Entries open for the Reside Awards 2026

By REI Editorial

March 5, 2026

Residential

Entries are now open for the Reside Awards 2026 celebrating excellence across South Africa’s residential property value chain.

Over 40 award categories recognise innovation in development, design, finance, property management and housing delivery.

Winners will be announced at the Reside Summit on 21 May 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Entries now open for the Reside Awards 2026

Celebrating Excellence in South Africa’s Residential Property Sector. Entries are officially open for the Reside Awards 2026, one of South Africa’s leading platforms recognising innovation, leadership and excellence across the residential property sector.

Now in its fourth year, the awards continue to grow in stature and scope. The 2026 ceremony will take place on 21 May 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, forming the highlight of the Residential Investment & Development (Reside) Summit.

The awards are presented in partnership with Real Estate Investor (REI) and honour the projects, companies and individuals who are shaping the future of residential property in South Africa.

Expanding recognition across the housing value chain

Reflecting the increasing complexity and sophistication of the residential sector, the 2026 Reside Awards programme introduces its most extensive category structure yet.

The awards now span eight key pillars:

Design

Multifamily developments

Single-family developments

Subsidised housing

Specialised residential sectors

Companies

People

Construction

Across these pillars, more than 40 awards recognise excellence across the full residential ecosystem, from affordable housing and luxury developments to student accommodation, finance innovation and property management.

Among the new additions for 2026 are dedicated awards for architectural design, interior design, landscape design, contractors and building suppliers, highlighting the growing role of construction and design excellence in shaping quality housing environments.

Spotlight on innovation and industry leadership

The awards also reflect the expanding diversity of South Africa’s housing sector.

Categories include recognition for affordable housing projects, mid-market and luxury developments, lifestyle estates, student accommodation, senior living and community schemes.

A dedicated subsidised housing pillar further recognises the importance of inclusive housing solutions through awards for social housing, upgraded informal settlements, BNG (RDP) developments and First Home Finance (FLISP) projects.

Company and people categories highlight leadership and innovation across the industry, with awards such as Residential Estate Agency of the Year, Property Practitioner of the Year and PropTech Innovator of the Year.

A rigorous judging process

The Reside Awards are judged by a distinguished panel of industry leaders drawn from across the property sector, including developers, financiers, academics and regulators.

The judging panel includes:

Neale Petersen - Founder & Content-in-Chief of REI and Chairperson of the Reside Awards

Corene Breedt-Rammutla, CEO - Core Impact

Miguel Martins, Property Market Analyst - Terreno Property Group

Louise Martin, CEO - Estate Living

Thato Ramaili, CEO - Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA)

Angela Rivers, General Manager - JPOMA

Nigel Adriaanse, CEO - Enterprise Development Property Fund

…and several other respected industry professionals.

Celebrating excellence and impact

According to Debbie Tagg, Chair of the Reside Summit, the awards are designed to recognise both innovation and impact across the housing sector.

“This year’s expanded structure allows for both wider and more targeted recognition, ensuring that excellence in every niche of residential property is brought into the spotlight,” says Debbie Tagg.

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“As South Africa faces growing housing demand, urbanisation and sustainability challenges, these awards highlight the projects and organisations creating thriving communities and delivering real impact.”

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‍A Legacy of industry recognition

Over the past three years, the Reside Awards have recognised some of the country’s most influential residential developments and companies.

Previous winners include IHS, Respublica, Africrest Properties, Calgro M3, eXp Realty South Africa, Ithemba Property Management, Lightstone and JOSCHO.

For many recipients, the awards have become a powerful platform for brand visibility, industry credibility and business growth.