The Australian Property Research and Education Fund (APREF) has awarded Dr Christopher Phelps of Curtin University the 2021 Peter Barrington Gold Medal Award.  

Dr Phelps took out the coveted award for his thesis, “Essays Connecting Australian Dwelling Price Growth and Subjective Wellbeing to Within-City income and Wealth Differentials”. 

The winner will present their research to Australian Property Institute (API) members as part of the APREF Research Seminar Series in 2022, as well as receiving complimentary annual API membership and a $1000.   

Dr Phelps is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at Curtin University. 

He recently completed his Economics PhD and has published research on a range of housing policy issues relevant to Australia, including housing affordability, housing supply, and within-city house price dynamics.  

His thesis presented three independent research essays related by a theme of residential segregation and its implications within Australian cities, specifically those relating to dwelling price movements and housing consumer wellbeing. 

The Peter Barrington Award, established in 1985, is designed to encourage research excellence in the study of land economy.  

The award is open to students undertaking a Property Masters or PHD at an Australian academic institution. 

The API established APREF to advance the twin arms of research and education, training and development; in the property industry specifically in valuation and land economy.  

The Fund has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, and is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.