A group of contestants from the popular renovation series, The Block, has returned to their respective builds in Daylesford, Victoria, as they prepare for a series of multimillion-dollar auctions. The price guide for all five houses ranges from $3 million to $3.5 million, reflecting the intense competition and excitement surrounding the final auction day.
After a demanding 12 weeks filled with both challenges and celebrations, contestants Sonny and Alicia, along with their three children, have spent several days in House 4. “While building, occupancy wasn’t allowed. Now we’ve stayed a few days, and it feels a bit strange,” said Alicia. “When we first sat on the couch, Sonny stood up, thinking he had to get back to work! But it’s wonderful to finally enjoy the house.”
Demonstrating their commitment to the community, the couple hosted 40 children from the Heart Kids Foundation on Friday. “It’s just nice to bring them out and take them through The Block homes and create some memories with them,” Alicia added. She noted the significance of their real estate agent’s long-standing collaboration with the foundation, which includes donating a portion of their commission to support children with heart issues.
As the auction approaches, Sonny and Alicia are focused on making final touch-ups to their home. “It’s definitely nerve-wracking. We want to put our best foot forward—that’s why we’re doing events like this; you never know, a buyer could be in the room,” Alicia explained.
Meanwhile, fellow contestants Han and Can have been busy inside House 2. “We’re back here and making sure it’s picture-perfect for auction day—painting, patching, and finessing every detail,” Can stated. “We are perfectionists. Han and I don’t want to stop until we get it just right.”
In a bid to engage with potential buyers, Han and Can plan to stay in House 2 for a while. “We’re trying to spend as much time as we can with locals and potential buyers—showing them the space, introducing ourselves as the builders behind the home, and really just engaging with the local community,” Can remarked. They are even open to the idea of remaining with the home for up to 12 months post-sale, should a buyer wish for that arrangement.
Britt and Taz, originally from Newman in Western Australia, expressed their surprise at discovering Daylesford and its lush environment. “Where we came from, it’s all red dirt and mountains. When we first got here, it was so green with trees everywhere. It was just beautiful,” Taz shared. The couple returned to Daylesford to complete some necessary paintwork, emphasizing their pride in their journey from initial construction to the present.
“We’re manifesting good wins for everyone, and we genuinely want all the contestants to do well,” Britt added. They plan to remain in the area for the next few weeks, happy to personally guide visitors through their home.
As the countdown to auction day continues, contestants are not only preparing their homes for potential buyers but also connecting with the community that has supported them throughout their journey on The Block. The blend of competition, community engagement, and personal stories adds a compelling layer to this year’s renovation series, highlighting the human spirit behind the bricks and mortar.
