The Block 2019

South Australia couple Kerrie & Spence became this year’s self-confessed ‘perfectionists’ but their attention to detail and ability to continuously impress the judges in each reveal was on show from day one. Despite early criticism for picking one of the least favoured apartments in The Block, the couple started strong with a win in their luxury Master Ensuite. Auctioneer David Wood knew that Kerrie and Spence would attract buyers and said the whole team were happy with the results. “Of course we were hoping to take home the win, but the fact remains that this is still a win for Kerrie and Spence, who profited $415,000 and as such, are winners in every sense of the word. They’re a brilliant team and an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Queensland couple Jess & Norm were quick to become both show favourites as well as show underdogs and were fortunate early to get one of the spectacular Penthouses on offer. Jess and Norm’s penthouse views from Apartment 4 might not have netted them the highest profit on the day, but at $209,000 over the reserve, the couple are still thrilled with the result that hockingstuart agent Sam Inan managed to secure. “While it would have been nice to get the overall win, this is still a great result for Jess and Norm who have reaped the rewards of months of hard work. They’re a fantastic couple and I’m so pleased we were able to make a sale on the day.”

Victorian couple Elyse, 24 and Josh, 28 may have been favourites to win, but the auction of 46a Regent Street was no walk in the park. The couple worked closely with hockingstuart, to mount a successful marketing campaign to show off the beautiful family home. Stepping up to the auction plate first meant a nail-biting wait as the other teams followed. A late bid sealed the deal for Josh and Elyse, securing them the dream of a mortgage-free lifestyle. 

Best mates and primary teachers from Geelong, Ben and Andy, provided the comic relief in season 12. Although they referred to themselves as "a couple of school teachers who don't know what they're doing," they were savvy enough to build the only apartment with four bedrooms and an extra bathroom. Their goal was to make the equivalent of a first-year teacher’s annual salary - $60,000 each. Instead, apartment 5 sold for $2.25 million, with each pocketing $255,000.

Australia fell in love with ‘The Larrikins’, Kingi and Caro in season 11. Their incredible teamwork and drive to succeed saw them become the highest scoring couple in the history of The Block. Scott Cam dubbed them ‘The King and Queen of the The Block’, as they ruled the competition from their Level 1 South Yarra apartment. After working with hockingstuart’s Mark Konishi and auctioneer David Wood to prepare for their successful auction, the couple later launched their own business.  

Josh and Charlotte first appeared on The Block Triple Threat, winning the whole of Australia over with their easy-going, fun-loving manner and knack for creating gorgeous interior spaces. In season 10, the young Manly-based couple’s apartment sold for $2.2 million at auction, putting them firmly in second place behind winners Darren and Deanne Jolly, who walked away with $935,000 in their pockets. Appearing on The Block gave Josh the confidence he needed to begin his own construction business.

Like anyone selling a property, the contestants on The Block need to find the right agent. Having already collaborated with agents from hockingstuart, Steve and Chantelle knew they liked their style. Before putting 1/47 O’Grady Street on the market, the couple also sought advice from previous contestants Jono and Trixie, who personally recommended auctioneer David Wood. David knows the importance of referrals, to help sellers feel they can trust an agent. “To get word of mouth recommendations is an important step.”

David Wood sold Trixie and Johnno’s apartment in The Block’s Sky-High series, the luxurious penthouse located at 142 Park Street. They placed second in the adjusted reserve price competition after fetching $1.605 million for the property. Early in the season, auctioneer David Wood gave Trixie and Johnno advice on the best possible floor plans for their apartment. This advice served them well, so the pair enlisted Wood, and Kendall Bares from hockingstuart Albert Park to sell their apartment.

403 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne, was renovated by brothers Mike and Andrew during the fifth season of The Block, fetching just over $1.4 million at auction. In a testament to the growth of the South Melbourne market, hockingstuart auctioneer David Wood then sold the property in 2016 for $1.73 million. According to Wood, the terrace’s stylish makeover on the DIY renovation program had added a rooftop terrace and four bedrooms, both rarities for a home of its type.

After four months’ toil on The Block season 1, sisters Katrina Chambers and Amie Goddem, from Albury-Wodonga, sold their terrace house at 41 Cameron Street for its reserve price of $860,000 after it was passed in at auction.In response to the televised auction, Nine Network Managing Director Jeffrey Browne said at the time, “This is reality television at its most real.” He predicted the renovated property would be successfully sold quickly after the auction, which it was.