellway on a 138-acre former airfield, the scheme will provide 1,200 low-carbon homes by 2030, with 188 already completed. Of these, 40% of homes will be affordable, helping to address local housing need while enabling first time buyers to remain rooted in the community through Shared Ownership. An award-winning Design Code has embedded sustainability throughout the development. All homes are fossil fuel free and set within 27 acres of green space, including a central green corridor that supports biodiversity and enables the movement of wildlife across the scheme. The project’s success has been recognised by the council, describing it as “a model for low-carbon, nature-integrated living”. By delivering high-quality, low-carbon homes with excellent amenities, and rich natural habitats, Springstead Village sets a new benchmark for the future of affordable housing.
Forest Road E17 brings 90 genuinely affordable one bedroom homes to first time buyers in Walthamstow, transforming an under-used corner into a welcoming, community focused neighbourhood. Just across from Lloyd Park and William Morris Gallery, the scheme lets buyers stay close to work, family and friends, offering full ownership at 20% below local market value. Homes are compact but cleverly designed, with big windows, smart storage and flexible layouts that make every square metre count. Shared roof terraces, a sunny courtyard and landscaped gardens give residents places to relax, grow food and meet neighbours, while circulation spaces are designed for chance encounters and community connections. The building’s warm brick tones, soft curves and playful roofline give it character, fitting seamlessly into Walthamstow’s streets. Forest Road E17 proves that affordable homes can feel aspirational, social and rooted, perfect for first time buyers looking to put down real roots in their own corner of London.
Square Roots Kingston KT1 is an outstanding collection of 125 apartments delivered by Square Roots, the affordable housing provider of award-winning developer London Square, in one of south west London’s most sought-after locations. Homes are available from £98,750 for a 25% share and deposits from just £4,938; the development offers a genuinely accessible route on to the property ladder in a borough renowned for its Outstanding-rated schools, vibrant riverside town centre and excellent connectivity. Every apartment features a private balcony or terrace, premium specification throughout and access to outstanding green space, with Richmond Park just a seven-minute cycle away. Sustainability credentials include an EPC B rating and extensive cycle storage. Backed by a two-year customer care guarantee and a 10-year NHBC warranty, and supported by an award-winning programme of buyer engagement, Square Roots Kingston KT1 sets a new benchmark for Shared Ownership living.
Birch Fields is an outstanding large development that delivers 131 high-quality, 100% affordable homes, setting a benchmark for sustainable, community focused design. Delivered by Jigsaw Homes Midlands and part-funded by Homes England, it provides 85 homes for affordable rent and 46 for Shared Ownership, addressing local housing need. The development offers a balanced mix of two, three and four bedroom homes, with landscaped gardens, EV charging points and energy-efficient technologies including PV panels and air source heat pumps. A blend of modular and timber frame construction showcases precision engineering, environmental performance and contemporary architectural character. Thoughtfully planned streets, active frontages and high-quality landscaping create a safe, attractive and easily navigable neighbourhood. Set in the desirable setting of Arnold, with excellent amenities, green spaces and transport links, Birch Fields is an exemplar of design quality, sustainability and affordable housing delivery at scale.
BEST USE OF DIGITAL INNOVATION
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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.
Buyers completing on a £400,000 new build home are still being handed paper manuals. FredHUG by We Are Fred changes that entirely. FredHUG is a digital homeowner platform that replaces the traditional paper manual with a plot-specific hub – centralising warranties, documentation, maintenance guides, snagging tools and real-time developer updates in one intuitive, device-friendly platform. For homeowners, it mirrors the digital services they already use daily. For developers, the operational benefits are immediate: snagging requests routed automatically to customer care, cleaner audit trails, reduced paperwork and real-time information updates. Crucially, Balfour Beatty Homes now introduces FredHUG at reservation – building buyer confidence before contracts are even exchanged. After nearly four decades in housebuilding, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Mandy Soames, is unequivocal, “FredHUG is by far the best homes user guide I have worked with. It’s the way forward.” The homeowner manual is a legacy product. FredHUG is its replacement.
Stories Wharf by Hyde New Homes sets a benchmark for digital innovation in homebuying by combining AI-led visualisation with an interactive, self-service purchase journey designed around first time buyers. Hyde uses AI-enhanced imagery, immersive video walkthroughs and virtual staging to transform static listings into decision-support tools, helping customers confidently visualise space, layout and lifestyle and envisage themselves in their new home. Customers anticipate next steps in their buying journey by actively navigating through the My Hyde portal, tracking progress in real time, accessing and storing key documents, and revisiting next steps whenever needed, from home and at their own pace. CRM and Experience Cloud automates customised letters and delivers timely, consistent updates to both customers and sales team, freeing teams to focus on high-value customer support. The result is a transparent, customer-led experience that replaces uncertainty with clarity and significantly improves confidence throughout the homebuying process.
In spring 2025, Miller Homes set a new industry standard for innovation in new build digital marketing, launching a new customer website (millerhomes.co.uk) that introduced an array of innovative features to bring the adventure of buying a new home to life for house hunters across the UK, including 360° virtual development and home tours. With many first time buyers reserving their new homes off-plan, Miller Homes identified a need to provide customers with an immersive experience, where they could explore “true-to-life” virtual representations of developments and house types before they commit to reserving a new home. Miller Homes partnered with Edinburgh-based online property marketing specialist Pixel on a nationwide “Digital Twin” strategy to create a 24/7 immersive environment, where customers could visualise their future in their new home before a single brick had been laid.
December 2025 marked a significant milestone for UK home builder Vistry, as it launched its first ever TV ad campaign for Countryside Homes with a campaign, devised and implemented by Space & Time. The launch marked another first, with Vistry being the first advertiser within the property sector to use Channel 4’s “Generative AI” Smart Ad Engine for TV advertising, and only the second advertiser on Channel 4 to use this route.
BEST LAW FIRM FOR CONVEYANCING
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THIS AWARD CELEBRATES LAW FIRMS WITH OUTSTANDING CONVEYANCING PACKAGES FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS.
Conveyancing Designed Around First Time Buyers. We have delivered significant growth in our first time buyer conveyancing service while improving speed, certainty and customer experience. In 2025, we completed 4,486 first time buyer transactions – a 26.5% increase on the previous year, with first time buyers now representing over 40% of all completions. Despite this growth, average time to exchange improved from 70.1 days to 66.4 days, demonstrating our ability to scale efficiently while maintaining proactive case management. Our service is built around the needs of first time buyers. Clients benefit from transparent upfront pricing, extended weekday hours, Saturday availability, 24/7 portal access and modern communication via WhatsApp and text messaging. Educational support is also central to our approach, including dedicated brochures, jargon-busting guides and a targeted social media campaign that achieved over 25,000 views. By combining operational efficiency, clear communication and educational support, we help first time buyers navigate the conveyancing process with confidence while delivering strong outcomes for developers and registered providers.
Shared Direction Conveyancing has rapidly become one of the UK’s standout conveyancing firms, transforming the experience for first time buyers nationwide. Since launching in August 2023, we’ve built a strong reputation in new build and Shared Ownership transactions, combining specialist expertise, national reach and exceptional customer care.
In under two years, SDC has partnered with over 190 housing associations and local authorities while delivering industry-leading transaction volumes. Our clients consistently rate us among the top 2% of conveyancing firms – clear evidence of our quality and commitment.
SDC makes buying a home simpler and less stressful through transparent pricing, fixed fees and fee protection, giving buyers confidence over costs. Our structured communication, secure digital systems and proactive support ensure clarity and peace of mind at every stage.
Already award-winning, SDC continues to set new standards – making us a deserving choice for your vote.
At PCS Legal, we provide a clear, supportive and transparent conveyancing journey delivered by highly skilled teams who understand the challenges first time buyers face in the fast-moving property market. With over 200 professionals across six branches, we combine two decades of legal expertise with modern technology to deliver a service that goes beyond the transaction. Our in-house platform MovinMe allows clients to conveniently track progress, upload documents, and complete ID checks and payments online. The result? Faster completions, fewer delays and satisfied clients. We offer transparent pricing, comprehensive support and guidance, including educational resources: podcasts, social media content, consultations and seminars at first time buyer events. Everything we do is rooted in trust, care and quality. We don’t just help people buy homes – we help them feel informed, empowered and supported throughout their journey. That’s why we believe PCS Legal is the best choice for first time buyers.
BEST OFF-PLAN DEVELOPMENT
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THIS AWARD WILL BE LOOKING TO RECOGNISE A DEVELOPMENT THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN BUILT/COMPLETED BUT OFFERS GREAT POTENTIAL TO FIRST TIME BUYERS.
Spring Acres, in the popular village of Bapchild near to Sittingbourne in Kent, is an outstanding offering for the first time buyer market. The provision of much-needed family homes in a countryside location, good local schools and connectivity, high quality specification and affordability have proven to be a winning combination that offers great potential to first time buyers. Hyde’s award-winning levels of customer care, first class show homes and marketing suite technology ensures that first time buyers are guided smoothly through the off-plan buying process with 90% of all homes to date being snapped up ahead of completion. When the final phase of Spring Acres completes in late 2026, it will include a collection of 121 new Shared Ownership homes. Designed with harmony in mind, the development features inviting public spaces and peaceful outdoor areas with a focus on a natural retreat for residents and the local community.
The Waterside by Guinness Homes is a standout off-plan development in Bromley-by-Bow, offering first time buyers a rare opportunity to access high-quality homes in a well-connected Zone 2 location. Set along the River Lea, the scheme combines a distinctive canalside setting with views towards historic Three Mills Island. Designed with accessibility and choice at its core, The Waterside delivers a balanced tenure mix including Shared Ownership, Private Sale and Social Rent, alongside a range of studios, apartments and townhouses. What truly sets the development apart is its best-in-class off-plan experience. A state-of-the-art marketing suite, interactive 3D digital platform, CGI and virtual tours provide buyers with a clear, immersive understanding of their future home. Combining thoughtful design, genuine affordability and an industry-leading customer journey, The Waterside offers first time buyers not just a home, but the confidence to buy off-plan in a competitive London market.
Southmere Phase 2 is an off-plan collection of 329 contemporary homes set beside Southmere Lake, forming part of Peabody’s long-term commitment to the regeneration of Thamesmead. Designed with first time buyers at its core, the scheme offers modern, well-specified one, two and three bedroom homes through accessible tenures, including Shared Ownership, with deposits from £8,313 and monthly outgoings from £1,175. Currently being delivered in partnership with Lovell Homes and due for practical completion in late 2026, buyers can secure a home ahead of completion while benefiting from a clear, guided and supportive purchase journey. Each home features a modern layout, private balcony or terrace, strong specification and future-focused design to support contemporary living. Residents will also benefit from new civic spaces, cultural infrastructure and an expanding amenity offer centred around Cygnet Square and The Nest community building library, helping to create a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood designed for long-term growth and community living.
BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME
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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.
Fulham Quarter in Fulham is a landmark development by Upstream Homes, the development arm of London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, expertly blending energy efficiency and affordability in one of London’s most desirable postcodes. The 100% affordable mixed-use scheme consists of 134 one, two and three bedroom apartments alongside communal gardens and a children’s play area. A redevelopment of the former Hartopp Point and Lannoy Point towers, which were demolished for health and safety reasons, Fulham Quarter has sustainably transformed this pocket of West London. The EPC A rated development has been designed to meet the Passivhaus Classic standard, a rigorous building performance measure focused on ultra-low energy use and high comfort, ultimately delivering lower bills for first time buyers, as well as higher protection from rising energy prices. The innovative approach to delivering this high-performing development demonstrates how low-energy construction can directly benefit first time buyers, while still offering a stylish, contemporary and desirable development in a fantastic location.
Springstead Village is redefining what sustainable, affordable housing can achieve in Cambridge. Delivered through a joint venture between Latimer and Bellway on a 138-acre former airfield, the scheme will provide 1,200 low-carbon homes by 2030, with 188 already completed. Of these, 40% of homes will be affordable, helping to address local housing need while enabling first time buyers to remain rooted in the community through Shared Ownership. An award-winning Design Code has embedded sustainability throughout the development. All homes are fossil fuel free and set within 27 acres of green space, including a central green corridor that supports biodiversity and enables the movement of wildlife across the scheme. The project’s success has been recognised by the council, describing it as “a model for low-carbon, nature-integrated living”. By delivering high-quality, low-carbon homes with excellent amenities, and rich natural habitats, Springstead Village sets a new benchmark for the future of affordable housing.
Abbey Quay by Weston Homes offers contemporary, EPC B-rated apartments that make energy-efficient, sustainable living truly attainable for first time buyers. Weston Homes’ fabric-first approach reduces energy use by design. Homes utilise a Modern Methods of Construction panellised system from British Offsite, Weston Group’s manufacturing division. Its precision-engineered UNisystem – combining windows, doors and insulation – is fitted on-site in 15 minutes, cutting build times by 30% and reducing lorry movements while ensuring homes are supremely airtight to offset rising energy prices. Energy-efficient appliances, water-saving smart taps and individually controlled heating from a sustainable district heating system ensure homes, starting from £319,995, are aspirational and economical. This 15-minute urban village features an on-site gym and supermarket, tree-lined walkways and podium gardens. Combining high-performing materials with integrated biodiversity—including green/brown roofs and bird/bat boxes—Abbey Quay provides a low-impact community where residents can thrive, proving that energy efficiency and nature-rich living go hand-in-hand.
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH
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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.
Setting a new benchmark for design-led, community-focused housing that is genuinely accessible to first-time buyers, EdCity is a pioneering mixed-use development in the heart of White City, London. Delivered by the Upstream Homes, the development arm of, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, the development blends high-quality architecture with social purpose, redefining how a development can seamlessly integrate education, innovation and affordable living. It is a blueprint for how London should deliver affordable housing in the future. Set in one of London’s most expensive boroughs, EdCity proudly delivers a 100% truly affordable housing programme, bringing high‑quality homes to the people who need them most. From social housing supporting the most vulnerable residents, to Intermediate Rent prioritising the key workers who keep the city running, to Shared Ownership homes with deposits starting from just over £5,000 – a remarkable £65,000 below the local average – EdCity is opening doors for households who would otherwise be priced out of the area.
Ashmere is a flagship new neighbourhood within Ebbsfleet Garden City, the UK’s first Garden City in 100 years, which is transforming 2,500 acres of brownfield land into 15,000 homes shaped around high-quality design, healthy living and extensive green infrastructure. Delivered as a joint venture between Latimer and Vistry, Ashmere will provide 2,600 homes by 2036, alongside schools, shops, green spaces and sustainable transport links. Designed in line with the Building for a Healthy Life framework, every home meets Nationally Described Space Standards and benefits from high-quality specification. Built on a former chalk quarry, the architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and local vernacular, creating a contemporary yet distinctive place rooted in Kent’s heritage. With 25% affordable homes, accessible Shared Ownership options and exceptional sales success – including 80% first time buyers – Ashmere is setting a new benchmark for delivering affordable, high-quality, low-carbon homes at scale within a well-connected, green community.
The Waterside by Guinness Homes is a distinctive new development in Bromley-by-Bow, offering a collection of studio, one, two and three bedroom homes – including two townhouse collections, each comprising three homes, all featuring private terraces and far-reaching views across London – in a unique canalside setting. Designed with first time buyers in mind, the scheme delivers a balanced tenure mix including Shared Ownership, Private Sale and Social Rent, ensuring accessibility remains at its core. Set along the River Lea, private balconies, terraces and considered public spaces with ample outdoor seating create a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Residents benefit from a growing neighbourhood with on-site amenities, alongside excellent transport links via Bromley-by-Bow station. The development also demonstrates a strong commitment to community, supporting local schools, training initiatives and employment opportunities. Combining design quality, affordability and meaningful placemaking, The Waterside offers buyers the opportunity to be part of a vibrant east London community.
Prime Point at Greenwich Peninsula is a landmark new development by L&Q that successfully combines high-quality design with genuine affordability; notably, 70% of homes are affordable, with the vast majority of purchasers to date being first time buyers. Comprising 476 homes in a prime Zone 2/3 London location, and offering panoramic views across the capital, the scheme offers a diverse mix of affordable tenures, including Shared Ownership and London Living Rent. Architecturally distinctive, the development features striking bronze-framed towers alongside more intimate residential buildings set within landscaped surroundings. High construction standards and energy-efficient design help reduce long-term living costs. Beyond the homes, residents benefit from strong transport links, extensive local amenities and thoughtfully designed communal spaces, fostering a vibrant community. With deposits starting from just £8,600, Prime Point demonstrates how well-designed, sustainable housing can remain attainable in one of London’s most desirable areas.
Wharf Twenty One in Shoreham-by-Sea is a transformative riverside development by Southern Housing New Homes, delivering genuinely affordable homes to this major regeneration scheme on the South Coast. Remarkably, 100% of homes in early phases were offered as affordable housing, including Shared Ownership options that enable buyers to step on to the ladder with low deposits and competitive monthly costs. The success can be seen through the high proportion of first time buyers and local residents who now live at Wharf Twenty One. Set along the River Adur, the development has revitalised a formerly inaccessible industrial site into a vibrant waterfront community. The scheme combines strong architectural design – drawing on local art deco heritage – with practical, modern interiors and resilient materials suited to the coastal environment. Beyond housing, Wharf Twenty One enhances community life through new public spaces, a riverside promenade and future commercial amenities, while excellent transport links and access to both coast and countryside make it a highly desirable place to live.
Bellway has made buying a highly energy-efficient new house – with a beautiful new country park on the doorstep and within easy commuting distance of central London – attainable for first time buyers in Stevenage at its Forster Park development. Two and three bedroom houses make up more than three-quarters of the private homes being built by Bellway at the 400-home development, with 49% of customers to date those taking their first step on the property ladder. The development also includes a new local centre, with a Tesco Express already open, and a 90-acre country park inspired by the writings of EM Forster, whose childhood home is situated within the neighbouring conservation area. Bellway is also helping to fund the construction of a new primary school. Forster Park pays homage to the past while creating a new community which will provide homes for first time buyers in Stevenage now and into the future.
BEST NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH
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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.
Moorfield Park in Poulton-le-Fylde offers exceptional new build homes from the renowned housebuilder Jones Homes which are affordable for first time buyers. The development features a variety of two to five bedroom properties encompassing 25 different house styles, catering for a wide range of needs and budgets – including homes to buy at 80% of their market value. Built using traditional materials carefully chosen to reflect the character of the surrounding area, the homes at Moorfield Park feature a high specification and innovative green technologies, such as solar PV panels and waste-water recovery heat systems, to keep emissions and energy bills down. Buyers here also have the benefit of living in an extremely convenient location, just one mile from Poulton’s thriving town centre, with direct trains to Preston and Manchester, and five miles from the coast, while the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District is only an hour’s drive away.
L&Q at Victoria Riverside isn’t just a place to call home, it’s a lifestyle. Bringing a design-led collection of 128 one and two bedroom Shared Ownership apartments alongside exclusive resident services and amenities, L&Q at Victoria Riverside offers an unrivalled opportunity for first time buyers in Manchester. Housed within the 17-storey City View tower and offering breathtaking views, the 100% affordable development marries innovation, quality, convenience and affordability in a central, well-connected location. Ensuring genuine affordability for first time buyers looking to live in the city centre, homes at L&Q at Victoria Riverside are available with deposits starting from just over £6,000 – almost 75% less than the average for first time buyers in Manchester.
Bellway’s Roman Court and Falcon Grove developments are providing attainable and energy-efficient homes for first time buyers in Newcastle upon Tyne. Located in Lower Callerton, a designated Neighbourhood Growth Area situated just six miles from the city centre, the two developments comprise 235 new homes for private sale, ranging from one bedroom apartments to five bedroom houses. More than half of the homes are either apartments or two and three bedroom houses to cater for the first time buyer market. The inclusion of 14 different house styles and four apartment designs create a distinctive street scene, while the homes benefit from green technologies such as solar PV panels, electric vehicle charging points and waste-water heat recovery systems. Sustainably located within a mile of shops, nurseries and schools, the development is also set to feature a convenience store and allotments on its doorstep, as well as a bus service for public transport to the city centre.
BEST SUPPLIER TO THE FIRST TIME BUYER MARKET
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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.
Censeo Financial has been a dedicated specialist in the first time buyer market for over 18 years, with a particular focus on Shared Ownership – a tenure it has supported through both market growth and periods of uncertainty.
Founded in 2007, Censeo entered a market where Shared Ownership was often poorly understood, under-supported by lenders and complex for buyers to navigate. Since then, the business has remained firmly committed to improving access to homeownership, working closely with housing associations, lenders and policymakers to help establish Shared Ownership as a mainstream, viable route on to the property ladder.
This long-standing commitment is reflected not only in longevity, but in consistency. While many providers have entered and exited the market, Censeo has remained focused on first time buyers “through thick and thin”, continuously refining its service to meet evolving customer expectations and market conditions.
By the side of purchasers since 2013, the Share to Buy property portal has generated over 3.5 million enquiries, firmly establishing its position as the UK’s leading portal for affordable homeownership. In 2026, the platform continues to evolve in response to changing buyer needs.
Since launch, Share to Buy has supported over 772,000 registered users in their journey towards homeownership. Unrivalled in both its volume of properties and wealth of impartial informative content, at any one time on Share to Buy there are almost 8,000 homes listed – including Shared Ownership, Discount Full Ownership, London Living Rent and select Private Sale homes. This is by far the largest number of affordable homeownership listings in one place, outstripping Rightmove and Zoopla.
Share To Buy hosts The London Home Show, which showcases the best of affordable homes across the city and Home Counties. An exceptional resource for first time buyers, the free event presents buyers with the opportunity to speak face-to-face with housing experts, mortgage advisers and solicitors, and attend expert Q&A sessions.
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 on to the property ladder.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
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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.
Guinness Homes is redefining affordable housing through innovation, transparency and customer care. Guinness places first time buyers at the heart of everything it does – designing, building and marketing homes that make ownership achievable and enjoyable. From design features and inclusive community amenities to interactive digital tools that bring developments to life, every detail reflects its drive to simplify and enrich the homebuying journey. Its commitment to great service, great homes and great communities underpins why Guinness Homes stands out as a leading force for accessible ownership and consideration for Affordable Housing Provider of the Year.
As the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest affordable housing provider, Latimer exists to address one of the UK’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of high-quality, genuinely affordable homes. Over the past year, Latimer completed 1,462 new homes and started a further 2,054. Of these, 80% were provided through affordable tenures, adding to a managed portfolio of around 125,000 affordable homes nationwide. First time buyers benefit from low deposit Shared Ownership options and targeted financial incentives, enabling access to high-quality homes in sought-after developments. Residents are supported with best in class customer service, recognised with Gold at the In-house Research Customer Satisfaction Awards for four consecutive years. Through its projects delivered in 2025, Latimer demonstrated that delivering affordable homes for first time buyers doesn’t mean compromising standards of living. Through high-quality, low carbon homes supported by strong amenities and nature-led placemaking, Latimer is setting a new benchmark for the delivery of sustainable, affordable housing at scale.
Pocket exists to solve one of London’s most persistent housing challenges: the growing group of people who earn too much for social housing yet remain locked out of buying on the open market. Founded 20 years ago, Pocket pioneered a genuinely new model of homeownership, delivering high-quality, one bedroom homes at a discount to market value and creating a clear, supported route on to the property ladder. To date, around 1,700 first time buyers, many of them key workers, have bought their first home through Pocket and been able to stay in the city they serve. As pressures on renters intensified, Pocket expanded its customer-first approach into discounted market rent and, in 2026, launched Pocket Together: a new shared living affordability class for young professionals and key workers. Backed by research into the mental health impacts of housing stress and piloted through a 92-home scheme with Lambeth Council, Pocket continues to design homes and tenures around real lives, real incomes and long-term sustainability.
PRIVATE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR
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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.
Independent housebuilder Dandara creates beautiful new homes across the UK. Properties, starting from just £152,995, are built using traditional craft skills, with architectural detailing that is varied to suit local communities. Inside, they are carefully finished with a high-level of specification, including contemporary fitted kitchens and stylish bathrooms. Most feature a private turfed garden and all have a driveway, garage or parking. Dandara is renowned for its customer service, rated the top developer in the country by Trustpilot, with 91% of customers giving it five stars. It has also achieved 5* status in the Home Builders Federation (HBF) New Homes Survey six years in a row, and won more than 100 industry awards for design and quality. With superb sales information, show homes, a range of tenures, and incentives including contributions to deposits, energy costs, Stamp Duty along with mortgage help, Dandara demonstrates its long-term commitment to supporting first time buyers.
London Square is an award-winning developer committed to making homeownership a reality for first time buyers across Greater London. Through its affordable housing arm, Square Roots Shared Ownership brand, 146 first time buyers completed purchases in 2025, supported by mortgage workshops, financial education and one-to-one guidance. Strong partnerships with local councils and housing associations underpin affordable housing delivery, with a tenure-blind approach ensuring every buyer benefits from the same high standards of design, specification and service. Innovative outreach, including a partnership with @TheGirliesGuide and the Write Your Own Headlines campaign, breaks down barriers and builds confidence among underrepresented buyers. Attendance at the London Home Shows generated 756 leads in 2025. This commitment is reinforced by a Platinum Award from In-house Research in 2026 and Gold for previous seven consecutive years. Backed by Aldar, London Square continues to expand across the capital, combining quality homes, community values and an industry leading safety record.
Award-winning family-owned developer Weston Homes delivers on its promise that homes are “Built with passion, delivered with pride”. It uses cutting-edge modern methods of construction to create properties that are beautifully designed, sustainable and superbly well-equipped, with an unrivalled specification. Each development, such as flagship Abbey Quay, offers easy access to transport, green spaces and leisure, and provides appealing communal spaces to build vibrant communities. With over half of its customers being first time buyers, Weston Homes specialises in a customer journey that supports buyers every step of the way. Beginning with crystal clear websites with costs fully explained and downloadable brochures, first time buyers can explore their options in stylish marketing suites, staffed by friendly experts in first time buyer schemes. Communication continues through purchase and beyond, independently verified with a 4.5 score on Trustpilot and an In-house Research Gold Award for customer service confirming 96% of customers would recommend Weston Homes.
