The following new and reshaped categories have been introduced to better reflect today’s real estate landscape and the diverse ways members deliver success:
Supreme Sales Performance of the Year (all real estate disciplines) – recognising the “best of the best” – the highest-performing sales winner/s across all real estate sales awards. NOTE: members don’t enter this category – the winner is announced at the gala awards dinner, from all the residential, rural and C&I real estate award winners.
Franchise of the Year Award – recognising high-performing franchise groups operating under a single brand, noting that there was not previously a suitable category for them to enter.
Sales Partnership of the Year – two licensed salespeople working together as partners or an individual working with one licensed PA.
Sales Team of the Year – recognising sales teams of three or more people.
Rural: REINZ Rural Region of the Year – recognising excellence across REINZ’s five rural regions with a national winner being selected on awards night from the top performing brand of each of the five regions.
Sales Deal of the Year – recognising an outstanding sales transaction completed during Awards Year.
Commercial Leasing Deal of the Year – recognising an outstanding leasing transaction during Awards Year.
Deal of the Year – recognising an outstanding business broking transaction completed during Awards Year.
Emerging Office of the Year (5 or fewer agents) – supporting greater recognition of smaller offices.
Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Residential Property Management Sector (20+ years in the industry) – recognising long-term service, impact and leadership.
Staff Wellbeing Award – recognising initiatives that support staff wellbeing.
Community Service Initiative of the Year – for individuals, teams or offices to enter one outstanding project undertaken during Awards Year.
Community Service Brand Award – recognising a real estate brand that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting communities and charities through meaningful initiatives and fundraising activities across its network.
Note: The Sustainability Award category has been removed for 2026, based on industry feedback. Sustainability initiatives may still be submitted and recognised under the new Community Service and Innovation award categories.
While there are important refinements, a lot remains consistent:
The overall submission process is the same.
In most real estate categories, the information required to enter is the same.
Independent judging and robust verification processes will continue.