The Block, Australia’s beloved renovation reality show, has been captivating audiences for years with its thrilling transformations and nail-biting auctions. The 2023 season, set in the Melbourne suburb of Hampton East, was no exception, with contestants walking away with life-changing sums of money. However, a year on from the record-breaking auctions, Daily Mail Australia has uncovered a less glamorous reality behind the façade of these million-dollar homes.
As the 2024 Block properties on Phillip Island hit the market with price guides far exceeding local expectations, insiders have revealed that some of last year’s builds are already showing signs of neglect and disrepair. This stark contrast between the on-screen perfection and off-screen reality raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these quick-fix renovations.
One of the most striking examples of this post-show decline is House One, built by Kyle and Leslie Cottone from Western Australia. Throughout the 2023 season, their property was dubbed “the house that no one would want” by builders and consistently received low scores from judges. Despite these warning signs, the house sold for $3.1 million to Adrian Portelli, an entrepreneurial business owner known for his high-profile purchases on The Block.
Portelli’s attempt to raffle off the property backfired when the winner opted for the cash prize instead of the house. Now, a year later, the property stands empty, its roof reportedly covered in mould, much to the chagrin of neighboring residents. One irate neighbor even suggested that The Block could return to Hampton East for its next season, rather than heading to the picturesque town of Daylesford as planned for 2025.
The fate of Houses Four and Five, both purchased by Adrian Portelli, further illustrates the challenges faced by these properties post-auction. House Four, built by fan favorites Steph and Gian Ottavio, sold for a staggering $5 million, earning the couple a record-breaking $1.75 million in prize money. However, Portelli struggled to find takers for the property through his raffle attempts. The first winner chose the cash prize over the house, and it was only after subsequent raffles that the property found tenants.
House Five, created by sisters Eliza and Liberty Paschke, met a similar fate. Purchased by Portelli for $4.3 million, the property faced difficulties in finding new owners through raffles. Insiders suggest that rushed construction may have led to overlooked shortcuts, potentially contributing to the property’s struggle to attract long-term residents. Like House Four, it was eventually sold to a private owner in a $1 auction after raffle winners opted for cash prizes.
Interestingly, the two properties that have fared better post-show were built by the season’s “villains.” House Two, created by Leah and Ash Milton, is now a family home despite the couple’s risky design decisions that initially alienated potential buyers. House Three, the work of Kristy and Brett Beames, has happy tenants and has received no complaints from neighbors.
This behind-the-scenes look at The Block 2023 properties raises important questions about the nature of reality television and the construction industry. While the show provides entertainment and the possibility of life-changing windfalls for contestants, the long-term viability of these rapidly constructed homes is called into question. The struggle to maintain and occupy these properties after the cameras stop rolling suggests a disconnect between the glossy on-screen presentation and the practical realities of homeownership.
As The Block prepares for its 2024 season on Phillip Island and looks ahead to Daylesford in 2025, these revelations may prompt viewers and potential contestants to consider the broader implications of participating in such high-stakes renovations. The show’s producers and network executives might also need to reflect on their responsibility to ensure that the homes created on The Block are not just visually appealing for television but also built to last.
In conclusion, while The Block continues to captivate audiences with its blend of drama, creativity, and high-stakes auctions, the aftermath of the 2023 season serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of looking beyond the glitz and glamour of reality TV to consider the long-term impact on both the properties and the communities in which they are built. As the show evolves, finding a balance between entertainment value and creating sustainable, livable homes may become an increasingly important challenge for all involved.
