The Block's House 1 and House 2 in Daylesford are still on the market

Seven weeks have passed since The Block auctions in Daylesford, yet the two properties that failed to sell under the hammer remain on the market.

As we approach the holiday season, a period when the real estate market typically quiets down, it seems unlikely House 1 and House 2 will clinch a buyer before the year’s end.

Both properties were passed in at auction on vendor bids of $3.1 million, with the hopes that a higher sale could be reached in private negotiations.

However, almost two months on, House 1 and House 2 both still have an indicative asking price of $3.1 million.

House 1 Emma and Ben

5 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460

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Aaron Hill of Ray White Sunbury, who marketed Emma and Ben’s House 1 during the season, says there have been multiple buyers through the property, including interstate buyers, since the auction.

“At this stage, there is interest but not where Channel Nine are hoping to be,” he says. “Hopefully, in the new year, things will brighten up for us.”

Channel Nine set the reserve prices for all five homes at $2.99 million, sending shockwaves through the contestants.

There were four genuine bidders at the auction for House 1, Hill says. However, the price guide and reserve were too high to get a sale over the line.

The agent remains in touch with Emma and Ben. “They’re very happy they’ve done the show, but they understand there will not be much prize money now.”

The pair, who recently had their first child, have just listed their “dream home” in Mornington for sale for $1.75 million to $1.925 million.

House 2 Han and Can

4 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460

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According to Hill, the prestige property market in and around Daylesford is “very light on in buyers”.

Han and Can’s agent for House 2, Natalie Fagan of Belle Property Daylesford, agrees. “There are more $2-million-plus price properties on the market at the moment than we’ve seen before,” she says.

“Competition is fierce, especially when you get into the $3 million range. You are competing with grand estates on large landholdings with phenomenal gardens.”

Fagan believes that The Block‘s reserve prices on auction day were “overly ambitious”, and says she advised Channel Nine that the reserves should be around the $2.6 million or $2.7 million mark.

“We had multiple buyers at the auction who would have paid $3 million on the day,” Hill says.

Asked about Han and Can, Fagan says: “They are still really understanding and positive about the sale. We have a fantastic relationship and have become friends.”

Three of the five properties sold under the hammer. West Australian couple Britt and Taz were the winners of The Block 2025, making a $420,000 profit. Robby and Mat sold on the day, scoring $109,999 to split between them, and Queenslanders Sonny and Alicia pocketed $120,000.

The prize winnings, which totalled $749,999, were the smallest prize pool since the 2011 season.