We are celebrating the achievements of the Scottish property sector at The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2025 which will take place on Thursday, September, 25 at The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
The evening includes access to our drinks reception, 3 course meal, entertainment, official event programme, evening networking and the awards presentation.
Table bookings are now open, click below to secure the best seat in the house.
We have created a guide for our entrants to download which outlines how to enter, what is required for entry and information on how to submit your entry along with the supporting documents.
All entries MUST be submitted using our online entry platform. All entrants must review the entry guide before submitting their entry
The following categories are classed as ‘Team’ categories, please ensure you follow the steps to complete the correct entry for any of the below categories:
This category is open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts, or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership. The judges will be looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area.
The apartment should offer flexible living and convenience and successfully meet the needs of the target market.
Affordability, good value for money, and meeting the needs of a family with both young and older children are key criteria in this category.
Judges will be looking for adaptability, space-saving ideas, safety, and convenience in a well-located property that has been designed and built with the family in mind.
This award will recognise a local Estate Agency that has gone the extra mile for their clients through an innovative approach to customer service methods, business trends, and marketing. The judges will be looking for evidence of exceptional results, which should include time to sell, sale price vs home report value or online reviews.
This category rewards spacious and stylish properties at the top end of the market. Design, quality of finish, landscaping, fixtures and fittings, and location are all relevant.
Open to projects of all sizes and scales, as well as both public and private sector companies and partnerships, entries should be for commercial properties and show innovative use of brownfield sites as well as architectural design and consideration for green issues.
Open to projects of all sizes and scales, as well as both public and private sector companies and partnerships, entries should be for residential properties and show innovative use of brownfield sites as well as architectural design and consideration for green issues.
This recognises an enterprising development or sympathetic conversion of a dated or derelict property which retains the best features of the original building while creating a modern home appropriate to 21st-century living.
Does the design bring the property to life, providing buyers with a compelling and realistic vision of what it would be like to live there? Judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate how the design, layout, and styling have been thoughtfully utilised to maximise the home’s potential and create an aspirational yet achievable living space.
Entries should show innovative use of materials and building techniques as well as architectural design and consideration for green issues. Entries will be judged on how well the property meets the needs of its target market.
Site layout, design, range of house types, and local amenities are key criteria in this category. Judges will be looking for a development which has been carefully planned to make the most of its location, resulting in a pleasant and desirable place.
An individual new build property or small development (maximum of 10 units) in any style and setting will be rewarded in this category.
This category will reward projects that demonstrate progressive use of sustainable materials and technologies. It could focus on innovations like biophilic design, the use of recycled materials, or advanced construction techniques that reduce environmental impact. Entries will be judged based on creativity, effectiveness in reducing carbon footprints, and the scalability of their sustainable solutions.
This category will look to reward a well-planned, well-designed, and well-executed interior brief for a commercial property where the designer(s) has helped their client meet their interior design goals.
This category will look to reward a well-planned, well-designed, and well-executed interior brief for a residential property where the designer(s) has helped their client meet their interior design goals.
This award celebrates the outstanding achievements of sales teams, whether in-house or external agencies who have excelled in selling new-build properties. Judges will be looking for teams that have demonstrated exceptional sales performance, strategic marketing, and outstanding customer service.
This category recognises an outstanding Marketing or PR campaign created by either an in-house team or agency-based PR, Marketing or Communications teams. Judges will assess the creativity of the campaign, how well it met the initial brief, and the results that came from this campaign.
Judges will be looking for evidence of how the team has distinguished itself from the competition and how their efforts have contributed to the delivery of a high-quality, cost-effective service to landlords and tenants alike. Innovation and commitment to the industry are also important.
This award will recognise projects that significantly enhance the sustainability of their local communities. The judges will look for integration with local ecosystems, contributions to local economies, and community involvement in sustainability efforts. This category would also look at how projects address broader social and environmental issues such as biodiversity, transport links, community health, and wellbeing.
Tom is the Group Chief Executive of Kingdom Housing & Care Group, headquartered in Fife.
Tom was previously Group Director of Property & Development at the Wheatley Group, Scotland’s largest housing & care organisation, leading it to be the largest developer of social housing in the UK for four consecutive years.
Prior to that he was the Group Chief Executive of Clyde Valley Group, based in Lanarkshire.
He is the former Co-Chair of the Scottish Government’s Joint Housing Policy & Delivery Group and is also formerly a member of RICS Global Board representing Scotland, RICS Scotland Chairman and media spokesperson for housing. He currently serves as a member of RICS Global Audit, Risk, Assurance & Finance Committee.
Tom takes over as Chairman of the Herald Property Awards Judging Panel after over a decade of supporting it as a panel member.
Richard is a Business Development Director for McLaughlin & Harvey Workspace. His career in architecture and construction has spanned nearly four decades working for architectural practices ranging from a small practice in London to being a board member of one of the largest practices in the world. He made the move into construction in 2017.
Variety has been present on the projects he has worked on. He recently worked on the major redevelopment at Haymarket before joining Workspace in June 2024. His experience has ranges from various residential projects for a series of high-net-worth clients to large shopping centres and major education programmes. Variety has also existed in project locations as he has worked across the UK and internationally in Russia, the UAE and Canada.
Away from the workplace Richard enjoys skiing and sailing and is a former ice hockey referee.
Herald Property Writer
Following an earlier career in local newspapers, a degree in Communication, and 10 years as PR Manager for Slater Hogg & Howison, Bev Brown has been writing about homes and interiors for newspapers and consumer magazines for the last 28 years, including a five-year stint as editor of the monthly Home Show Magazine, which supported the Scottish Television programme of the same name. Currently the property writer for the Herald – a post she has held since 2011 – and for which she is known as ‘The Voice of Property,’ she is also one of the judges of the Herald’s annual Property Awards.
Bev is passionate about property, be it an ancient pile steeped in character, a cutting edge contemporary eco new build, and every other genre in between. “She says: “I love good design and architecture in any form and the Herald’s Property Awards is an outstanding opportunity to showcase and celebrate excellence and innovation across the property spectrum. I’m excited to see what 2023’s award entries will bring!”
Director Barham Glen Architects Ltd
NRAC Registered Access Consultant
NRAC Registered Access Consultant
RIAS Accreditation in Sustainable Building Design
Alison has more than 30 years’ experience as a chartered architect and was a founding Director of Barham Glen Architects Ltd in 2011.
She has a background in social housing, community, conservation, sustainable and ecological architecture.
She has a particular interest in accessibility and inclusive design and is an NRAC Registered Access Consultant. She is a member of the RNID and sponsor of a RNIB guide dog.
Alison has been a member of The Herald Property Awards for Scotland Judging Panel since 2010.
She is a keen amateur musician and is the longest serving clarinettist and treasurer with the City of Glasgow Wind Orchestra. She also has a passion for handbags and walking the dog!
As Managing Director, Donna Milton leads the Arneil Johnston team with direct responsibility for the delivery of all consultancy services, as well as the direction and management of the company. Donna is a strategic thinker with extensive working knowledge of all aspects of social housing service delivery. She is expert in housing strategy development, asset management, housing business planning, development and regeneration appraisal and housing related research. She has extensive experience of developing strategic housing plans and is skilled in translating business, corporate, community and economic objectives into practical investment strategies.
Donna has a proven track record in consultation with stakeholders across the housing profession. Her consultancy work has involved the provision of advice to local government and national government, Registered Social Landlords, statutory bodies and the voluntary sector. Donna has an MA (Honours) degree in Politics; a postgraduate diploma in Housing Studies, is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing (and previous Scotland Board member 2009-15), was a Commissioner of the RICS Scottish Housing Commission in 2015 and is the Chair of Clyde Valley Property Services.
Gail is Associate Director of Client Support Services at Ross + Liddell, one of Scotland’s most established property management companies.
Gail began her career in the property industry after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University. Before joining Ross + Liddell in 2022, she gained extensive experience in new build construction with Barratt David Wilson Homes. Gail initially joined Ross + Liddell as a Property Manager, but her expertise and dedication quickly led to her promotion as Head of Client Support, where she now leads a committed team.
This is Gail’s first year of being on the judging panel and she is excited to take part in previewing some of Scotland’s finest entries.
Founder, #DesignPopUp
With two decades of extensive experience in promoting and managing prestigious showrooms across Milan, Paris, Pimlico Road, and Clerkenwell, Sara Seravalli has established herself as a prominent figure in the architecture and design industry. Her career is marked by a deep understanding of the intricacies of the A&D communities and the specification market, coupled with a passion for fostering meaningful connections within these sectors.
Sara’s journey took a transformative turn when she moved to Scotland and founded #DesignPopUp. This innovative event series was conceived to bring together the architecture and design communities across major hubs in the UK and Ireland, creating a unique platform for collaboration, inspiration, and networking. Under her visionary leadership, #DesignPopUp has grown into a celebrated fixture in the industry calendar, known for its dynamic exhibitions and engaging content.
Sara has been a judge for The Herald Property Awards for Scotland since 2016.
Partner, Doreen Smith Interiors / Creative Director, Sophia & Joseph
Having been involved in the design industry for over four decades Doreen has a wealth of experience and founded Doreen Smith Interiors in 1998. She has built her reputation creating timeless elegant and contemporary interiors for residential and commercial clients which reflect what she values in design – attention to detail, how the space makes you feel and designing with practicality in in mind. This has led to Doreen writing columns and articles for several national newspapers and home style magazines. She draws her inspiration from a broad range of sources, from architecture to textiles, art and travel.
Having spotted a niche market for bespoke luxury fabrics, soft furnishings and large statement wall art Doreen launched her brand Sophia & Joseph in 2016. Sophia & Joseph design, illustrate and manufacture beautiful unique fabrics and wall art printed and produced in the UK that showcase her passion for individual style, injecting originality and a splash of colour. Selling her products internationally and at home.
Prior to launching her interior design company, Doreen was appointed Art Editor of an international publishing house, working in Glasgow and London.
Doreen has been a judge for The Herald Property Awards for Scotland since its inception in 2007.
Co-founder and Creative Director, Skylark PR
Lisa Mennie is co-founder and creative director of independent Glasgow-based agency Skylark PR, which specialises in the property sector. With two decades of experience working across both residential and commercial property in Scotland, Lisa has promoted and launched many of the country’s new home developments and large-scale office buildings.
Who can enter?
The awards are open to all companies who build and develop within Scotland along with team who operate or serve clients within Scotland. Properties or development phases entered in any category should have been completed between June 2024 and May 2025. If you are submitting a development, the first phase must have been completed between these dates.
Properties in the Best Show Home category must still be functioning show homes when judges conduct their site visits in from Monday, May 19 – Friday, August 1.
What is the deadline for entries?
The entry deadline is Wednesday, May 7.
How much does it cost?
Payment for entries is taken upon submitting your entry. Entries cost £75 +VAT.
Individual ticket – £220+VAT
Table of 10 – £2000+VAT
Table of 12 – £2400+VAT
Ticket and Table bookings are now open, click the button above to secure the best seat in the house.
How does the judging process work?
The judging process will involve site visits to properties and developments. The judges’ decision will be final – you will find more information on the judging process below:
Once your entry has been received and paid for it will be put forward to our judging panel.
Two judges will be allocated to every property for site visits and will contact you directly so please ensure you provide the correct contact details of the person who they can arrange this with.
Please note that all judges work independently so you will be required to conduct two site visits – one for each judge. These may be on different days. Our judges liaise directly with the relevant site contact to ensure dates and times are suitable for all parties.
Judges will conduct site visits from May to July. Any property unable to be seen during this time will be disqualified.
Where possible, we would ask that physical site visits are taken place following current government guidelines. Any particular information in relation to site visits and site rules must be made aware to the judge ahead of their visit.
If you have any questions in relation to site visits, please make sure you contact Callum Cummine, Events Manager, on 0141 302 6046 or callum.cummine@newsquest.co.uk ahead of submitting your entry.
Once site visits have been completed judges will gather to discuss their scores from the site visits.
If you submitted an entry for any of the below category’s, judges will be sent your entry information ahead of the judging day and mystery shop may be carried out. No site visit will be required.
You will then be contacted mid-late August on the outcome of your entry.
When will the shortlist be announced?
The shortlist will be listed in The Herald, Scotland’s Homes and on this website mid-August.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at The DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
What do I do if I have more questions?
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have regarding the entry process or event. Please contact Callum Cummine, Events Manager, on 0141 302 6046 or callum.cummine@newsquest.co.uk with all enquires.
