Judges decide the winners for 2017 Property Investors Awards

The shortlisted candidates for the 2017 Property Investors Awards were assessed by a team of judges at an Essex conference suite last week, ahead of the ‘glittering ceremony’ which takes place on Saturday December 2.

The awards are now in their third year and aim to ‘celebrate excellence in the field of property investment’. This year’s winners will be announced at the ceremony held in Russell Square’s Royal National Hotel.

Last Thursday, experts across a range of fields – including development, investments, law, banking and brokering – came together in Brentwood to the pick the winners from the nominations in each category.

Awards on offer at this year’s bash include Serviced Accommodation of the Year, New Property Investor of the Year and Property Development of the Year.

Matt Hutchinson, communications director for SpareRoom.co.uk and a first-time judge, explained what he and his fellow judges were looking for when assessing the respective candidates. “We’re looking for people who create value for the community they operate in, as well as themselves,” he said.

Fellow judge Daryl Norkett, regional development manager at Shawbrook Bank, added: “We need to see demonstrable project successes, supported by the numbers behind the deal, and a rationale for the business strategy employed.”

All the judges taking part were in mutual agreement regarding the uncertainty faced by property investors over the next year, with Brexit continuing to dominate the news agenda and a lack of clarity over when the UK will officially leave the EU and on what terms. The judges agreed that times could be challenging for both first-time investors and experienced property professionals.

“Those who choose to become full-time professionals will be the most successful, as the market is getting tougher,” said Sarah Davidson, a judge who writes for This is Money at the MailOnline.

Confirmation has already been received from more than 250 attendees for the December ceremony, when the successful candidates will be revealed. You can find out more about the awards here.