The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has announced 20 Canberra finalists for the 20th National Awards for Excellence 2025.

The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has announced the finalists of the 20th National Awards for Excellence 2025.

Featuring a record number of finalists from across the country, 20 Canberran businesses will be representing the territory. 

Dedicated to recognising and awarding top-performing operations staff, property managers and businesses across commercial and residential real estate, REIA president, Leanne Pilkington says NAFE honours the best practices in values, community service and industry contribution, reflecting the holistic impact of the industry on communities nationwide. 

“As we enter our 101st year, we are proud to continue celebrating the best in the industry,” says Leanne.

“These awards highlight the outstanding achievements of professionals who are setting new benchmarks across the sector.” 

Finalists have been announced for 23 categories that span across all aspects of the real estate sector including residential and commercial agencies, sales and leasing, buyer’s agents, community service, innovation and communications and property management. 

“With 132 finalists, the event will shine a spotlight on the individuals and agencies leading the way in professionalism, service and innovation,” says Leanne.

The ceremony will be held in Adelaide on May 15.

A ‘premium mix’ on Canberra housing

Leading the way in sustainable practices, Archer Canberra sustainability and sales director Sasha Trpkovski says the organisation is particular about the projects it involves itself in, ensuring its projects are delivered on time and to a high quality. 

“Challenges are very few as we have a great team of architects, builders and innovative industry leading developers,” he says. 

Recently announced as a finalist for the Sustainability Leadership Award – Individual as part of the 2025 REIA National Awards, Sasha says they are proud of The Markets, Residences project in Canberra. 

“The Markets design offers a deep understanding of passive solar designs, cross ventilation, natural daylight, high ceilings as well as indoor and outdoor living,” he says.

“Surrounded by greenery, The Markets is known in Canberra as being an industry leader and at the forefront of sustainable, healthy living.

“It’s a recognition that Archer is very proud to have achieved.” 

With strong ESG and sustainability policies in place, Sasha says their Sustainability Package Checklist ensures clients are buying into the best new homes on offer in Canberra. 

“We find our onsite display gallery at The Markets achieves best results,” he says. 

“Our projects such as The Markets will continue to have sustainability and good design as its core ethos.

“Good results come when you have the ‘bones’ right on a project,” he says. “Great design, sustainable practices, quality builders and experienced developers, it’s a premium mix.” 

Archer Canberra. 1/24 Girrahween Street, Braddon. Call 6262 5232 or visit archerproperty.com.au

Collaborative team fosters positive property environment

A finalist for the 2025 Residential Property Management Team of the Year, Little Bird Property has been in operation for eight years. 

“It’s always been a goal of mine to build a successful, collaborative team that thrives within the property management sector,” says director Heidi Rosin. 

“As one of the largest property management only agencies in Canberra, our extensive knowledge and adaptability to market trends is a huge reason for our national nomination.

“We are consistently focusing on being at the forefront of technology and exceeding our clients’ expectations.” 

According to Heidi, the ever-changing market and legislation remains a challenge within the industry, and working out the most efficient ways to navigate this while keeping clients’ interests at the forefront of their minds is imperative. 

“Over the last year we have invested in new technology and processes to demonstrate excellence in the industry and ensure that our clients are working with a business that keeps up with the trends,” she says. 

Thriving at delivering excelling results for clients, Heidi says the team genuinely loves coming to work every day.

“This positive environment and atmosphere helps the team confidently navigate challenges and ensure amicable outcomes with clients.” 

“Poperty management can be such a fulfilling choice if you’re set up with the right tools to excel and the team to back you.”

Little Bird Properties. 16 Bougainville Street, Griffith ACT. Call 6153 3173 or visit littlebirdproperties.com.au

Agency takes the complexities out of buying a home

A decade of dedication to buyer representation has earned Capital Buyers Agency recognition, with two finalist nominations at this year’s REIA National Awards for Excellence.

Founder and director Claire Corby is a finalist for Buyer’s Agent of the Year, an award she previously won in 2021 and has been a finalist in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Helping Canberra buyers navigate the complexities of purchasing property, Claire says they’ve built the business around transparency, strategy and ensuring buyers are fully supported throughout the entire process.

“The real estate industry often favours the seller, and too many buyers feel left in the dark,” she says. 

“Our job is to change that dynamic, making sure our clients are informed, confident and making the best possible decisions for their future.”

Offering guidance on area selection, pricing strategy, negotiation and auction bidding, Capital Buyers Agency is also celebrating team member Sarah King, a finalist for Operational Support Person of the Year. 

“Our clients always tell us how seamless their experience was, and that’s testament to Sarah’s incredible support behind the scenes,” Claire says. 

“She ensures everything runs like clockwork, so our buyers can enjoy the journey rather than stress over logistics.”

With a proven record of success, a commitment to innovation and a client-first philosophy, Claire says Capital Buyers Agency leads the way in buyer representation.

“We’re grateful to be recognised at the national level again, and it reinforces the importance of what we do,” Claire says.

Capital Buyers Agency. 7/16 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6295 0036 or visit capitalbuyersagency.com.au

Customer-first approach gets leadership recognition

Being a finalist in the 2025 REIA National Awards for Excellence, specifically in the leadership category, is recognition of progress made within the strata industry, says LMM Solutions owner, Michael Fennell. 

A finalist for the Operational Leadership Award, Michael says the award highlights the strata management company’s dedication to innovation, quality services and leadership in shaping the future of strata management in the region. 

“What sets our business apart is our commitment to a customer-first approach, focusing on delivering personalised relationships, ensuring every client receives the attention and care they deserve,” he says. 

Prioritising building strong, personalised relationships with their clients and ensuring they receive undivided attention, Michael says their dedication to quality service has been a key to the success of their business. 

“We ensure outstanding service and results by maintaining clear, streamlined processes and procedures that are easy for our entire team to follow across all aspects of the business,” he says. 

“We stay up to date with the latest technological advancements, allowing for the efficient delivery of cutting-edge solutions. 

“Above all, we truly care about our clients and their needs, and are adapting to the everchanging and more complex buildings.”

LMM Solutions Pty Ltd. Unit 1.3/26 Thynne Street, Bruce. Call 5110 3200 or visit lmmsolutions.com.au