The Property Investors Awards is delighted to announce the return of the Woman in Property of the Year Award for 2026, recognising the exceptional women who are shaping the future of the property industry through leadership, innovation and impact.
Founded by award-winning property investor, entrepreneur and Hard Hats to Heels founder Hayley Andrews, the category was created with one simple purpose: to make the achievements of women in property more visible.
Because when people can see what’s possible, they begin to believe it’s possible for themselves.
More Than an Award
Having judged the Property Investors Awards for several years, Hayley Andrews recognised that while countless women were making an extraordinary contribution to the industry, too few were receiving the recognition they deserved.
Rather than simply acknowledging the gap, she chose to create a solution.
The Woman in Property of the Year Award was introduced to celebrate excellence, showcase role models and encourage more women to step forward, share their achievements and inspire the next generation of property professionals.
Today, the category has become one of the most anticipated awards of the evening, recognising women who are not only building successful businesses but also raising standards, creating opportunities and leaving a lasting legacy across the industry.
A Mission Built on Visibility
The award sits at the heart of Hayley Andrews’ wider mission through Hard Hats to Heels, the UK’s fastest-growing community for women in property and business.
With more than 26 networking events every month, over 12,000 annual event attendances, a thriving national membership and women connecting across 26 locations throughout the UK, Hard Hats to Heels has become far more than a networking community. It is a platform for visibility, collaboration, confidence and opportunity.
Its philosophy is simple:
‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’
Whether that’s speaking on stage, winning awards, sharing knowledge, building businesses or supporting one another, Hard Hats to Heels exists to ensure more women are seen, heard and celebrated for the value they bring to the industry.
Founder, Hayley Andrews, said:
“When I created this award, it was never about creating recognition simply because someone is a woman. It was about making excellence more visible.
Throughout my career I’ve met incredible women quietly achieving remarkable things, yet many never put themselves forward for awards or recognition. When we shine a spotlight on those achievements, we don’t just celebrate one individual—we inspire hundreds of others who suddenly realise what’s possible for them too.
Visibility changes confidence. Confidence changes action. Action changes industries.
That’s why this award matters so much to me. Because you can’t be what you can’t see.”
Recognising Excellence Across Every Corner of Property
The Woman in Property of the Year Award celebrates women making an outstanding contribution across every area of the industry, including investment, development, construction, commercial property, education, finance, planning, architecture, surveying, property management and entrepreneurship.
Judges will be looking for women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professionalism, innovation and integrity, while making a meaningful impact on the people, businesses and communities around them.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Property Investors Awards 2026 will take place on 14 November 2026 at the Hilton Park Lane, London, bringing together investors, developers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across the UK.
The return of the Woman in Property of the Year Award represents more than another trophy. It represents a continued commitment to ensuring the industry’s exceptional women receive the visibility they have earned and the recognition they deserve.
Nominations are now open.
If you know a woman whose work is making a genuine impact on the property industry – or if that woman is you – this is your opportunity to celebrate her achievements, amplify her story and help inspire the next generation.
Because every nomination doesn’t just recognise success.
It makes success visible.
