Independent property firms have claimed all four top Grand Prix Gold awards at The ESTAS 2026, beating larger competitors in a competition decided entirely by customer feedback.
The awards ceremony took place at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel yesterday, with organisers publishing the full list of winners this morning. Smaller, locally run businesses took the top honours across estate agency, lettings, conveyancing and mortgage broking.
Unlike industry awards that rely on judging panels, The ESTAS determines its winners through verified customer reviews submitted at the end of property transactions.
The results come amid continued consolidation across the property sector. Larger agency groups continue to acquire independent operators, while businesses increasingly invest in artificial intelligence.
The top winners
Houseclub Estate Agency in Lancaster secured the afternoon’s top prize, Best Estate Agent Office in the UK, claiming its first Grand Prix Gold award.
Drivers & Norris, based in Islington, north London, took the title of Best Letting Agent Office for Landlords/Tenants.
MJP Conveyancing in Norwich won Best Conveyancer Office in the UK, while Carmarthen-based Affinity Financial Management claimed Best Mortgage Broker Office in the UK.
Elsewhere, GoTo Group took the Supplier of the Year title.
The Property Centre won Best Regional Group for businesses operating six to 20 offices, while the Simpson Group secured gold in the Best Local Group category for agencies with two to five branches.
The ceremony also recognised hundreds of winners across county, regional and national categories, alongside individual honours through The People Awards.
‘Property is local’
ESTAS founder Simon Brown said the awards recognised the contribution of property professionals beyond the transaction itself.
“Anyone can open a door, send an email or chase a transaction. But the best people in this industry do much more than that. You calm nerves. You solve problems. You keep deals alive. You turn uncertainty into confidence.
“At a time when everyone is talking about AI, The ESTAS is here to celebrate something AI will never replace: empathy, judgement and trust. No judging panels. No polished submissions. No mystery shops. Just real people, giving real feedback, at the end of real transactions.”
Property presenter Phil Spencer, who hosted the ceremony, highlighted the importance of local reputation.
“Property is local. Your reputation is built street by street, client by client. This event brings together people who usually spend their days looking after everyone else: clients, chains, deadlines, details. It gives them a moment to stop, look around and enjoy what they have achieved.”
More than 1,000 property professionals attended the event, with Reapit and PayProp serving as headline partners.
Full list of winners here.
