The new Victorian law that’s turned The Block’s Auction Day on its head

Exclusive: Things are running a little differently on The Block this year, following new Victorian laws that require reserve prices out into the open seven days before the homes hit the hammer.

That means for the first time in The Block history, the teams now know their reserves weeks ahead of Auction Day – with Shelley Craft speeding up the timeline after leaking the figures live on Today on Friday morning.

“Should I reveal them now?” she said hesitantly, before confirming all five homes would have the same reserve price of $3.45 million with a sale guideline of $3.6 million to $3.9 million.

The Victorian Government introduced the legislation to stamp out real estate underquoting, protect buyers from wasting time and money on properties they cannot afford and enforce complete price transparency ahead of auctions.

Craft spoke to nine.com.au shortly after announcing the news, and while it’s a very different approach to usual way the reserves are confirmed – in a secret envelope, a couple of days before auction – she believes it’s a positive thing for the teams.

“The whole legislation change is to create transparency within the industry,” she said. “What I would love to see on Auction Day is families that have done their due diligence, seen the homes and know they’re in the ballpark for purchase.

Read more

Every time Dan and Dani gave their brutally honest reviews on The Block 2026

“Before, reserve prices have always been a bit of a mystery. This is new for everyone, and this weekend will be the first time that reserve prices have had to be advertised by vendors.

“From my perspective, I want our contestants to reap the rewards of their hard work – and that takes dedicated buyers in the room ready to fight for their property.”

While the teams are well aware of their reserve prices this year, Craft laughs that they are, of course, “never happy” with the numbers they get.

“But they thought they were fair, and we think they’re fair,” she explained.

“I think what we’ve created at The Block this year is not just a wonderful neighbourhood and community, but outstanding family homes.

“I’m hoping buyers out there are thinking, ‘We are in the ballpark for that home, let’s get our finances in order and let’s be there and be able to bid’.

“I’m hoping it generates a lot more qualified buyers to actually give it a shot this year and be there in the auction room.”

In previous seasons, contestants sat down with Scott Cam to nervously unseal secret envelopes – often keeping their figures hidden from each other – to find out the minimum price that must be met for their renovated property to sell.

But this year, every team found out simultaneously that they are all playing on the exact same $3.45 million playing field.

However, the all-important auction order is still a mystery, and that will be revealed on the show.

“All the reserve prices are identical, but we have five very unique homes,” Craft continued.

“It’s anyone’s game for the win at this stage, so the countdown is definitely on.”