RESI Awards 2026 winners: Triumph through tribulation

More than 900 leading lights from the UK residential property sector gathered at London’s Grosvenor House hotel last week to celebrate particularly hard-fought-for success against the backdrop of geopolitical, economic and industry-specific challenges over the past 12 months.

The RESI Awards – now in their 15th year – recognised excellence across 28 categories.

In her opening speech, Property Week’s deputy editor Mel Flaherty said she applauded “anybody who has cracked on and got stuff done over the past year – and all of you who are working so hard to make schemes stack up against such difficult odds”.

She then handed the stage to the event’s charity partner Furnishing Futures, which fits out and furnishes social housing provided to women and children escaping domestic abuse. Their presentation included a moving personal story of the impact of the charity’s work by a beneficiary who bravely told her story on stage, using a pseudonym to protect her identity.

Guests dug deep, spending more than £11,000 on auction bids and on a spin-the-wheel game. The awards’ headline partner, RentGuarantor, donated a further £9,000 to take the total to £20,699.

Comedian Maisie Adam hosts the 2026 RESI Awards

Comedian Maisie Adam kept guests entertained

Property Week editor Lem Bingley then announced the induction of industry veteran Geeta Nanda to the RESI Awards Hall of Fame before guests tucked into a three-course meal.

Comedian Maisie Adam, known for her stand-up as well as her appearances on shows including Have I Got News for You, Taskmaster and Last One Laughing, entertained the audience before handling the awards ceremony itself with aplomb.

After the formalities had ended, attendees enjoyed the festival-style theme, including three separate tribute bands playing hits by Queen, Oasis and Abba.

Congratulations to all of the evening’s winners, details of whom are featured below.

Best Residential Design (over 300 units)

Sponsored by Ringley Group

WINNER: Guildford Plaza – RUFFARCHITECTS

Guildford Plaza – RUFFARCHITECTS The Guildford Plaza co-living scheme in Surrey caught the panel’s attention for its social infrastructure, high living standards and aesthetic.

Spread over 118,401 sq ft across four buildings in Guildford town centre, the development features a range of amenities for residents including a gym, a yoga studio and co-working spaces alongside meeting rooms, private workstations and cinema rooms.

Built on a sloping site along Portsmouth Road, the buildings are linked around a central courtyard, with RUFFARCHITECTS’ designs responding to the individual characteristics of the surrounding listed buildings and the wider conservation area.

It also features street frontages to enhance semi-private and public pedestrian connectivity across the site. Sustainability is also key, with the project targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.

The judges said Guildford Plaza benefited from good urban design and use of brick. They praised the firm for creating a “very strong co-living response to a constrained, long-derelict site, with clear organisation, good townscape ‘manners’ and convincing social infrastructure”.

Best Residential Design (under 300 units)

Sponsored by Ringley Group

WINNER: Tillydrone – Oberlanders Architects

Tillydrone – Oberlanders Architects The Tillydrone affordable housing project, located on a former brownfield site in Aberdeen, includes 70 new affordable homes alongside a range of landscaped amenity spaces, such as communal outdoor spaces with seating areas and raised flower beds.

Of the 70 homes, 15% are fully wheelchair accessible, with all units supporting the varying needs of residents. Tillydrone also uses digital connection technology to support homeworking as well as thermal performance, which meets Energy Saving Trust standards.

The judges praised the Tillydrone scheme for its “outstanding” affordable homes that “push performance, adaptability and long-term liveability without over-complication”.

The panel also commended Oberlanders Architects for its approach to design standards and sustainability, adding that Tillydrone’s “aesthetics are purposeful rather than showy”.

They said: “The holistic Passivhaus-informed approach, ageing and dementia consideration, and disassembly thinking are rare. This contemporary scheme is future-proofed for varying needs with a good range of homes.”

Deal of the Year

WINNER: Stone Yard – Moda Living

Stone Yard – Moda Living Last summer, Moda Living, in partnership with Aviva Capital Partners, agreed a major £200m investment deal with Homes England, NatWest and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support the delivery of the 1,000-home Stone Yard scheme in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Now under construction, the development is set to include 1,400 sq ft of amenity spaces, comprising co-working areas, gyms, studio spaces, lounges and private dining rooms, alongside an additional 20,000 sq ft of new commercial space.

The funding package includes debt financing from NatWest and Homes England via the Home Building Fund, which is being used to deliver the scheme’s first 605-home phase.

WMCA provided the brownfield grant funding, enabling Moda Living to increase the project’s affordable housing provision to 20%.

The scheme was praised by the judges for its “strong ESG credentials” and “commitment to tenure-blind affordable housing, accessibility and long-term social value”.

They also said the “benchmark deal demonstrates market impact outside London”.

Highly commended: Student Homes Management

Large Financier of the Year (over 250 employees)

WINNER: Lloyds

Lloyds logo Lloyds operates across the UK housing ecosystem, providing financial services to support development, access, protection and improvement. The bank has demonstrated an impressive track record in deals, winning this award for the third year in a row.

Alongside the appointment of Matt Burgess as chief executive of its housing arm Lloyds Living, the financier completed an impressive number of deals, which “it should be proud of”, the judges said.

These include the acquisition of the 610-home private rented sector portfolio from Start Living, bringing Lloyds Living’s total portfolio to around 7,300 properties.

Lloyds also made serious moves in the retrofitting space, partnering with Sovereign Network Group on a £100m loan to retrofit 15,000 homes across southern, western and eastern England.

The panel commended Lloyds’ “bold and innovative approach to property and housing finance”, highlighting its loans, National Wealth Fund‑backed green retrofit finance product and AI‑enabled retrofit decision‑making tools.

Shortlist: Barclays | OakNorth Bank | Paragon Banking Group

Specialist Financier of the Year (under 250 employees)

WINNER: Venn Partners

Venn Partners team Venn Partners is a specialist lender with a focus on European residential investment strategies, supporting a mix of global institutions and private investors. It manages more than £10bn across four strategies in the UK, as well as a residential mortgage strategy in the Netherlands.

Venn is passionate about its ESG ambitions and is a signatory of the British Property Federation (now Real Estate: UK) Net Zero Pledge. As judged, Venn was part of Singaporean real estate manager ESR Group, but Universities Superannuation Scheme is in the process of buying a majority stake in the business.

The judges commended Venn for its impressive range of investments across social and affordable housing tenures over the year and praised its role in the government’s Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme.

The panel said: “Its £1.4bn deployment under the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme and reopening of the Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme underline Venn’s central role in supporting government housing policy and large‑scale delivery. Venn is a standout contender combining innovation, execution strength and societal impact.”

Professional Services Team of the Year

WINNER: Cast Consultancy

Cast Consultancy team Founded in 2016, Cast is a specialist construction and residential-led consultancy with a big focus on its modern methods of construction accreditation platform.

Cast also drives sustainable change in the development and construction industry, while its market leadership and research teams help the firm provide better solutions for developers, investors, policymakers and the supply chain.

The judging panel agreed the consultancy demonstrated obvious client trust and delivered a strong “performance in a challenging market”. The judges also praised Cast’s “highly influential” leadership team, which has contributed to national guidance, policy and regulation across the residential sector.

The panel hailed Cast’s sense of innovation, expertise and volume of repeat clients, as well as its “significant ESG achievements including low‑carbon and Passivhaus work” alongside a “strong industry‑wide lasting impact through research and national reform”.

Other highlights include the consultancy’s positive approach to equity, diversity and inclusion across the business.

Property Manager of the Year

Sponsored by SRVO

WINNER: Scape

Scape student accommodation - lounge Scape is a purpose-built student accommodation provider with a focus on amenities and a strong commitment to remediation.

Founded in 2012, Scape has a range of beautifully designed and fully furnished developments across London, Leeds and Guildford. Its portfolio currently comprises more than 7,500 beds in operation, development and planning.

Across 2025, Scape built on its success with major project milestones in London and Leeds, including the opening of Scape Hammersmith and the completion of the 693-bed Scape Leeds development.

However, it was Scape’s focus on building safety that caught the judges’ attention, having a strong commitment to fire safety and repairs.

The panel applauded its portfolio-wide fire compliance, with A1/B1 ratings and zero outstanding remediation cases. The judges said Scape’s “early preparation for evolving legislation demonstrates real commitment to protecting residents and assets”.

They added: “Scape’s high rebooking and referral rates, sector-leading occupancy and extremely low debt levels show that loyalty is being earned day after day.”

Legal Team of the Year

WINNER: Freeths’ housebuilding and strategic land team

Freeths team Innovation, personal development through a collaboration model, significant growth, key industry hires and ESG commitments alongside a range of other programmes marked Freeths as the clear winner in the judges’ eyes.

Spread across 13 offices in England and Scotland, the firm provides a vast range of client services, including advice on strategic land, joint ventures, acquisitions and development of residential estates.

Over the year, the firm bolstered its team with new appointments including new senior partners, as well as reappointments with leading housebuilders such as Bellway, Berkeley Group and Taylor Wimpey.

Last summer, the firm also launched a new planning practice in Birmingham as part of ongoing plans to expand its planning and environment group.

The judges agreed that Freeths’ housebuilding and strategic land team had the “best submission by some distance”, highlighting its innovative use of AI throughout the year, particularly with large clients such as Taylor Wimpey.

Residential Retrofit Scheme of the Year

WINNER: Lloyds Living with Octopus Energy

Retrofit homes Lloyds Living and Octopus Energy joined forces last year to help households install ‘free’ heat pumps, in a bid to bring Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings up and energy bills down. Lloyds covered the cost of the new heat pumps, while Octopus dealt with the installations.

Alongside lower energy costs, the air-source heat pumps provide a range of benefits including lower carbon emissions, better air quality and, according to Lloyds, a much cosier home.

The scheme ran between October and November for Lloyds’ mortgage customers as well as its club members.

But this was just the latest achievement of the long-term partnership between Lloyds and Octopus. The eco home reward scheme has already helped deliver more than 5,000 energy-efficient home improvements for Lloyds customers by installing technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage and insulation.

The judges hailed the heat pump scheme as this year’s clear winner thanks to its positive aspirations and great EPC ambitions.

Affordable Housing Award (over 500 units)

WINNER: Legal & General Affordable Homes

Legal & General Affordable Homes team Legal & General’s affordable homes division hit some major milestones in 2025, not least surpassing £1.2bn worth of commitments to deliver new-build housing.

Having delivered 1,000 homes within a year, the division now has around 7,500 units under management, with a targeted pipeline exceeding 3,000 homes by the end of 2026. In October, it set out ambitions to create 10,000 new social and affordable homes by 2030.

In five years’ time, the division hopes to expand this even further, targeting 18,000 homes under management. As well as its delivery achievements, the judges welcomed its focus on ESG and customer relations.

The panel noted: “Backed by long‑term pension capital, Legal & General demonstrates how institutional investment can meaningfully accelerate affordable housing delivery while maintaining exceptional quality, sustainability and tenant support.

“The model is distinguished by its blended-tenure approach, capped rents, customer support funds and flexible staircasing, delivering enduring-affordability homes across diverse communities.”

Shortlist: Abode Living | Latimer by Clarion Housing Group | Muse | SNG

Affordable Housing Award (under 500 units)

Sponsored by Cripps

WINNER: Resonance Community Developers Fund

YorSpace development team at Lowfield Green, York Resonance Community Developers is a social impact fund that works with communities to provide affordable housing, sports and leisure facilities and renewable energy generation.

The fund looks to support families, providing them with highly insulated housing to reduce their energy bills, while also creating new community hubs across Cornwall, Gloucestershire and the North West.

The judges highlighted the fund’s support for the YorSpace development at Lowfield Green, York, which helped “transform a long‑stalled community-led housing vision into reality”.

The panel hailed the scheme as “inspiring”, delivering permanently affordable homes in one of the UK’s least affordable areas via its “innovative and co‑operative model”.

The judges added: “With Passivhaus principles, One Planet Living standards and a governance structure that places residents at the heart of decision‑making, this project sets a new benchmark for inclusive, sustainable, community-owned affordable housing.

“It shows what is possible when bold financing, environmental ambition and genuine local empowerment come together.”

Large Developer of the Year (over 1,000 units)

Sponsored by Brookbanks

WINNER: Berkeley Group

Berkeley Homes scheme CGI

Berkeley Group is one of the largest housebuilders operating in the UK today.

In the six months to 31 October, the group delivered more than 2,000 new homes across a range of sectors including private for-sale and build-to-rent housing.

It is now targeting pre-tax profits of £450m for the year with a net cash position of around £300m. In the last 12 months, the group broke ground at the 556-home Trillium scheme in Westminster and signed a £2.2bn agreement to develop Birmingham’s 6,000- to 7,000-home Ladywood masterplan.

A leadership reshuffle saw the group’s chief executive Rob Perrins take up the role of executive chair, with Neil Eady appointed as its new chief financial officer.

The judges hailed the group as a leader in housing with a “compelling” regeneration and brownfield-first approach, backed by credible public sector endorsement and strong customer quality metrics.

The panel said: “The group’s ESG is best in class, especially biodiversity and climate disclosure, and its delivery is substantial and complex.”

Shortlist: Barratt Redrow | Bellway | Latimer by Clarion Housing Group | Peabody

Specialist Developer of the Year

WINNER: Stories

Stories - the team at the mixed-use developer Founded in 2018, Stories is a specialist mixed-use developer that works with landowners to deliver residential, commercial and community projects across the country.

Functioning as a developer, development manager and strategic adviser, Stories has been praised for its sustainable-first approach and prioritisation of ESG alongside a big focus on affordable housing delivery.

In the last 12 months, the developer secured planning permission for its Mill Hill redevelopment project in Barnet, north London, which will comprise 130 affordable and market build-to-rent homes on top of an existing car park.

Stories also has strong institutional joint ventures with industry heavyweights including Aviva and Duchy and civic partners, as well as a healthy development pipeline of 1,000 new homes.

The judges said Stories’ credibility, strong institutional partnership model and live pipeline made it the clear winner for this year’s award.

They also applauded the developer’s strong diversity and inclusion narrative, with a majority-female workforce, as well as its commitments on social value and ESG approaches.

Shortlist: Bourne Homes | City Sanctuary | Fernham Homes | Kinland | Romal Capital

BTR Developer of the Year

Sponsored by KS4 Consulting

WINNER: Vertus

Vertus lobby Vertus, the build-to-rent (BTR) development arm of Canary Wharf Group, provides high-end, professionally managed apartments across a range of unit types.

Over the last 12 months, the developer completed the first 310 apartments at its Charter Street development, with another 446 set for completion this year. The scheme also includes a range of amenities such as resident lounges, a games room, dining rooms, co-working spaces, a gym and guest suites.

Vertus was hailed as an “inspiring” developer by the judging panel, with a “real attention to what the customer wants”.

The judges also praised Vertus for its amenity spaces as well as its “measurable carbon-saving methods and a meaningful contribution to the transformation of Canary Wharf”.

The panel said: “Vertus has leaned into Canary Wharf’s shift into a vibrant urban neighbourhood, tailoring amenities, services and living options to create a new city lifestyle that attracts residents seeking flexibility, community and a polished living experience.”

Shortlist: Telford Living | The Hill Group

Agency of the Year

Sponsored by POSH

WINNER: Chestertons

Chestertons team Formed more than 60 years ago, Lichfields is one of the country’s leading market analysis, planning and development consultancies.

Over the past year, the firm has hosted panel discussions with government officials, produced an evidence-led tool relating to the assessment of affordable housing need and impact and published several pieces of research relating to key housing-related issues.

Lichfields made significant efforts in shaping government policy and reform, not least of all working on the New Towns Taskforce, where it carried out 360 reviews from clients and provided specific examples of landmark commissions, challenges and research. It has also provided insightful evidence-based analysis and guidance on the grey belt.

The firm was the clear winner in the judges’ eyes, particularly due to its “market-shaping research programme whose findings are influencing national debate and informing government thinking”.

The panel added: “Lichfields has clearly had an impactful 2025, supporting a sector under pressure and helping push through planning permissions.”

Asset Manager of the Year

WINNER: Pinnacle Investments

Pinnacle Investments describes itself as a community-driven asset manager, with 500 homes under management and a further 1,800 in the pipeline.

The firm had a busy 2025, with a range of transactions across the build-to-rent and affordable housing sectors. Last year, it also merged with Hyde Group, in turn creating a vertically integrated investment, development and asset management platform operating across affordable housing and the wider living sectors.

The judges praised the company’s “entrepreneurial thinking, partnership capability and strategic relevance in a constrained funding environment”.

They also cited its strong commitments to diversity and ESG, as well as the “strong social purpose underpinning the platform”.

The panel noted: “Pinnacle presents a bold and topical story, positioning itself at the centre of efforts to mobilise institutional capital into affordable housing and regeneration.”

Consultancy Practice of the Year

WINNER: Lichfields

New Towns CGI Formed more than 60 years ago, Lichfields is one of the country’s leading market analysis, planning and development consultancies.

The firm was the clear winner in the judges’ eyes, particularly due to its “market-shaping research programme whose findings are influencing national debate and informing government thinking”.

The panel added: “Lichfields has clearly had an impactful 2025, supporting a sector under pressure and helping push through planning permissions.”

BTR Operator of the Year

Sponsored by RentGuarantor

WINNER: Moda Living

Family fun at a Moda scheme Founded in 2014, Moda Living achieved significant operational growth over the past year, having fully integrated with property and construction firm Caddick.

The judging panel said the operator demonstrated “noteworthy growth” as it transitioned into its new management division, with a strong performance last year.

Moda Living currently owns and manages £2bn worth of assets, with a further £1.1bn under construction.

The firm’s highlights over the year include the launch of its Embassy Boulevard scheme in Nine Elms and its £200m partnership with Aviva and Homes England to create a new community at Great Charles Street in Birmingham.

The panel also praised Moda Living as a “trailblazer”, hailing its strong ESG performance and use of smart technologies.

The judges added that Moda Living’s robust leadership and training model supported consistent delivery, which helped scale up the company.

Highly commended: Homes by PIC

Student Accommodation Operator of the Year

Sponsored by Ark

WINNER: Study Inn

Bowling alley at Study Inn scheme Founded in 2008, student accommodation provider Study Inn has made a name for itself providing luxurious living spaces across the country, offering students a hotel-style living experience.

Located in key university cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter and Leeds, Study Inn offers its students a range of luxuries, from all-inclusive bills and social events to wellness spas and housekeeping services.

Residents are also treated to an array of amenities including gyms, games rooms, yoga studios and even cinema rooms.

On top of this, unlike many of its contemporaries, Study Inn incentivises its students by offering spaces without the need to pay a deposit or provide a private guarantor.

With Study Inn’s 203-bed student accommodation scheme in Edgbaston, Birmingham, set to launch next year, the judging panel said the firm “ticks almost every box” when it comes to operation and care for its residents.

Later-Living Operator of the Year

Sponsored by Beaufort Capital

WINNER: Birchgrove

Birchgrove site at Godalming, Surrey Founded in 2019, Birchgrove is a leading operator and developer in the later-living rental sector. It operates six retirement neighbourhoods, with two more due to complete later this year.

Last year, Birchgrove expanded its portfolio with the opening of its flagship community in Godalming, Surrey, featuring 52 modern later-living apartments.

Like all its villages, this development features a vast range of community space and amenities, with a restaurant, bar, wellness studio and library, alongside landscaped gardens and roof terraces with panoramic views of the Surrey Hills.

The judges noted Birchgrove’s attention to social wellbeing, providing residents with an array of social events, classes and shared activities.

The firm also received praise for supporting residents’ physical health by offering them light weights, stretching and guided movement sessions, thanks to the support of trainers who understand their individual needs.

Birchgrove is now under way with the development of its new 78-apartment Hampton Court Estate project in Thames Ditton, Surrey.

Shortlist: Brio Retirement Living | Burnham Waters | LifeCare Residences | Rangeford Villages

Inclusivity Award

WINNER: LAYA (Lead As You Are)

LAYA logo LAYA (Lead As You Are) is a peer-led leadership programme designed to address the mid-senior gender gap in UK real estate investment and leadership.

Co-founded by Patron Capital investment director Juan Du and Pinnacle Investments director Anna Clare Harper, the pilot initiative launched in September 2025 with nine women at director and above level and a developing online community, currently with more than 115 members.

The programme aims to address challenges such as the lack of role models, post-maternity career stagnation and a sense of invisibility despite success by focusing on practical, targeted outcomes including deal opportunities, new roles and shared insights.

The judges called LAYA “a highly compelling and strategically intelligent initiative” with “strong clarity of purpose, early outcomes and sector influence”.

Highly commended: Resonance

Social Impact Initiative

WINNER: Hotels to Homes – Armada Property UK and Torbay Council

Hotels to Homes – Armada Property UK and Torbay Council Through the Hotels to Homes initiative, Armada Property and Torbay Council have been busy converting underused hotels on brownfield land into energy-efficient housing.

The first 14 homes launched last Christmas, featuring a range of energy-efficient one- and two-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Brampton Court Hotel in Torquay, Devon.

Work is now under way at the initiative’s second site, the former Seabury Hotel also in Torquay, set for completion this year, with its sights set on church conversions next.

The judges applauded the cutting-edge initiative for turning something “negative to the community into something positive” and for demonstrating “how the public and private sectors can work together to create new affordable homes when development is constrained”.

They added: “The project is innovative and ground‑breaking in its systematic repurposing of hotels into social housing – a rare model nationally – and shows clear scale and ambition through additional hotels and a church already in the pipeline.”

Highly commended: Holloway Park – London Square

Shortlist: Barratt Redrow | Elim Housing Association | FEC | Healthy Homes Checklist by Ekkist | Kettel Homes | L&G SFR and L&G Affordable Homes | Land Hero | Regeneration Brainery | Sigma Capital

Residential Proptech Solution of the Year

Sponsored by Earl Kendrick Property & Construction Consultancy

Sustainware – Helix International Group

Quooda logo The judging panel said Helix International Group’s Sustainware “seems to deliver it all”.

Sustainware is the software development arm responsible for the QUOODA risk and compliance platform. Its main focus is the publication and development of software for the built environment and construction sectors, which ranges from risk and safety management to portfolio oversight.

It also creates a single real-time source of information for risk reporting and task allocation.

To top it off, some of London’s most iconic buildings use the platform, including the O2 Arena, One Blackfriars, the Cheesegrater, The Shard and the Walkie-Talkie.

With more than 8,000 users and in excess of 21,000 buildings under management, Sustainware was praised by the judges for its “deep technical maturity, measurable results, strong ESG alignment and very high operational impact”.

The judging panel also welcomed Sustainware’s “impressive platform for ‘golden thread’ information with a 40% reduction in administration costs”.

Placemaking of the Year

WINNER: Thakeham

Thakeham housing scheme Housebuilder Thakeham is making big moves in the sustainable development world. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Billingshurst, West Sussex, the company calls itself an infrastructure-led placemaker that focuses on creating sustainable zero-carbon communities, with a range of high-quality affordable housing.

Thakeham is currently developing 1,350 sustainable homes in West Sussex, all of which are guaranteed to have zero energy bills for at least five to 10 years, thanks to a deal with Octopus Energy.

Relying on innovative solutions such as solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and smart tech, the development also aims to set a new standard for sustainable living and delivery.

Alongside the environmental benefits, Thakeham hopes its new developments will help set a benchmark and support the government’s wider target of delivering new towns with at least 40% affordable housing.

Development of the Year (under 350 homes)

Sponsored by Rilla

WINNER: Twickenham Square – London Square

Home interior at Twickenham Square by developer London Square London Square’s 212-home Twickenham Square development is a stone’s throw from the famous Twickenham rugby stadium in south-west London.

Already 80% sold, the scheme comprises a mix of properties and tenures, including one- to three-bedroom apartments, designed around a landscaped garden, as well as three- and four-bedroom townhouses. Of the new homes delivered, 28 are designated for affordable rented housing, 80 for shared ownership and the rest for private sale.

The scheme is one of the borough’s first new residential developments to have ‘net zero carbon compatible’ homes. The judges praised the scheme’s lack of fossil fuels and use of sustainable technologies such as solar PV panels and electric vehicle chargers.

The panel said the “incredibly impressive” development combines “design and commercial prowess with superb credentials to support and contribute to the local community”, with a mix of affordable homes and a strong understanding of tenant needs.

Highly commended: Brabazon – YTL Developments

Development of the Year (over 350 homes)

WINNER: Oval Village – Berkeley

CGI of Berkeley's Oval Village development Berkeley’s Oval Village development is set to include more than 1,350 new homes, many of which are being built within the former Oval Gas Works site in Lambeth, south London, with an overhead view of the famous Kia Oval cricket ground.

Set to comprise a range of tenures, from affordable to private sale, Oval Village will also include around 170,000 sq ft of new commercial space, with retail units, new community hub facilities and public realm. It also features a vast range of amenities, many of which will be housed within the 1847 Residents’ Club, with wellness and fitness areas alongside community spaces and a private cinema.

The judging panel praised the flagship development as one of Berkeley’s best schemes yet, saluting its “outstanding design features and high-quality finish” as well as its strong ESG commitments with zero onsite car parking spaces.

It said: “It is impressive to see Berkeley transform an iconic area of London.”

Highly commended: Brent Cross Town – Related Argent

Residential Leader of the Year

Sponsored by Innovus

WINNER: Anna Moore, Domna

Anna Moore, Domna Anna Moore founded Domna in 2023 to support sustainable retrofit across the residential market and to reduce household energy bills.

Domna offers a range of services, from helping its clients seek government funding to providing insightful data though Ara, its software used to analyse property portfolios.

Under Moore’s leadership as chief executive, Domna has been able to support around 10,000 retrofits a year, operate a dataset of four billion data points with 97% accuracy and secure £70m of investment, alongside two acquisitions Moore personally integrated.

The judges called Moore an “exemplar leader in technology and real estate”, with impressive achievements in a “sector that is challenged due to increased costs and constantly changing policy”.

They said: “Moore demonstrates high‑level strategic thinking – founding and scaling Domna to address a critical structural gap in residential retrofit.

“The ESG impact is outstanding, with clear alignment with net zero, energy efficiency, fuel poverty reduction and resident wellbeing. Her leadership across national media strengthens her influence.”

Rising Star of the Year

Sponsored by Muse

Shaunak Rauniar, The Developers Club

Shaunak Rauniar, The Developers Club Shaunak Rauniar co-founded The Developers Club (TDC) in 2022 to serve as a collaborative space for upcoming small and medium-sized developers to help scale up their businesses.

TDC currently has more than 100 members who have delivered 4,800 new homes, with a further 2,883 on site and 4,937 in the pipeline. Rauniar and TDC are now targeting delivery of 10,000 new homes, valued at £2bn, by 2030.

Rauniar has also helped launch the company’s training academy, a 24-month development programme that is intended to provide young developers and investors with the knowledge and tools needed to launch their careers and businesses.

Rauniar, who is also a co-founder of development firm SATIS Group, was praised by the panel for his unique sector-wide influence.

The judges noted: “Rauniar has not only built a network but created infrastructure that strengthens the future of SME residential development in the UK.

“It’s impressive how he has combined entrepreneurship, leadership and sector‑shaping vision to support better collaboration, better homes and better opportunities for the next generation of developers.”

Highly commended: Tom Counsell, Student Cribs

Residential Property Hall of Fame

WINNER: Geeta Nanda

Geeta Nanda speaking at RESI Awards 2026 Across a career spanning more than three decades, Geeta Nanda has both championed and delivered social and affordable housing, working in pivotal roles across the private and public sectors.

Her impact has been recognised not only by the real estate and development industries, but also by the government. In the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours, she was awarded an OBE for services to social housing.

Nanda is an experienced leader and adviser, serving as chair of Citra Pathways, part of Lloyds Living, as well as a non-executive director of top-five housebuilder Barratt Redrow and deputy chair of homelessness charity Crisis.

Previously, she served on the board of the National Housing Federation and in 2023 and 2024 as a member of the government’s Older People’s Housing Taskforce.

However, the judges were especially impressed by Nanda’s achievements as chief executive of housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTV) between 2018 and 2024.

MTV is one of the largest housing associations in the UK, responsible for around 60,000 homes. During her time with the association, Nanda led and helped shape its new-build programme, aiming to deliver more than 1,000 new homes a year.

The judges also applauded her openness when she announced her decision to step down from MTV after 16 years to care for her elderly mother.

In addition, the judging panel hailed her role as chair of the G15, representing the largest housing associations in London, between 2021 and 2023, as well as her position as former non-executive director of retirement living developer McCarthy & Stone.

At the G15, Nanda had a particularly strong focus on building safety. She worked tirelessly to make the investment case for housing remediation and helped shape the future of building safety policy.

Nanda is also credited for helping pioneer high-quality build to rent, forming Fizzy Living in 2012 to provide professionally led rental living for young professionals.

Inducting her into the Residential Property Hall of Fame, the RESI Awards judges congratulated Nanda for her outstanding record of achievement and her continuing service to the sector.

Headline Partner

Partners

Charity Partner

Judges

Guy Ackernley, managing director, development and residential, Urban Splash
Asha Agarwal, founder, Inspire New Homes
Rishi Banerjee, director, Hawthorn Advisors
Timothy Bannister, independent consultant
Nyasa Beale, director, Scott Brownrigg
Craig Bryant, legal adviser, Full Circle Advisory
Henry Columbine, managing director, communications, SEC Newgate
Charlotte Constance, founder and managing director, Conductor
Jane Crouch, chief operating officer, Fresh
Deepa Deb, partner, Edwin Coe
Eleanor Deeley, joint managing director, Deeley Group
Susan Freeman, partner, Mishcon de Reya
Jerome Geoghegan, deputy chief executive, director of development and building safety, Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association
John German, managing director, head of living investments, Europe, Invesco
Olivia Harris, chief executive, Dolphin Living
Simon Hodson, head of residential and living sustainability, UK capital markets, JLL
Kimberley Hopkins, director, ING Media
Vivienne King, founder, Impactful Places
Andrew Leslau, chief executive, RAM
Choisanne Man, partner, real estate, Shoosmiths
Jason Margrave, executive director, development, Quintain
Richard McCarthy, chief operating officer, Scott Brownrigg
Jo McDonagh, managing director, North, London Square
Dominic Morris, co-head of living and head of senior living UK, Gowling WLG
Violet Pugh, senior manager, marketing communications and content, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing
Mark Quigley, managing director, UK real estate finance, Beaufort Capital
Nick Riley, managing executive director, Whittam Cox Architects
Rebecca Shafran, director, alternative markets research, BNP Paribas Real Estate
Stephanie Stern, associate senior architect, AFK
Natasha Virani, transactions director, Leaf Living
Catherine Williams, partner, Addleshaw Goddard
Freddie Wonnacott, deputy fund manager, M&G Real Estate
Neil Young, investment chair, Young Group
Debra Yudolph, founder and chief executive, SAY Property

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