A confidential discussion before The Block’s 2025 auction night may have predicted the season’s disappointing results, according to auctioneer Tom Panos. Speaking to realestate.com.au, Panos revealed that conversations with registered bidders ahead of the televised auctions indicated that most properties were priced above market expectations. The result: two of five homes failed to sell, and even the winning team, Brit and Taz, earned less than last year’s lowest-placed contestants.
The Block’s 2025 auction night, held in Daylesford, Victoria, ended with two unsold homes and lower-than-expected profits for the winners. Auctioneer Tom Panos, who called bids for Robby and Matt’s home, disclosed that pre-auction conversations with agents and bidders revealed budget limits between $2.7 million and $2.8 million, well below the reserve prices. The discrepancy between market value and reserve expectations was a key factor in the season’s underperformance.
Auction Outcomes and Market Feedback
- Brit and Taz, the winning team, sold their home but made a modest profit.
- Robby and Matt sold for roughly $100,000 over reserve, placing second.
- Had and Can failed to attract a single bid.
- Panos noted that most properties were priced above Daylesford’s mid-to-high $2 million market range, making it difficult to secure competitive offers.
Panos added that one bidder even slept at a property pre-auction to get a feel for it, underscoring the lengths contestants went to in hopes of securing a sale.
Quotes and Analyst Commentary
Panos told realestate.com.au:
“Without a doubt, the properties were above market value… I was concerned. We had a few registered [bidders], but they had all been talking $2.7 million.”
He also emphasized the challenge of post-auction sales:
“Trying to get a property that passes in at auction on The Block to sell afterward is extremely challenging. They stay on the market for months.”
Panos attributed Brit and Taz’s win to securing the only high-spending bidder willing to exceed reserve, noting the absence of celebrity buyers like Adrian Portelli made the market tougher.
Market Conditions and Show Format
The 2025 season highlighted the risks of relying on inflated reserve prices in a softening Victorian property market. With longer days on market and fewer high-end buyers, The Block’s traditional auction format may need reevaluation.
The absence of celebrity bidders, who often drive up prices for publicity, further exposed the gap between contestant expectations and real-world valuations. The show’s reliance on dramatic auction night outcomes may face scrutiny if market conditions continue to cool.
What’s Next: Post-Auction Sales and Format Adjustments
The unsold homes now face uncertain futures. As Panos noted, agency agreements on The Block differ from standard sales, complicating post-auction negotiations. Producers may need to consider format changes or reserve price adjustments in future seasons to align with market realities.
Applications for The Block 2026 are now open, and fans will be watching closely to see how the show adapts to avoid another auction night disappointment.
