ESTAS Unveils Shortlists for the 2026 People and Supplier Awards
The property industry is buzzing with excitement as ESTAS — one of the most respected and recognised award programmes in the UK property sector — has officially unveiled its shortlists for the 2026 People and Supplier Awards. With the prestigious ceremony confirmed for 16 October 2026, agents, suppliers, and property professionals across the country are now eagerly checking whether their names or companies have made the coveted cut. The announcement marks a defining moment in the property calendar, and this year's shortlists are expected to be more competitive than ever.
What Are the ESTAS Awards?
For those new to the property world, ESTAS stands as the gold standard of customer service recognition within the UK's property and mortgage industry. Founded with the singular mission of celebrating excellence in customer care, ESTAS uses genuine, verified customer reviews to determine its nominees and winners. Unlike many other award programmes, ESTAS does not rely on judging panels or editorial discretion alone — instead, real customers share real experiences, making each shortlisted company or individual a truly earned recognition.
Over the years, ESTAS has grown into one of the most trusted and transparent awards in the sector. Estate agents, letting agents, conveyancers, mortgage brokers, and property suppliers all compete across various categories, with the awards acting as a powerful benchmark for service quality across the entire home-moving journey.
The 2026 People and Supplier Awards: Why They Matter
The ESTAS framework encompasses two distinct but equally important award streams: the People Awards and the Supplier Awards. Both categories shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
The People Awards
The People Awards recognise the outstanding professionals within the property and mortgage industry who consistently deliver exceptional service to their clients. These are the agents, brokers, and advisors who receive glowing reviews from the people they help every single day. Being shortlisted for a People Award is a significant achievement and a testament to the dedication, empathy, and professionalism that defines the best operators in the field.
In an industry where trust is everything, the People Awards serve a vital function. They highlight that at the heart of every property transaction is a human relationship — one built on communication, reliability, and a genuine commitment to helping clients through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives. For consumers searching for trusted professionals, these shortlists act as a powerful guide.
The Supplier Awards
The Supplier Awards, on the other hand, celebrate the technology companies, service providers, and solution vendors that support the property industry behind the scenes. From PropTech innovators to conveyancing platforms, from referencing companies to legal service providers, the Supplier Awards recognise those businesses whose products and services genuinely make a difference to agents and, by extension, to buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
As the property industry continues to digitise and evolve, supplier relationships have become increasingly critical. The businesses shortlisted in this category represent the very best of what modern property support looks like — efficient, customer-focused, and built for the demands of today's market.
The Ceremony: 16 October 2026
The ESTAS Awards ceremony, scheduled for 16 October 2026, promises to be a landmark evening for the property profession. Each year, the event brings together hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and customer service champions under one roof to celebrate the very best the sector has to offer. The ceremony is known for its electric atmosphere, with shortlisted individuals and companies gathering to find out whether they have taken home the ultimate prize in their respective categories.
For many attendees, simply being shortlisted is cause for celebration — but the ceremony transforms that achievement into a memorable, industry-wide moment of recognition. Winners gain a powerful endorsement that they can display with pride, helping to attract new clients and reinforce their reputation across the marketplace.
How ESTAS Shortlists Are Determined
What sets ESTAS apart from virtually every other property award is its methodology. Shortlists are generated directly from customer feedback collected through the ESTAS review platform. Buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and mortgage applicants are invited to leave verified reviews about their experiences with property professionals and suppliers. These reviews are aggregated, scored, and analysed to identify those who consistently deliver service that exceeds expectations.
This data-driven, customer-first approach means that shortlists genuinely reflect what clients think — not what a panel of judges believes. It creates an authenticity and credibility that resonates deeply with both the industry and consumers alike.
What Being Shortlisted Means for Property Professionals
- It signals to potential clients that the professional or company has a verified track record of excellent customer service.
- It differentiates shortlisted businesses in what is a highly competitive marketplace.
- It provides a tangible marketing asset — being able to display ESTAS shortlist recognition carries significant weight with prospective clients.
- It boosts team morale and validates the hard work of everyone involved in delivering great customer experiences day after day.
- It places the individual or company within a peer group of the industry's most respected operators, opening doors to networking and collaboration opportunities.
Looking Ahead to October 2026
With the shortlists now public and the ceremony date locked in, the countdown to 16 October 2026 has well and truly begun. For those who have made the shortlist, the months ahead will be an opportunity to build on that momentum — continuing to deliver the kind of service that earned them their place, while preparing to celebrate their achievement alongside the industry's finest.
For property consumers, the ESTAS shortlists offer a reliable, customer-validated starting point when searching for trustworthy estate agents, letting agents, mortgage brokers, or property suppliers. In a world of endless choice and varying quality, the ESTAS shortlist is a mark worth looking for.
As the property sector continues to navigate change, the ESTAS Awards remain a consistent, shining reminder that exceptional customer service is not just possible — it is happening, every day, across the length and breadth of the UK. The 2026 edition looks set to be the most exciting yet, and all eyes will be on that stage come October.