(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The best and brightest talent in the UAE real estate market were honoured at an awards ceremony organised by Propertyfinder Group in Dubai.

Brokerages and developers were honoured for their creativity, hard work, passion and customer service by the jury.

Michael Lahyani, CEO and founder of Propertyfinder Group, told Khaleej Times: "We have the data necessary to identify who is at the peak of the real estate game. By awarding the top performers, we push the industry forward in its pursuit of best practices and transparency. This, in turn, helps attract more investment into the UAE property market."

There were eight award categories. The 'Best New Project' award was scooped up by Palma Homes Real Estate Development for the Serenia Residences on the Palm Jumeirah. The winner was shortlisted from among 29 other candidates and was judged on quality, community, price per square foot and the variety of property type. Other contenders included Damac Hills and Akoya Oxygen by Damac Properties and Marina Gate by the Select Group.

The 'Best Developer' award category was also hotly contested, with Aldar Properties emerging the winner. The award was adjudged on local market experience and project quality. Damac Properties, Ellington Properties, Palma Homes and Select Group made it to the final five contestants.

The 'UAE's Best Agent' award went to Allsopp & Allsopp's Darren Murphy. The award was judged on customer service, best listing practices and the number of deals closed. Lukman Hajje, chief commercial officer, Propertyfinder Group gave the 'Highest Performing Brokerage' award to Better Homes.

Hunt and Harris Real Estate Broker won the 'Most Outstanding Northern Emirates Brokerage' for the number of deals closed and industry track record while United Gulf Properties was adjudged the 'Most Outstanding Abu Dhabi Brokerage'.

The 'Best UAE Boutique Brokerage' was adjudged for accomplishing big things with fewer than 15 agents, customer service and a track record of deals closed. The award went to House Hunters Real Estate. The top award of the evening - 'UAE's Best Brokerage' - was lapped up by Driven Properties for its track record of deals closed, industry experience and customer service.

"My team and I are absolutely delighted to win this award. To be professionally recognised, it means our 13 years of hard work has paid off. Also for Noa Wardman to win third in the 'Best Agent' category is fabulous. Competing with the big players, it is such an accolade. We had an amazing year despite a slight correction in the market and we expect 2018 to be even better for House Hunters," Debbie Cope, managing director of House Hunters Real Estate, told Khaleej Times.

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Deepthi Nair I cover all things related to real estate in the UAE. Working as a print journalist in Dubai since 2008, I have reported on all the flashy new projects in town. Dubai's passion for setting new records continues to amaze me. I love to do stories that strike a chord with the average expatriate in the UAE. If you have any news related to your community or rents, you know who to get in touch with at Khaleej Times. When I am not working, I travel, catch up with friends, mall trawl, catch up on movies, explore new places in town or just unwind in a spa. Originally from India, I have been a journalist for more than 11 years. Language has been my forte right from school. That's me in a nutshell

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