The International Property Awards is the world’s largest ever property competition with a highly respected panel of judges. Reflecting this status, there has been a massive 60% increase in the number of entries in comparison to 2005.

Purchasing a property is arguably the largest personal expense that anyone is likely to make during a lifetime. The leading question is, with the residential property market becoming ever more competitive, how do those seeking the very best properties and services know where to start looking?

One of the most reliable ways must be to take note of the findings of reputable bodies such as the National Association of Estate Agents, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, National House Building Council, Association of Relocation Professionals and the British Interior Design Association. The list of judges reads as a ‘Who’s Who’ of property associations (see list below), providing an exclusive endorsement that’s invaluable to both the industry and buyers alike.

Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the NHBC, comments, “The NHBC is delighted to be supporting these awards again, sharing as they do the aim to improve quality and encourage best practice in the property industry. Since housing remains so high on the national agenda, this has never been more focused.”

The winners of the International Property Awards were revealed at a gala dinner in London on Friday evening (3rd November). Over 500 property professionals attended, representing a staggering 45 different countries right across the globe. The presenter was rock legend Rick Wakeman and a documentary of the awards was also filmed during the course of the evening presented by former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond. There were 163 national awards and 16 international awards representing the best of the best to be scooped – all were highly coveted and the competition was fierce. Countries winning at international level came from the USA, Caribbean, Spain, UK, UAE, Switzerland, Greece, New Zealand and South Africa.

Stuart Shield, founder of the International Property Awards, says, “Each year we see more property professionals entering to try and win these awards and everyone entering taking the competition very seriously and this has resulted in a visible improvement in the standards obtained. This means buyers benefit as a direct result.”

For a full list of winners visit www.propertyawards.net


THE JUDGES

Eric Pickles MP, British Shadow Secretary of State (Chairman)
Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents
Jeremy Leaf, chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Omer Ghani, director of sales and business news broadcaster, CNBC Arabia
Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4’s Location and Relocation TV shows
Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council - NHBC
Paul Bassi, regional chairman Coutts Bank
Wayne Hawkes, head of marketing UK Bentley Motors
Christopher Hall, past president National Association of Estate Agents - NAEA
Paul Tayler, vice chairman Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - RICS
Paul Wyatt, head of design for LYCOS UK
Geoff Cohen, design director at Aukett Fitzroy Robinson architects
Diana Yakeley, chairman British Interior Design Association
Sarah Purves, interior designer at Laura Ashley
Tad Zurlinden, Association of Relocation Professionals -ARP
Liz Rowlinson, Daily Mail property writer
David Hoppit, Daily Telegraph property writer
Helen Shield, editor-in-chief of International Homes magazine
Jill Keene, editor of International Homes magazine
Christian H. Kalin, partner, Henley & Partners, Zurich
Steve Nancarrow, managing director Inspector Home
John Sinclair, managing director Compco Fire Systems

Further Information

* Contact Jill Keene, editor International Homes Tel: 01245 358877 Email: jill@international-homes.com

* Copies of International Homes magazine can be obtained by visiting www.international-homes.com