The incredible price The Block spent on rural Victorian housing plots for 2025 season is revealed
The price tag of The Block’s lots for the 2025 series has been revealed.
The 21st season of the hit Nine reality series kicks off in Daylesford, central Victoria.
In a never-before-seen twist, the contestants must complete the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, unlike renovating existing properties in previous seasons.
According to News CorpNine has dropped nearly $10 million to acquire the land that will be divided into five separate parcels.
The publication reported that Nine-owned company Micjoy Pty Ltd took ownership of the plot for $9,445,801.00.
The figure is similar to previous Block purchases, with Micjoy dropping $10 million on Melbourne’s infamous Gatwick Hotel for the 2017 Block season.
The price tag of The Block’s lots for the 2025 series has been revealed. Pictured: host Scott Cam and Shelley Craft
The company also paid $14.3 million for five properties in Hampton East, Melbourne for the 2022 series.
Filming is expected to begin in March, while casting for the next batch of Blockheads has been underway for several months, the publication reports.
Set in lush countryside 111km from Melbourne, the small town has become a popular weekend getaway destination for those living in the big smoke.
But leaders of the community, which has a population of 10,000, are concerned about how the hit show will affect the town’s “image.”
Nine bought a plot not far from the city’s main street, where five teams will build luxury homes from scratch.
Steve Rowe, CEO of Daylesford Local Tourism Board, is confident the show’s presence will bring extra publicity to the area – and even more tourists, boosting Daylesford’s economy.
But he has also expressed concerns about Daylesford’s image.
“Once filming is completed, my interest will wane,” he told the newspaper Herald Sun.
“But it will certainly bring people to the town during production – we just need to make sure Daylesford is showcased in the right way.
According to News Corp, Nine has dropped almost $10 million to acquire a parcel of land in Daylesford, central Victoria, which will be subdivided into five separate parcels.
The publication reported that Micjoy Pty Ltd, a company owned by the Nine, took ownership of the plot for $9,445,801.00.
‘For me it’s all about perspective. We are a close-knit community. When everything is aligned, everyone benefits, we just have to make the best of it.”
Meanwhile, local retailer Alexander Hancock told the publication that not everyone in Daylesford was ‘delighted’ about the Nine show coming to town.
However, he agreed that the reality hit meant “free advertising” for the tourist spot.
Daylesford was set to be the location of The Block’s 2024 season, but production was ultimately moved to Phillip Island after a scheduling dispute.
Despite plans for the proposed setting being approved by the Hepburn Shire, Nine was subsequently challenged at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in September.
The network was reportedly forced to cancel $500,000 worth of accommodations it had booked for the show’s cast and crew.
“We’ve had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don’t go where we’re not welcome,” a production insider told the Herald Sun at the time.
‘Certainly for the twentieth series of The Block, which is so important.’
Contestants will have to build houses from scratch in a new storyline that is sure to add more excitement to the show
Planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council include what appears to be five new homes that will provide a starting point for participants
According to the documents, participants will create the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan that will include a study, living area, garage, covered outdoor space and a heated pool.
According to Realestate.com.au, planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council for The Block 2025 include five new homes that will provide a starting point for participants.
Participants are expected to complete the shell of a five-bedroom floor plan, including a study, living area and garage.
The properties will also include other luxury amenities, including a covered outdoor area and a heated swimming pool.
The documents, submitted by Group Architects, also suggest the five homes will be almost identical two-storey eco-friendly developments.
Previously, Blockheads had been tasked with renovating an existing property or, in the case of the 2022 season, renovating houses shipped to the Gisborne location.
In December, the application was finally approved by the Victorian Planning Minister to build five homes on a 2,000 sqm plot of land owned by Hygge Property.
Located in Victoria’s famous Macedon Ranges region, Daylesford offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historic charm and vibrant local culture.
“Daylesford has a robust national tourism brand – unlike other places we don’t rely on sun, sand or snow to attract visitors,” said Will Walton, chief executive of Belle Property Daylesford, which sold the site to Nine.
“We are recognized as a culinary destination, known for our high-end award-winning restaurants.
‘This focus on food and wine is a key driver for our tourism sector and also stimulates our holiday investment market.’