Award-winning homes offer buyers a blueprint for quality
For anyone looking to buy a new home, whether it be an apartment, townhouse or traditional single home, the diversity of options on the market means there is something to suit everyone.
Location, price, design, amenity, sustainability, community, future growth prospects and lifestyle considerations all play a role in the decision-making process when it comes to buying property. With so many factors to weigh up, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
One of the best places to start is by looking at projects that have already been independently recognised for excellence.
The UDIA WA Awards for Excellence are considered the benchmark for quality and innovation in Western Australia’s property industry. Each year, projects are assessed by experienced industry professionals against rigorous criteria covering design, sustainability, liveability, community outcomes, innovation and overall project delivery. The result is a showcase of developments that represent the very best our industry has to offer.
Importantly, the 2026 winners demonstrate that quality housing comes in many forms.
Whether you’re a first-home buyer, downsizer, investor, or growing family, the diversity of this year’s winning projects highlights the breadth of options now available across Western Australia.
At the pinnacle of this year’s awards was West Residences by Willing, which received both the Apartments (Mid-Rise) Award and the prestigious Russel Perry Award for Urban Development Excellence, the highest honour presented on the night.
The Mount Lawley development was recognised for overcoming significant site and planning constraints to deliver a refined residential experience that complements its surrounding neighbourhood.
Projects like West Residences demonstrate how thoughtfully designed higher-density housing can provide buyers with greater choice in established suburbs close to jobs, services and amenities. As Perth continues to grow, developments that successfully integrate into existing communities while delivering high-quality homes will play an increasingly important role in addressing housing demand.
Buyers interested in apartment living have several award-winning examples to consider. Rivière Residences claimed the Apartments (High-Rise) category, recognised for its architectural quality, extensive resident amenities and activation of the surrounding public realm through facilities including a library and hospitality venues.
Meanwhile, Oasis Mount Pleasant secured the Design Award for its distinctive architecture, rooftop amenity and strong connection to its riverside location.
For buyers seeking something in between high-rise apartment living and a single storey home, several winners highlighted the growing sophistication of medium-density development. Cygnus Parade by Linic Group won the Medium Density category, delivering a mix of townhouses, apartments and lofts that cater to everyone from first home buyers to downsizers and multigenerational families.
Similarly, Kingsway Townhouses by Forge Developments demonstrated the appeal of boutique townhouse living, offering premium homes with quality finishes, adaptable floorplans and a focus on long-term liveability.
In an affluent neighbourhood such as Nedlands, these townhouses offer a little more choice in the high-end market.
One of the most interesting winners in terms of innovation, was The HMO Coliving Model at Jacqueline Street, Bayswater, which won the Affordable Housing category. The professionally managed co-living development reflects the industry’s growing focus on alternative housing models that respond to changing demographic trends and affordability pressures. Combining private bedrooms and ensuites with shared communal living spaces, the project delivers a scalable and affordable housing solution while supporting social connection and lifestyle outcomes.
Families considering greenfield communities can also take confidence from this year’s winners.
Sienna Wood by Stockland and DevelopmentWA, winner of the Masterplanned Communities category, showcases the value of long-term planning and community creation. With significant open space, affordable and shared-equity housing options, a major town centre and innovative environmental initiatives, the project demonstrates how masterplanned communities can deliver diverse housing opportunities alongside lifestyle and amenity.
Likewise, Atwater Rockingham by Cedar Woods, winner of the Residential Subdivision category, illustrates how new communities can balance environmental stewardship, neighbourhood character and housing diversity. In this case, transforming a former caravan site into quality housing.
The awards also highlighted the growing range of options available to older Western Australians. Halcyon Wildflower by Stockland, winner of the Seniors Living category, combines accessible homes with resort-style facilities and strong sustainability credentials, demonstrating how affordable housing options for older Western Australians continues to evolve to meet the expectations of today’s buyers.
Renewal of major spaces and sites
Beyond individual housing products, several winners demonstrated the importance of creating great places and communities.
Perth City Link by DevelopmentWA, winner of the Urban Renewal category, has transformed a significant part of Perth by reconnecting the CBD with Northbridge and creating a vibrant mixed-use precinct that combines housing, employment, education and entertainment opportunities.
1909 Subi East by DevelopmentWA, winner of the Sustainability category, showcases how sustainability can be embedded into precinct development from demolition and construction through to long-term operation.
The transformation of the former Princess Margaret Hospital site into a mixed use, housing development is a fantastic example of adding housing choice into an existing neighbourhood, with future residents benefiting from proximity to the city along with other amenities such as schools, public transport and hospitality venues.
For buyers and investors, these projects provide valuable insights into the qualities that underpin long-term value, including quality design, thoughtful planning, sustainability, access to amenity and a clear understanding of how people want to live.
