Introduction

"Following the outstanding success of the inaugural Herald Property Awards for Scotland in 2007, I am delighted to announce the launch of the 2008 awards.

As publisher of Scotland's most comprehensive and high prestige property guide, Scotland's Homes, we recognise the challenges that developers face in today's competitive new build market.

The categories have been developed to take account of these challenges as we introduce three new awards. As websites are now a key selling tool, the Best Developer Website category has been launched to reward the most innovative use of online. The introduction of the Best High Performance Home category recognises that green issues are high on the public agenda, and that builders increasingly need to respond to the demand for sustainable homes. Finally the Homebuilder of the Year award will reward the developer whose portfolio, in the opinion of the judges, has done most to assist people in their quest to purchase top quality homes in the past year.

I would like to wish all builders and developers every success with their entries, and I look forward to celebrating your triumphs in September."

Ian Clarke
Sales and Marketing Director
Herald and Times Group

Categories

BEST SHOW HOME

Design and style that is appropriate for that particular property and its potential purchasers. Style, colour, attractive use of interior space and unusual features are some of the qualities being rewarded.

BEST FAMILY HOME

(1,200 - 1,800sq ft)
Sponsored by King Sturge
Affordability, good value for money and comfortably meeting the needs of a family with both young and older children are key criteria in this category. The judges will be looking for adaptability, space saving ideas, safety and convenience in a property that has been designed and built with the modern family in mind.

BEST LUXURY HOME

(1,800sq ft or over)
sponsored by Villeroy & Boch at Scope Bathrooms
Entries are sought from the top end of the market for this category. No expense will have been spared in the design, quality of finish, landscape, fixtures and fittings within this home. The judges will be looking for attention to detail in a property that offers that extra edge over its rivals in the ideal location.

BEST APARTMENT

sponsored by Speirs Gumley
All sizes of apartment will be considered, from one-bedroomed starter flats to larger apartments aimed at couples or perhaps families. The judges will be taking into consideration the site layout, design, presentation, storage, communal areas, usability and value for money.

BEST CONVERSION

sponsored by Blairs Limited
This award recognises the enterprising redevelopment of a dated or derelict property. The basic original structure must be retained and utilised, and conservation techniques should be appropriate to the building. Exterior and interior appearance, as well as an interesting adaptation of original features, will be considered. Before and after photography must be included.

BEST TOWNHOUSE

This award recognises the increasing popularity of this style of living. Properties should be three or more storeys high, and at least one wall must be shared with another residence. The design and style will take into account the various requirements of modern buyers, with quality, usability, adaptability and storage considered by the judges.

BEST WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

sponsored by Clyde Waterfront
Developments within a marina, by the sea, river or canal will be considered. Judges will look for entries that best relate to the waterfront environment in which they are built, with consideration for both their external and internal design.

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN

sponsored by Sound and Vision Events
The advertising and marketing of new homes and developments is key to the success in attracting potential buyers. Judges will be looking for integrated campaigns that are fresh, innovative and demonstrate the key features and benefits of the property or development. The campaign must have included at least two different mediums e.g. press, TV, outdoor, online, radio or marketing brochures.

BEST DEVELOPER WEBSITE

sponsored by s1homes
Websites are a key tool in communicating with potential buyers. The judges will be looking at the structure and operation of the site. Consideration will be given to navigation, content, functionality, design and search engine optimisation.

BEST ONSITE PRESENTATION

sponsored by EVM
We will reward the best use of marketing material at a development site in this category. Judges will be looking for the best integrated marketing approach to the marketing suite, site signage and the use of branding to increase or generate footfall for the development. Creative and innovative merchandising will be a key factor in choosing the award winner.

Best High Performance Home

sponsored by Turley Associates
This category will be made to the property which best demonstrates a concern for environmental considerations above and beyond statutory obligations. The judges will be looking at such criteria as energy reduction, water consumption, renewable energy, sustainability issues, impact on the existing environment, construction techniques and materials. Building work will be in accordance with the national standard Code for Sustainable Homes.

Homebuilder of the year

sponsored by Sidey
This award will be made to the Scottish homebuilder whose portfolio, in the opinion of the judges, has done the most to help people buy top quality homes in the past year. Every aspect of their performance from architectural design and landscaping, product range, build quality including innovative construction methods, location, value for money, marketing, after-sales service and customer care will be assessed.

THE GRAND PRIX AWARD

sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate
This will be the entry deemed by judges to be the best in all categories. Consideration will be given to all aspects including location, design, materials, environment and appropriate market sector. No separate entry is required for this category.