Wow. That was an anticlimax! What the hell happened?!
Before we go any further, let’s not take away from the awesome result for the winners, Shannon and Simon. Hoorah! If there was a prize for likeability this pair would have won it hands down, but they also did a fantastic job and deserved to do well. Their apartment went $335k over the reserve and they picked up an extra $100k for winning. Nice work, boys! and didn’t they scrub up well?!
Surprise runners up were Chris and Jenna, netting a $310k profit. After a tough few weeks and unfinished rooms, they did so well! Just shows, you really never do know what’s going to happen!
But after that, it all went seriously downhill. Max and Karstan, who also got married on last night’s show, walked away with a measly $40,000. But that seemed a lot compared to Dee and Darren (my pick for the winners) and Michael and Carlene, who only took home $10k each. Owch!
It really was a tale of two halves. Life changing amounts of money for two teams and major disappointment for the other three. Seriously difficult and depressing watching.
Let’s recap on the winning apartment by Shannon and Simon:
I personally cannot wait to hear what all the contestants have to say in their media interviews today!
It was announced at the end of the show that the next series will start soon, early next year. I’ve heard a few rumours on the grapevine but it wouldn’t be right to spoil any surprises just yet!
Comments
Such a great result for the boys! I was on the edge of my seat and felt terrible for the other contestants that did not walk away with much after all that hard work. There seemed to be only a few interested buyers which obviously made some apartment auctions like a fight to the death and others not so much or maybe just cautious buyers wanting to get a bargain. I hope they have another fans vs favs and bring some of them back to try again.
I was speechless (or not so much) as I sat there watching the auction unroll. My goodness. I am very happy for the boys to win and I think they deserved it but I can see how hard it must be for them to be happy when everyone else (bar Chris & Jenna which was a surprise in itself!) went so poorly. So much work and time away from families for such a little end result. Lucky they have the next season all ready lined up because I can guarantee the application numbers would have plummeted after this.
I think the boys had a great apartment, and they were the ones who got lucky on the day – what a fickle night!! Suggestions of sharing the prize money are totally off the mark – it isn’t the winners fault they won. If anyone is going to give money to the others, it should be the show/network… but it just goes to prove that real estate isn’t a slam dunk. The contestants know what the deal is going in, if they have higher expectations that don’t get met that really sucks but it is known up front that’s the deal. I love the show, but not all the drama – they made way too much of the ‘characters’ this time. Time to shift away from luxury apartments perhaps?
Yes, I’d like to see some under $1 mill apartments!
Totally agree why not bring back budget makeovers not everyone can afford to spend millions the boys deserved their win, I think Chris and Jenna did well because their Appartment was the biggest and had the rooftop terrace. Did anyone see ‘the secret room’
Maybe luxury apartments make for better viewing but I think the everyday person would probably learn more and get more out of seeing things done on a budget. Thanks for your comment!
The advice that each contestant was given at the start of production was to know their potential buyer & design to that spec. The boys really did that the best by far. However, so did Chris & Jenna and Max & Karstan to a large extent. There was no point styling an apartment for an Albert Park or Toorak demographic on High street. I feel so very sad for the teams that go so little after so much work….but they did miss the brief…..they got caught up in the ‘lux’ of it all.
Interesting points, Tracey! Thanks for commenting!
As the father of the ‘bride’ the result was gut wrenching. After spending 3 days on ‘The Block’ meeting the contestants it was obvious that although they were technically competitors, the reality is that they were friends and caring friends at that. For my wife Lyn and myself we certainly felt the love/support they had for one another during our time with them. I know that Shannon and Simon biggest wish was that all would win a ‘good’ portion of profit for the arduous work done and little sleep received. it wasn’t to be due to many factors… As Shannon managed to utter “We’re gutted” Simon beside him was a shot duck. This reality display will remain with us for some time. Regards Mike Vos
Thanks for commenting, Mike. Hopefully your family can at least take away the happy memories of the wedding from this! Max and Karstan did a great job. It is a real shame they didn’t walk away with much but I’m sure they learned loads and will no doubt have many opportunities to come off the back of the show. Jen
Sorry Jen I meant father of the ‘bride’ of the winners
Regards Mike VOS
Sorry Mike, should have recognised the surname!
Earlier this week I saw your post on Instagram, and despite myself, skimmed it. I felt it should have been marked as a spoiler because I didn’t see the show live, and have only finished watching it this morning.
However, can I just say; Thank you! Thank you so much for posting a spoiler. If I hadn’t seen your post, I don’t think I would have coped through the finale.
I am so disappointed for Max, Karstan, Michael, Carlene, Dee and Darren. For your beautiful apartments and your hard work to reward you with so little is very sad. Especially those who were away from their children.
However, massive congratulations to Shannon and Simon – I loved your apartment. And Chris and Jenna, who were so strong throughout the weeks.
I hope something good comes for every team, and that the parents are having some fantastic quality time with their kids.
Thanks for the comment, Helen!