World Habitat Awards 2026–27 Open Call for Innovative Housing Solutions

April 2026, Global – The World Habitat Awards 2026–27 has officially opened its call for entries, inviting innovative housing projects and programmes from around the globe. The annual awards, renowned for recognizing practical and sustainable solutions to housing challenges, aim to celebrate initiatives that improve living conditions, strengthen communities, and can be adapted in other countries.

Organized by the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF), the awards have a 35+ year legacy of highlighting housing solutions that make a real difference. Previous winners have implemented projects ranging from affordable urban housing and community-led housing initiatives to eco-friendly construction models and resilient disaster recovery shelters.

What the Awards Are Looking For

The World Habitat Awards focus on projects that demonstrate:

• Impact: Measurable improvements in housing or community wellbeing
• Innovation: Creative approaches to housing challenges
• Sustainability: Long-term environmental, social, and economic viability
• Transferability: Potential for adoption in other countries or communities
• Significance: Relevance to pressing housing and societal issues

Eligibility: Open to individuals, NGOs, public agencies, community groups, academic institutions, and private sector organizations. Projects must be in progress or completed and able to show clear results and impact.

Prize and Recognition

Winners of the World Habitat Awards gain global recognition and networking opportunities, along with support to expand their projects. Top projects typically receive:

• Gold award with £10,000 prize
• Trophies and official recognition
• Membership in the World Habitat Awards Network, connecting past winners and finalists worldwide
• Support to scale or adapt projects in new locations

Silver and Bronze winners also receive recognition, mentorship, and networking opportunities, ensuring a platform to amplify impact beyond their communities.

Why These Awards Matter

Millions around the world still face inadequate housing, with issues ranging from urban overcrowding to climate-resilient shelter needs. The World Habitat Awards highlight scalable, real-world solutions that improve living conditions while inspiring global action.

Past winners have influenced policy, attracted funding, and strengthened local communities. By recognizing tested, human-centered housing initiatives, the awards help accelerate progress toward sustainable and inclusive housing for all.

Application Details

• Deadline: Early 2026 (exact dates may vary)
• Entry Fee: None
• Global Eligibility: Open to projects worldwide
• Assessment: Projects evaluated by an international panel of housing and development experts