The Judging Days for the Property Investors Awards 2026 have officially concluded following two intensive days of judging at Shawbrook Bank’s head office in London.
With nearly double the number of nomination applications compared with any previous year, this year’s Judging Panel faced an exceptionally strong and diverse field of property professionals, businesses and projects from across the UK.
The scale of this year’s entries meant that the judging process extended beyond the original schedule, with the Day 2 panel staying until 6:30pm to ensure every application received the time, consideration and scrutiny it deserved.
A Record-Breaking Year for Nominations
The 2026 Awards have seen a significant increase in nominations, reflecting the continued growth and ambition within the UK’s independent property industry.
The applications covered an impressive range of projects and deals, with values spanning from approximately £100,000 GDV to £30 million.
Regardless of the size or scale of an application, Judges were committed to applying the same level of scrutiny and consideration to every nomination.
The judging process considered key areas including innovation, financial performance, market impact, sustainability and scalability, alongside the individual merits of each submission.
Title Split Category Sparks Debate
One of the most discussed additions to this year’s Awards was the new Title Split Deal of the Year category.
The category generated some particularly engaging and detailed discussions among the Judging Panel, including how the value created through a title split should be calculated in relation to overall deal profitability.
While the discussions were at times spirited, they remained constructive and respectful, with judges bringing their own experience and perspectives to the conversation.
Some of the most valuable insights of the two-day judging process emerged from these discussions.
An Unexpected Moment of Connection
Day 2 also brought an unexpected moment that demonstrated the wider opportunities created when experienced property professionals come together.
Following a fire alarm test after lunch, the Judging Panel temporarily left the building and walked down ten flights of stairs.
While waiting outside, two young professionals working in insurance within the same building began speaking with members of the panel. They explained that they had an interest in getting into property.
After asking whether they could sit in on part of the judging process, the panel agreed, subject to the appropriate protocols.
They were able to observe the judging for around 30 minutes before leaving with contact details for several of the judges in the room.
It was an unexpected encounter, but one that could potentially open the door to new opportunities and connections for the next generation of property professionals.
Thank You to Our Judges
The Property Investors Awards team would like to extend a huge thank you to every judge who gave their time and expertise to this year’s judging process.
Judging is a significant commitment, particularly with the increased volume of applications this year. The time, knowledge and experience contributed by the panel are central to maintaining the integrity and quality of the Awards.
We would also like to thank Shawbrook Bank, particularly Daryl Norkett, Lee Williams and the wider Shawbrook team, for once again hosting the Judging Days and continuing to support the Property Investors Awards.
Shawbrook has backed the Awards for more than a decade, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support of the UK property community.
What Happens Next?
With judging now complete, attention turns to the next major milestone: the announcement of the 2026 Finalists.
The official Judging Day photographs will also be released shortly, giving Nominees, Judges and supporters an opportunity to look back at the two days.
For every Nominee who entered this year, the wait is almost over.
The Finalists will be revealed soon.
And from everyone at the Property Investors Awards, we wish all Nominees the very best of luck.
The Winners Will Be Revealed in November
The journey will culminate at the Property Investors Awards 2026 on:
Saturday 14 November 2026
Hilton Park Lane, London
The Awards will bring together leading property investors, developers, professionals, businesses and industry figures for an evening dedicated to recognising achievement across the UK’s independent property sector.
Want to be in the room when the 2026 Winners are revealed?
Secure your tickets and join us at the Property Investors Awards 2026.
Property Investors Awards 2026
Recognising Achievement. Celebrating Impact. Connecting the Property Industry.
