ESTAS Reveals the 2026 People Awards and Supplier of the Year Shortlists
The property industry's most celebrated awards programme, ESTAS, has officially revealed its shortlists for the prestigious People Awards and Supplier of the Year categories. This annual announcement marks one of the most eagerly awaited moments in the UK real estate calendar, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals, teams, and businesses that have gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional service throughout the year. As the industry continues to evolve in response to shifting market conditions, economic pressures, and advancing technology, these awards serve as a vital reminder of the talent, dedication, and innovation that remain at the heart of UK estate agency.
What Are the ESTAS Awards?
Founded in 2003 by Simon Brown, the ESTAS Awards have grown into one of the most respected and trusted accolades in the UK property sector. Unlike many industry awards, the ESTAS are uniquely driven by real customer feedback. Ratings and reviews submitted directly by buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants form the foundation of the judging process, ensuring that those recognised are genuinely delivering outstanding experiences on the ground.
Over the past two decades, the ESTAS has expanded significantly, now encompassing estate agents, mortgage brokers, conveyancers, and property suppliers. The programme's commitment to transparency and consumer voice has helped establish it as a gold standard for service recognition in property, with thousands of businesses across the country participating each year.
The People Awards: Recognising Individual Excellence
The ESTAS People Awards are specifically designed to celebrate the individuals who make a measurable difference within their organisations and to the clients they serve. These awards go beyond business performance metrics — they focus on the human element of property, acknowledging that behind every successful transaction is a dedicated professional who has worked tirelessly to deliver results.
Shortlisted candidates for the People Awards typically include estate agents, negotiators, branch managers, property managers, and other frontline professionals who have consistently received glowing feedback from clients. Being named on the shortlist alone is a significant achievement, reflecting not just competence, but a genuine passion for service and client care.
The People Awards categories often cover a range of roles and specialisms, including:
- Best Estate Agent Professional
- Outstanding Lettings Negotiator
- Property Manager of the Year
- Rising Star in Residential Sales
- Best Customer Service Individual
Each shortlisted individual has earned their place through verified client reviews, demonstrating consistent excellence across multiple transactions and interactions throughout the year. The announcement of these shortlists not only rewards performance but also inspires others across the industry to elevate their own standards of client service.
Supplier of the Year: Championing Innovation and Support
The Supplier of the Year category takes a broader view of the property ecosystem, recognising the companies and service providers that support estate agents, conveyancers, and property professionals in doing their jobs more effectively. This category is particularly significant in 2026, as the industry continues to embrace proptech solutions, digital platforms, and new service models that are reshaping how property businesses operate.
Suppliers shortlisted for this award are evaluated not only on the quality and reliability of their products or services but also on the level of support, innovation, and tangible value they bring to their clients in the property sector. From technology platforms and training providers to financial services and marketing specialists, the Supplier of the Year shortlist reflects the diverse range of businesses that underpin the success of UK property.
Being shortlisted for Supplier of the Year is a powerful endorsement for any property services business. It signals to potential clients that a company has been independently recognised as a leader in its field, helping to build trust and credibility in a competitive marketplace.
Why the ESTAS Shortlists Matter to the Industry
In an industry where trust is everything, public recognition through awards like the ESTAS carries enormous weight. For estate agents and property professionals, being shortlisted or winning an ESTAS award is a powerful marketing asset — one that communicates credibility and quality to prospective clients at a glance. Consumer confidence in property transactions has never been more important, and awards that are grounded in genuine client feedback provide a level of assurance that purely industry-voted accolades simply cannot match.
For businesses and professionals on the shortlist, the recognition can lead to tangible business benefits, including increased enquiries, improved staff morale, stronger brand positioning, and greater ability to attract top talent. For the wider industry, the shortlists serve as a benchmark — a snapshot of who is setting the standards that others should aspire to meet.
Looking Ahead to the ESTAS 2026 Ceremony
With the shortlists now revealed, anticipation is building for the ESTAS Awards ceremony where winners across all categories will be announced. The event itself is always one of the property industry's most celebrated gatherings, bringing together professionals from across the country for an evening that combines recognition, networking, and inspiration.
Whether you are a shortlisted individual, a supporting business, or simply a follower of the UK property market, the ESTAS 2026 ceremony promises to be another landmark moment for an industry that continues to demonstrate its resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
Final Thoughts
The revelation of the ESTAS People Awards and Supplier of the Year shortlists is more than just a prelude to an awards night — it is a celebration of the very best that the UK property industry has to offer. As competition intensifies and client expectations continue to rise, these awards remind us that genuine service, innovation, and human connection remain the cornerstones of a thriving property sector. Congratulations to all those who have earned a place on this year's shortlists. Their dedication is an inspiration to the entire industry.