The Block, Australia’s most successful renovation reality program, came back for an incredible 16th season — stepping back through time for a challenge unlike any other.
This year, the cast was tasked with renovating five-period homes from the 1910s, ’20s, ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, all of which were situated on one block at 360 New Street, Brighton, Melbourne, in desperate need of a makeover.
During a nail-biting grand finale auction, Jimmy and Tam from Brisbane took home $1,066,000 — the biggest cash prize in Block and Australian TV history.
The second auction of the night, the pair’s Palm Spring’s inspired home sold for a whopping $4,256,000, which was $966,000 over the reserve. On top of this, the couple also received an additional $100,000 in prize money for winning the series.
“It’s just unbelievable. The thought of walking away with a hundred thousand dollars blew our minds, but to walk away with a million dollars is life-changing. This whole experience was for our daughter Frankie. The whole reason we are here is for her future. This means we can buy a house without a mortgage, that’s the Australian dream. We’re getting goosebumps thinking about that, it’s just amazing,” the couple said in a statement.
Another first for the show saw philanthropist Danny Wallis purchasing three of the five properties, including Sarah and George’s home for just over $4 million, Harry and Tash’s property for $4 million and Daniel and Jade’s for $3.8 million.
“What an amazing day it was and a real thrill to buy the three houses. I was so impressed with the builds this year, the location in Brighton, and the potential as an investor for the properties in the future,” he said after the finale.
Wallis was proud to have bought Harry and Tash’s property specifically because of the hardships that couple, farmers, have endured having a child with severe health problems. He bought the property to donate to My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
“The My Room Children’s Cancer Charity do so many wonderful things for sick children and their families, and they will benefit so much from having access to Daniel and Jade’s amazing home. It is made extra special for me because I know Daniel and Jade have been through so much with their daughter Isla over the years, in and out of the hospital, and they will understand just how important the house will be for My Room and all the incredible work they do for sick children and their families.”
Luke and Jasmin also sold their house for a pretty sum, selling for $3.8 million with a cash prize of $506k.
Congratulations to Jimmy and Tam and this year’s Blockheads!