Exclusive: Are kitchens still the heart of the home? Marty Fox reveals whether the famous saying still rings true

Make no mistake. "Kitchens definitely still sell houses," real estate expert and judge Marty Fox confirms.

In a post–pandemic world, we all know our homes better than ever.

We're also used to spending a lot of time in them, and while functionality is always primary, ensuring the kitchen is a place to gather is also key.

Stream the latest episodes of The Block for free on 9Now.

"Kitchens now are your entertaining space," Marty explains. "Last night we had people around and where were we? We were congregating around the kitchen."

The kitchen is no longer a place limited to where meals are prepared, it's now regarded as the hub of the home, a place where people gather to talk, share a coffee or a glass of wine and celebrate milestones.

It not only connects us with our senses, through taste, touch and smell, but also through our emotions via the sharing of conversations and creation of memories.

Parents often spent time connecting with their children there, teaching them important values like manners and appreciation, and healthy eating habits.

EXCLUSIVE: The judges reveal what they're really looking for on this season of The Block

An island bench often pulls double duty as a place kids can sit and do homework, with parents offering support while also prepping dinner.

Host Scott Cam says for him, a spacious, open plan kitchen in his own home is a must. "When we're cooking, we're all together," he explains.

That said, Marty adds that both master bedrooms and landscaping also build a strong emotional connection with the buyer.

He explains that landscaping provides a necessary sense of calm, the kitchen an area to gather and the bedroom a space to be yourself.

"The master bedroom is where you start and end the day," Marty says. "And it's normally [the person sleeping there] who is spending the money [on buying the house], so it's very important that they start the day where they're happy!"

Scott also agrees Marty is spot on with that sentiment. "As the person that's paying the money, I want a big master bedroom with a big ensuite!"

READ MORE: 'Think about yourself': Steph and Gian give advice to their fellow competitors on The Block 2023

Last week we saw the teams deliver impressive master suites, with Steph and Gian in House 4 earning themselves a perfect 10 from Marty for their luxe space.

"That master bedroom could be in a $20, 30, 40 million dollar property. It is nothing short of amazing. I love that bedroom."

It's that emotional connection that Marty says is undeniable. While he can't deny practical wins, such as some of the houses' orientation, he reveals that moments that appeal to the heart will also play a role come Auction Day.

How the Blockheads have connected their kitchen, living and landscaping is a key priority that Marty believes will determine the overall impact of their homes.

"For me, orientation is really big and how the indoor and outdoors work together," he says.

"I personally love a Northern orientated block, particularly in Melbourne in winter," Marty says. "There are only two homes that have that Northern orientation and that's House 4 and House 5.

"But then there are elements in Houses 1, 2 and 3 internally that I really love. Waking up and having a coffee with the morning sun filtering into your kitchen and living zone… that is something that creates an emotional connection. That's important to me."

READ MORE: Take beautiful instant photos with these top Polaroid cameras

Kitchen and Laundry Week Room Reveals are this Sunday.

Check out a trailer for the explosive episode below.

The Block airs Sunday 7.00pm and continues Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now. Catch up on all the 9Now. 

Stream every episode ever of The Block for free on 9Now.