INDUSTRY | SEPTEMBER 2024
As we approach the 21st annual ESTAS Awards, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on more than two decades of recognising and celebrating excellence in the UK’s property industry. What started as just an idea between two people has become the most prestigious awards event in the sector, and a space for networking as well as celebrating quality service, innovation and professionalism.
The ESTAS Awards were founded in 2003 by Sarah and Simon Brown. Their vision was to create an awards platform that wasn’t just about glitz and glamour, but about genuine feedback from those who matter most—the customers. The very first Estate Agent of the Year Awards took place at the Dorchester Hotel in London in 2004, with the UK’s favourite TV property expert, Phil Spencer, hosting the event. Little did anyone know that this inaugural event would lay the foundation for what would become known as the ‘Oscars’ of the property world. The nickname ‘The ESTAS’ quickly caught on, symbolising not just an award, but a kitemark of quality and trust.
Over the years, The ESTAS Awards have evolved from a traditional awards ceremony into a comprehensive customer review platform, driven by the increasing importance of online reviews in today’s digital landscape and Sarah and Simon’s mission to champion great customer care across the estate agency sector. The power of the ESTAS reviews lies in their authenticity. These verified reviews have been seen over 13 million times across member websites, giving prospective customers confidence in the quality of service they can expect. The ESTAS community now includes 1,500 property professionals who share a commitment to deliver exceptional customer service.
While the event itself is the highlight of the year, the impact of winning an ESTAS Award goes far beyond the ceremony. An ESTAS trophy is more than just a symbol of success on the day, it’s a powerful endorsement that sets your agency apart from the competition. It signals to current and prospective customers that your service is trusted, credible and of the highest quality. In a competitive industry where trust and reputation is everything, an ESTAS Award can be a game-changer. It’s a mark of excellence that you can proudly display on your website, in your office and in all your marketing materials. It shows that you don’t just talk about great service—you deliver it, and your customers have confirmed it.
On Friday 18th October, the property industry’s finest will gather at the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair for the 21st annual ESTAS Awards. It’s more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a 10-hour celebration of excellence, where deals are made, connections are forged, and the best in the business are recognised. The day will begin with a champagne drinks reception, followed by a sumptuous four-course luncheon. Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to network with 1,200 of their peers, sharing insights and building relationships. And, of course, the highlight of the event will be the awards ceremony itself, where Phil Spencer will once again take the stage to announce the winners. The excitement and anticipation in the room are always palpable, as the industry’s most coveted accolades are handed out. But the celebration doesn’t end there—the exclusive ESTAS After Party ensures that the festivities continue long into the night.
Join us in celebrating 21 years of excellence, innovation and outstanding service in the property industry. You can buy tickets here