Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Reside Award Winners announced

Top 3 Highlights:

• 17 award categories honour innovation, sustainability, and impact
• Record entries reflect transformation and momentum in residential property
• REI and Reside celebrate the visionaries shaping South African housing

South Africa’s residential property sector took centre stage at the 3rd Annual Reside Awards, held at a dazzling gala event at the Sandton Convention Centre as part of the 2025 Reside Summit. Co-hosted by the Reside Summit and Real Estate Investor (REI), the awards brought together the industry’s brightest minds to honour innovation, transformation, and community impact.

The Reside Awards are a beacon of progress and excellence in the South African residential sector recognising those who don’t just create, build and develop residential properties and homes, but create hope, connection, and enduring impact.

The Role of Reside Awards: Recognising Purpose, Celebrating Progress

This year, 17 award categories were independently judged across a diverse range of residential developments, property services, innovations, and leadership.

Each entry was assessed against category-specific criteria such as innovation, social value, community contribution, sustainability, and real-world outcomes, creating a national benchmark of excellence in housing and property practice.

‍

‍

“The Reside Awards are the epitome of excellence,” said Neale Petersen, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Real Estate Investor (REI) and Chair of the Awards. “They are about honouring individuals and organisations who are building a better South Africa, one development, one home, one innovation, and one bold idea at a time.”

‍‍

Debbie Tagg, Chair of the Reside Summit, echoed this sentiment:

‍

“These awards are more than recognition, they are a call to action. They celebrate developers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners who are not only reshaping property but reshaping futures.”

‍

Honouring a Living Legend: Dr Chris Mulder

Among this year’s most prestigious recognitions was the honouring of Dr Chris Mulder, visionary environmental planner and founder of CMAI, with a Lifetime Achievement in Residential Development Award. With a career spanning over four decades and landmark developments including Thesen Island and Crossways Farm Village, Dr Mulder has shaped some of South Africa’s most iconic urban and ecological spaces.

As the first South African to earn a PhD in Environmental Planning, a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M, and a nominee for the global Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award, Dr Mulder’s work has consistently integrated sustainability, community upliftment, and design innovation. This award celebrates his lifelong contribution to creating places that inspire, empower, and endure.

2025 Reside Awards: Celebrating the Winners

Key Winners Include

• Affordable Housing Development of the Year: Circa Illovo – IHS
• BNG Development of the Year: Maroela South Phase 3 – Nokhanyo & Partners
• Social Housing Development of the Year: Ekhaya Gardens – Johannesburg Social Housing Company
• Community Scheme of the Year: Makhulong A Matala – Johannesburg Housing Company
• Student Accommodation of the Year: Units on Cape Station – Eris Property Group
• Residential Estate Agency of the Year – eXp Realty
• Residential Property Management Company of the Year: Ithemba Property – Divercity Property Group
• Lifetime Achievement in Residential Development: Dr Chris Mulder – CMAI / Crossways Farm Village

‍

‍Full list available on REI.co.za/ResideAwards2025

An Evening of Impact and a Vision for the Future

The Reside Awards drew a record number of entries and attendees, with representation across the development spectrum from lifestyle estates to student accommodation, from tech-driven innovators to community-focused housing champions.

‍

“This recognition is a catalyst,” said Gustav Holtzhausen of Ithemba Property, winners of Residential Property Management Company of the Year. “It validates our mission and inspires our future.”

‍

Johan Janse van Vuuren of Eris Property Group, winners in the Student Accommodation category, added: “We’re proud to contribute to safe, inspiring homes for the next generation.”

‍

The Way Forward: Building on Momentum

As South Africa confronts housing challenges and opportunities, the Reside Awards are not only a celebration but a platform one that drives recognition, motivates excellence, and promotes visibility for those changing lives through property.

Backed by visionary sponsors including SAMRRA, Trellidor, Fund/us, PPRA, and PSHA, the Reside Awards are now a defining calendar moment for property professionals.

Stay tuned to REI.co.za for winner interviews, photo galleries, and the full Reside Awards 2025 feature.

‍