The WhatHouse? Awards are celebrating their 46th anniversary, and in 2026 they are looking a little different. Earlier this year we asked Forum members to provide feedback on the awards to get your thoughts as to how they can better serve SME housebuilders.
We’re delighted that the WhatHouse? Awards has created a new category for housebuilders completing fewer than 50 homes per year, helping to give smaller builders a better chance to compete amongst their genuine peers. The Best Housebuilder categories have been restructured into four groups based on annual homes delivered, which means the awards now better reflect the diversity of the sector.
In recognition of the cost pressures that SME housebuilders face the entry fee for the sub 50 units homes category has been reduced by 50% to make entering more accessible.
Rupert Bates, Editorial Director of Show House magazine and WhatHouse?, has said the changes are designed to bring new energy to the awards and make sure housebuilders of all sizes get the recognition their work deserves.
Beyond the restructure, three new categories have been added for 2026: Best Marketing Campaign, Best Use of Technology and Innovation, and Best Customer Experience. There are 21 categories in total.
The ceremony takes place on Friday 20 November at the Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, and entries close on 17 July.
For the full category list and to enter, visit whathouseawards.co.uk.
