Asha Agarwal has been shortlisted for Women in Housing Award 2025

We are delighted that our Founder, Asha Agarwal, has been shortlisted for the Inside Housing Women in Housing Awards in the ‘Professional of the Year – Independent’ category – sponsored by Kingdom Academy

Asha Agarwal has transformed the lives of over 1,000 first-time buyers, making homeownership a reality for many who once thought it impossible. She entered the housing industry at 19 with no qualifications, facing significant challenges and biases, yet relentlessly climbed the ranks. Starting at L&Q, she went on to lead Savills’ shared ownership arm before launching Inspire New Homes—a consultancy she built from scratch into a six-figure business. Inspire supports housing associations and local authorities in optimising their sales and marketing strategies, enabling them to reinvest profits into delivering more affordable homes.

Asha’s dedication extends beyond consultancy—she is a champion for BAME communities and women in an industry that remains male-dominated. Her personal journey is a testament to resilience. Leaving home at 15, she became pregnant and was in foster care before experiencing homelessness at 17. She secured her first housing sector role at 19, despite facing personal tragedy, including two stillbirths and an abusive relationship. Throughout her career, she encountered challenges and was often underestimated, but she refused to let these obstacles define her path. Asha comments: “I want to show women—especially women of colour, single mothers, and anyone who has been underestimated—that your past does not define your future. You don’t need to fit anyone else’s mould to claim your power. Yes, I’ve thrived in property, but my mission is bigger than bricks and mortar.”

Celebrating the leaders, innovators and changemakers across our sector, the Women in Housing Award are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the inspirational individuals and organisations that provide homes for people across the country. We look forward to celebrating the incredible work of these women who are creating such positive change within the housing industry at the ceremony held in Manchester on the 24^th June.

Asha comments, “I am so pleased to have been shortlisted for ‘Professional of the Year – Independent’ at the Women in Housing Awards 2025, alongside so many inspirational women.

“These prestigious awards are the perfect platform to celebrate the accomplishments of outstanding women within the sector, and I am so proud to be included among such amazing female figures. I would like to wish the very best of luck to all those shortlisted – I’m looking forward to celebrating with you all in Manchester in June

Check out the full shortlist here: Women In Housing Awards – Shortlist – Women in Housing Awards 2025 shortlist