2026 Excellence in Property Awards
In 1926, a small group of professionals saw the need for an organisation that would set and maintain the highest standards of skill, behaviour and practice for the valuation and property profession.
One hundred years later, the Excellence in Property Awards recognises and celebrates the individuals and organisations whose work exemplifies those same standards. Their achievements set the benchmark for professional excellence and inspire the future of the property profession.
2026 Nominations Now Open
A few things worth having ready before you start.
- Allow 20–30 minutes to complete your nomination.
- Save and return later — your progress is preserved.
- Have supporting material ready — case studies, references, testimonials or project documentation.
- Invite co-nominators — colleagues can contribute where relevant.
Nominations close 26 August.
Awards Categories
Innovation in Property Award
Honouring transformative thinking — projects, technologies, and methodologies redefining property practice.
Valuation Team of the Year
Recognising collective excellence in technical rigour, client outcomes, and professional contribution.
Young Professional of the Year Award
Celebrating early-career members whose work signals the trajectory of the profession’s next generation.
Regional Valuer of the Year Award
Acknowledging exceptional practice and community impact across regional and remote Australia.
The Lesley Bennett Women in Property Award
An enduring tribute honouring outstanding women shaping the profession’s progress and culture.
Outstanding Contribution to Property Award
API’s highest individual honour — recognising sustained, profession-defining contribution over a career.
Judging Panel
The 2026 judging panel is composed of State and Territory Chairs of the Australian Property Institute — senior practitioners selected for their experience, integrity, and standing within the profession.
All nominations should demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics, standards and a commitment to the highest ideals of professionalism. Further details about API’s commitment to ethics can be found at API Code of Ethics – Australian Property Institute.
Key Dates
1st July | Nominations Open
26th August | Nominations Close
27th August | Judging Period Begins
October | Finalists Announced
5th November | The winners will be announced at the API Gala Awards Night in Adelaide to celebrate 100 Years of the API.
Past Award Winners
| Innovation in Property Award | Preston Rowe Paterson | Preston Rowe Paterson | |
| Young Professional of the Year Award | Codie Hollis | Acumentis | NSW |
| Tessa Leigh-Lancaster | Matheson Stephen Valuations | VIC | |
| Regional Valuer of the Year Award | Hayden McLeod | Opteon Solutions | WA |
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | Acumentis Asset Advisory | Acumentis | |
| Value NSW - Special Valuations and Department of Communities and Justice | Value NSW | NSW | |
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Sally Dale | Value NSW | NSW |
| Outstanding Contribution to Property Award | John Martin | Australian Property Consultants | WA |
| Regional Valuer of the Year Award | Fraser McPhail | Preston Rowe Paterson | WA |
| Wayne Walden | Opteon Solutions | VIC | |
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | CBRE Living Sectors Team | CBRE | VIC |
| Innovation in Property Award | Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) | Property and Development NSW | NSW |
| Young Professional of the Year Award | Vanessa Howard | Preston Rowe Paterson | VIC |
| Chris Pandzic | Cushman & Wakefield | NSW | |
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Georgia Warren-Myers | The University of Melbourne | VIC |
| Outstanding Contribution to Property Award | Peter Adlington | Walsh & Monaghan | NSW |
| Innovation in Property Award | JLL Valorem | JLL | |
| Young Professional of the Year Award | Maria Berto | Opteon Australia | |
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | Opteon Technical Services Team | Opteon Australia | |
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Kat Hale | CBRE | |
| Workplace Diversity & Culture Award | Preston Rowe Paterson | ||
| Colonel Alfred Clifford Catt Award | Ted Hoskin | CBRE |
| Innovation in Property Award | GO.FARM Australia | ||
| Young Professional of the Year Award | Will Johnson | Herron Todd White | |
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | National Health, Aged Care and Seniors Living Team | M3 Property | |
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Annette Smith | Acumentis | |
| Workplace Diversity & Culture Award | CBRE | ||
| Colonel Alfred Clifford Catt Award | Kym Dreyer | M3 Property |
| Innovation in Property Award | Herron Todd White National Office Team | Herron Todd White | |
| Young Professional of the Year Award | James Paver | Avenor | |
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | New South Wales Valuer General | Office of the Valuer General, New South Wales | |
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Aleisha Brookes | ||
| Workplace Diversity & Culture Award | JLL | ||
| Colonel Alfred Clifford Catt Award | Tyrone Hodge |
| Innovation in Property Award | CBRE Digital Innovation Team | CBRE | |
| Young Professional of the Year Award | Celeste Orange | Westlink Consulting | |
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | Savills | ||
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Jacqui Bayles | Herron Todd White | |
| Workplace Diversity & Culture Award | NAB Property Services Group | ||
| Colonel Alfred Clifford Catt Award | Greg Clarke | McGees Property Brisbane |
| Innovation in Property Award | JLL's Melbourne Mapping Project | JLL | |
| Young Professional of the Year Award | Jasmin Poyzer | ||
| Valuation Team of the Year Award | Herron Todd White New South Wales, North Coast Commercial Team | Herron Todd White | |
| The Lesley Bennett API Women in Property Award | Sandra Peachey | Savills | |
| Workplace Diversity & Culture Award | Genworth Australia | ||
| Colonel Alfred Clifford Catt Award | Greg Preston AM | Preston Rowe Paterson |