Winner
Southern Housing Group
Southern Housing Group won for the initiative it has adopted for its Millennium Plus scheme at the Nightingale Estate in east London. A participation strategy has ensured tenants there have an input at every stage of the build process. An estate development committee (EDC) design working group represents the tenants in discussions concerning site layout, external areas and appearance, and internal dwelling plans. The EDC is also involved in planning applications and the specification of high cost options such as kitchens. To bring tenants closer to the decisionmaking process Southern organises design open days, questionnaires, regular newsletters, site visits and even trips to the Netherlands to see the chosen construction method (tunnel form concrete) in situ. The high level of consultation means tenants have a wide range of options. Each tenant may select up to three wall and floor colours for their home and vote for their favourite tiles, kitchen worktops and units, and front doors. They also have the opportunity to subdivide larger rooms and opt for more expensive kitchens.

Second
Laing Homes
Laing is successfully adding value to house sales with its Homestyle choices and upgrades service. There are around 140 choices and upgrades in total, which are offered to housebuyers when they make a reservation. To aid purchasing decisions Laing employs Homestyle advisors to discuss the options on offer, which can also be seen in situ at the Homestyle Studio. Every purchaser receives vouchers, which are redeemable against the cost of upgrades; choices are available at no additional cost. Laing also helps to take some of the angst out of moving by fitting the products before buyers move in.

Showed optimism for the future - and gave the community a real choice