Movers and Shakers

Wilson Property takes top honours as REIV Awards for Excellence celebrate industry achievement

Wilson Property โ€“ Traralgon has taken out the top prize at the Real Estate Institute of Victoriaโ€™s (REIV) Awards for Excellence 2025, being named both Large Residential Agency of the Year and Regional Agency of the Year.

The Gippsland-based agency triumphed over an exceptional field of finalists, highlighting the professionalism and calibre of Victoriaโ€™s real estate sector.

Principal Ben Wilson said the dual recognition was an incredible moment for the entire team.

โ€œWe werenโ€™t expecting to win, we were just wrapped to be named as finalists,โ€ Mr Wilson said.

โ€œTo be recognised as the number one agency in regional Victoria, and then to also take out the large agency award, was huge for our little business. Weโ€™re very happy.โ€

โ€œTo see how far weโ€™ve come since starting the business nearly 30 years ago, and now to be standing alongside Victoriaโ€™s best, is pretty incredible.โ€

Mr Wilson said the win reflected years of consistent reinvestment and a long-term commitment to team development.

โ€œWe made a conscious decision a few years ago to keep reinvesting back into the business, mainly in human resources, to provide the best possible support for our agents,โ€ he said.

โ€œThatโ€™s allowed our agents to grow within the business, which ultimately benefits our clients. Over the past 12 months, weโ€™ve seen a massive increase in repeat and referred clients, a real reflection of that focus.โ€

Founded 28 years ago, Wilson Property has grown into one of Gippslandโ€™s most respected real estate brands. 

Mr Wilson said the business had carried its momentum into the new financial year with record results.

โ€œItโ€™s a testament to our sales team, our support staff, and the culture weโ€™ve built,โ€ he said.

โ€œOnwards and upwards from here.โ€

The REIV Awards for Excellence 2025 celebrated innovation, leadership, and achievement across 34 award categories, acknowledging the people and businesses shaping Victoriaโ€™s property industry.

REIV President Sam Hatzistamatis said this yearโ€™s winners represented the best of Victoriaโ€™s real estate community, a sector that continues to evolve and overcome significant challenges.

โ€œThe REIV Awards for Excellence continue to be the benchmark for celebrating people and businesses setting the standard in integrity, skill, and innovation,โ€ Mr Hatzistamatis said.

โ€œWhile the real estate sector has faced its share of challenges, the resilience and commitment of REIV members have never been stronger. Their dedication ensures the industry remains a cornerstone of Victoriaโ€™s economy and community wellbeing.โ€

Mr Hatzistamatis also extended his warmest congratulations to Harry Li, Master Auctioneer and Director at iSell Group, who received the prestigious 2025 Presidentโ€™s Award.

โ€œHarryโ€™s leadership in raising professional standards, mentoring emerging talent, and developing the next generation of auctioneers embodies the spirit of excellence our industry stands for,โ€ he said.

He thanked the REIVโ€™s members, partners, and event sponsors for their continued support and commitment to strengthening the profession.

โ€œWith our continued focus on advocating for a sustainable and resilient property market, supported by a professional and highly skilled sector, Victoriaโ€™s real estate community will continue to shape positive housing outcomes for all Victorians,โ€ Mr Hatzistamatis said.

Top-performing agencies included:

  • Large Residential Agency of the Year: Wilson Property โ€“ Traralgon
  • Medium Residential Agency of the Year: Woodards Manningham
  • Small Residential Agency of the Year: MATTHEWS.
  • Commercial Agency of the Year: Gross Waddell ICR
  • Regional Agency of the Year: Wilson Property โ€“ Traralgon
  • Community Service Award: Reventon Residential
  • Innovation Award: OBrien Real Estate
  • Sustainability Leadership Award: Engine Owners Corporation Management Pty Ltd
  • Wellbeing Award: Savills

Outstanding team and individual achievements were also recognised, including:

  • Residential Property Management Team of the Year: Ironfish Real Estate Melbourne
  • Residential Sales Team of the Year: Woodards South Yarra
  • Marketing and Communications Award: MATTHEWS.
  • Best Leasing Campaign by a Small Agency: Allard Shelton | 182โ€“184 Smith Street, Collingwood
  • Best Sales Campaign by a Small Agency: Allard Shelton | 2 Eaton Mall, Oakleigh
  • Best Sales Campaign by a Medium Agency: Nichols Crowder | 1047โ€“1051 High Street, Armadale
  • Best Sales Campaign by a Large Agency: Cushman & Wakefield | 30โ€“36 Eaton Mall, Oakleigh

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Rowan Crosby

Rowan Crosby is a senior journalist at Elite Agent specialising in finance and real estate.