Evolving Sydney market sets stage for the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia)

Following successful inaugural gala in Sydney, the prestigious awards programme returns with expanded categories to honour the best in Australian real estate

SYDNEY, Australia — Industry thought leaders, market experts, and award-winning developers gathered last Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel for the Asia Connect Sydney event, officially launching the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia).

Asia Connect Sydney, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, was held in anticipation of the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia), featuring new categories for outstanding developers and projects.

The high-profile event served as the curtain-raiser for the 2026 awards programme, which returns with new categories recognising a broader spectrum of excellence in development and design.

As Sydney undergoes significant transformation, the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) shines a spotlight on the nation’s fastest-growing “cities of tomorrow.” The gala ceremony will take place on Friday, 4 September 2026, at the Shangri-La Sydney. Winners will then go on to represent Australia at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final this December in Bangkok, where they will compete against the best developers from across the region.

Key dates for the 2026 edition are:

• 10 July 2026 – Entries Close
• 28-31 July 2026 – Site Inspections
• 4 September 2026 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Sydney, Australia
• 11 December 2026 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand

A transformative time

The 2026 edition follows the successful gala ceremony of the 8th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) last year at the Shangri-La Sydney, marking the first time the programme was held in the New South Wales capital.

The programme’s return comes amid a transformative time for the Sydney property sector, defined by tighter lending standards, expanding transit-oriented developments, and evolving policies, including first-home buyer incentives and renter protections.

To reflect these shifts and the market’s progressive sophistication, the 9th edition introduces several new award categories, including Best Condo Developer, Best Housing Developer, Best First Home Development, Best Wellness Hospitality Development, Best Marina Development, Best Landmark Development, Best Sales Gallery Interior Design, and Best Landmark Design.

Related: Australia’s finest projects and pioneers set new benchmarks in real estate

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “As we launch the 2026 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) from Sydney, we turn our focus to a market poised for a resurgence. With airport upgrades and mega-infrastructure coming to life, the city looks set to lead national growth. This complex market demands the capital and innovation that Asia’s investors, seeking stability beyond traditional markets, are uniquely positioned to provide. We can’t wait to see what the finest real estate in Sydney and, by extension, Australia, looks like this year.”

Ivan Lam, chairperson of the independent judging panel and executive director for international business at Charter Keck Cramer, said: “We are thrilled to honour the finest real estate in Sydney and the rest of Australia this year. We are optimistic about blue-chip suburbs in Australia’s largest city as well as the many public works that promise to unlock value across New South Wales. The westward transformation of Sydney especially presents a generational opportunity for astute investors and developers alike while the enduring appeal of the city’s eastern and northern suburbs demonstrates the prestige market’s resilience. We call on developers to submit their best and showcase their works to property seekers and peers across Australia and the region.”

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading PropTech company, the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) is brought to you by official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; supporting associations Australasia Property Advisory Association (APAA), Australia Malaysia Business Council – QLD (AMBCQ), Australia Malaysia Business Council – Victoria (AMBC-Vic), and Australian Property Developers Association (APDA); media partners Australian Property Investor, Fang.com.au, Inside Queensland Daily, PhilTimes.com.au, Sydney Today, The Property Tribune, and Your Investment Property; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.