A production insider has denied that building work completed after filming gave any Block contestant an unfair advantage. The denial responds to reports that Nine and Cavalier Productions approved up to $200,000 of post-filming work on Rick and Tayla's Mount Eliza home, a figure not independently verified. The insider said completing unfinished homes before auction is separate from the competition and is established practice. Buyer's advocate Madeleine Roberts said buyers would not spend millions on a home with unfinished work. The properties go to auction on October 31, ahead of the November 1 finale.
The Block's Rick and Tayla face a high-stakes auction for House 5 in Mount Eliza. Their home carries a $3.45 million reserve, below its original $3.6 million to $3.9 million price guide. Under Victoria's new property transparency laws, the reserve was publicly disclosed at least seven days before auction day. Agent Ash Marton says the early disclosure may attract more buyers and build competition. Five Block homes are set to sell on the same day, and the result will depend on how many bidders take part. The auction airs Sunday 1 November at 7pm on 9Now and Channel Nine.
Insiders say Nine is working hard to avoid a repeat of 2025, when two properties failed to sell at auction on The Block. Auctions are set for October 31, and sources claim House 5, owned by father-daughter team Rick and Tayla, has drawn limited buyer interest. Danny Wallis reportedly called the property a wooden spoon and a cheap one during an inspection, and it received only 15 per cent of the buyers' jury vote.
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Producers of The Block have secretly filmed the auction order for the upcoming Mount Eliza finale weeks ahead of schedule, according to Woman's Day. Insiders say the decision followed concerns about the involvement of contestants Chantel and Wyatt. A source says the pair are expected to fly into Melbourne for the October 31 auction and leave quickly. The source also says the contestants were told they could forfeit money if they do not fulfil their obligations. Agents reportedly do not know the auction order or the reserves. The results are due to air on Sunday, November 1.
