Categories
Homes Overseas Awards 2008 - Categories & guidelines
1. Developer of the Year
(All entrants will be considered for this category, there is no need to make a separate entry).
This is our top award and goes to the developer who, in the opinion of the judges, has developed the best homes and done the most to help British overseas property buyers in the past year. While focusing on the quality and design of the property build, all aspects of the house builder's performance will be assessed in making the award – from show house presentation to finished product. This is not an award for the biggest or most conspicuous development(s); it is an award for the best and is open to all developers, large and small, from all over the world.
2. Readers’ choice award
(Please note: all entries submitted in any category before the early bird deadline (Friday 9 May) will be considered for this award – you do not need to submit a separate entry). The winner of this award will be selected by a panel of Homes Overseas Magazine readers and will be presented to the development that ticks all the right boxes for the people who really matter – the buyers. It could be awarded to any type or size of development, located anywhere in the world.
Designated territories
(Categories 3 - 20)
Each of these categories will be assessed as to the quality, design and location of the property, taking into account local considerations that impact upon its 'usability'. Ease of access, value for money, travel and communication links, local amenities and leisure facilities will all be reviewed.
NOTE: Developments must consist of two or more units in order to qualify for entry.
3. Best Development Australasia
4. Best Development Bulgaria
5. Best Development Canada
6. Best Development Cape Verde
7. Best Development Caribbean
8. Best Development Cyprus
9. Best Development United Arab Emirates
10. Best Development Egypt
11. Best Development France
12. Best Development Italy
13. Best Development Morocco
14. Best Development Portugal
15. Best Development South Africa
16. Best Development South America
17. Best Development Spain (inc. Balearic and Canary Islands)
18. Best Development Thailand
19. Best Development Turkey
20. Best Development USA
* If you are a developer in a country not listed above, please contact us for guidance on entering other categories, or to lobby for further country-specific categories to be created. Please note that where we receive interest from at least five developers from the same country, we reserve the right to create new country-specific categories, for example Best Development Greece or Best Development Malta. Please contact the Awards liaison team on +44 (0) 207 002 8365 for advice or click here (click through to form asking for Name, Developer Name, Contact Email, Contact Telephone, Country.)
21. Best fractional ownership scheme
This award recognises the growing popularity of fractional ownership schemes in providing the opportunity to own overseas property to a wider audience. The location and quality of the homes and the standard of the amenities provided by the development/s are crucial factors, as is the longer-term investment potential offered by the development/s.
22. Best golf development
This award will acknowledge the overall design, quality and location of this development. The standards of associated golf facilities are important in creating the right package for the golfing customer.
23. Best high-rise development (over 6 storeys)
This will be presented to the development offering the best in high-rise living. Judges will be looking for outstanding architecture and design internally and externally, along with innovative structural and engineering features. Please note that this category is only to developments over 6 storeys high.
24. Best luxury development
This award will recognise a top-of-the-range development with no expense spared on design, finish, landscaping, security and customer care. The development should offer value for money, albeit at the higher end of the price range, and should reflect the highest standards demanded by luxury customers.
25. Best marina development
This award is not just about the best locations, but also for the best use of land/waterfront available. An imaginative and sympathetic design, coupled with quality materials and 'usability' of the property and facilities are key.
26. Best renovation
This award recognises enterprising development of dated or derelict property. Exterior and interior appearance, as well as an interesting adaptation of original features, will be considered. 'Before' and 'after' photography is required.
27. Best retirement development
This award will be presented to the company that has produced the best overall package for retired customers. The design of the development and quality of additional services will be taken into consideration. Other key elements include access for residents, and availability of medical facilities.
28. Best ski development
This award will be presented to the development that offers the best ski properties currently on the market. The overall design and quality of the resort will be judged alongside the location, and how convenient it is for the slopes. Other facilities, such as spas and golf courses, will also be considered as this will increase the developments appeal during the summer months. Value for money will play a large part in the decision.
29. Best spa development
This award focuses on the successful combination of the many elements that help to create the perfect environment for restoring much-needed inner harmony, such as the overall design of the development, its location and, most importantly, the spa facilities themselves.
30. Best sustainable development
An award for developments friendly to the environment, the local population and the pocket. Judges will look for energy and watersaving properties, low running costs and the use of 'green' building materials and practices. They will also consider the extent to which the development incorporates exterior and interior design in keeping with the local natural and cultural environment. Entries should be supported by evidence indicating that a sympathetic environmental approach was taken during and after construction.
