Block winners have made millions but many contestants have left with nothing. Here’s who cashed in and who crashed out.

The Block hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft front the auctions as contestants battle for life-changing profits. Picture: Nine

They build multimillion-dollar homes under crippling deadlines, but when the auction hammer falls on The Block, the outcome can mean instant millionaire glory, or financial despair.

For some couples, the hit renovation show has delivered life-changing tax-free windfalls.

For others, months of backbreaking work and time away from jobs and family have ended in heartbreak, with little to show for their effort beyond the $100-a-day stipend that barely covers Melbourne coffee.

Over 20 seasons, The Block has handed out more than $39m in prize money, but the results have been wildly uneven.

Here are the 10 biggest winners in Block history and the infamous losses that prove just how risky the show can be.

Top 10 Block Profits

1. Steph and Gian Ottavio (2023, Hampton East)

Steph and Gian Ottavio pocketed a record $1.75m in 2023 the biggest win in Block history. Picture: Nine

Profit: $1,750,000

The Melbourne newlyweds smashed records with their Japandi-style masterpiece, which sold for $5m the richest win in Block history.

2. Omar and Oz (2022, Gisborne South “Tree Change”)

Western Sydney mates Omar and Oz shocked the nation with a $1.68m profit in 2022. Picture: Nine

Profit: $1,686,666

Western Sydney tradies Omar and Oz stunned bidders with a $5.6m sale, cementing their spot among the show’s biggest winners.

3. Maddy and Charlotte Harry (2024, Phillip Island)

Sisters Maddy and Charlotte Harry claimed $1.65m on Phillip Island in 2024. Picture: Nine

Profit: $1,650,000

The sisters stormed to victory with their coastal-chic build, walking away as instant millionaires.

4. Jimmy and Tam Wilkins (2020, Brighton)

Queenslanders Jimmy and Tam Wilkins with their daughter Frankie notched $1.06m in 2020 after a buyer collapse nearly derailed their payday. Picture: Nine

Profit: $1,066,000

Their million-dollar win was almost lost when their original buyer failed to pay — a reminder of how fragile even the biggest results can be.

5. Darren and Deanne Jolly (2015, South Yarra “Triple Threat”)

Darren and Deanne Jolly’s bold South Yarra build delivered $935,000 profit in 2015. Picture: Nine

Profit: $935,000

Their bold style divided the judges but delivered almost $1m profit at auction, the home has recently been put on the market.

6. William Bethune and Karlie Cicero (2016, Port Melbourne)

William Bethune and Karlie Cicero charmed bidders for an $815,000 win in Port Melbourne. Picture: Nine

Profit: $815,000

The Queensland couple charmed audiences and bidders alike to claim one of the mid-2010s’ strongest results.

7. Dean and Shay Paine (2015, “Blocktagon” South Yarra)

Dean and Shay Paine conquered the Blocktagon in 2015 with a $755,000 profit. Picture: Nine

Profit: $755,000

The NSW couple conquered one of the toughest builds to land a hefty payday.

8. Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie (2021, Hampton “Fans v Faves”)

Fan favourites Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie scored $744,444 in 2021. Picture: Nine

Profit: $744,444

The seasoned fan favourites proved experience matters, pocketing nearly three-quarters of a million.

9. Tess and Luke Struber (2019, St Kilda)

Newlyweds Tess and Luke Struber turned underdogs to champions with a $730,000 profit in 2019. Picture: Nine

Profit: $730,000

The Cairns newlyweds turned underdog status into a fairytale finish.

10. Hayden and Sara Vale (2018, St Kilda)

Controversial couple Hayden and Sara Vale walked away with $645,000 in 2018. Picture: Nine

Profit: $645,000

Early controversies faded when their renovated terrace brought a commanding result.

The Heartbreaking Lows

Tom and Sarah-Jane made just $20,000 in 2022 before revealing they were $100,000 out of pocket. Picture: Nine

Not every couple walks away smiling.

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In 2022, The Block’s Gisbourne South venture saw the biggest losses in the show’s history, Tom and Sarah-Jane made just $20,000.99 at auction but later revealed they were about $100,000 out of pocket once lost income, mortgage payments and childcare were added up.

Their neighbours Dylan and Jenny fared even worse, leaving the show with no profit at all.

The 2014 “Glasshouse” season delivered similar despair — Darren and Deanne Jolly (before their return in later seasons) and Michael and Carlene Moore each scraped just $10,000 worth in profits after 12 weeks.

And in 2011, Amie and Katrina failed to sell above reserve, earning nothing for their Richmond terrace.

Expert view: a lottery in disguise

Buyers’ advocate Cate Bakos says Block auctions are “TV theatre” that can leave contestants with nothing.

Prominent Melbourne buyers advocate Cate Bakos said the wild swings proved how unpredictable The Block auctions really are.

“You can have one team walking away with a life-changing fortune while the couple next door leaves empty-handed,” Ms Bakos said.

“Auction order, the pool of bidders, even the vibe in the room can flip the result.

“It’s TV theatre, entertaining for the viewers, but financially brutal for those who miss out.”

Adelaide twins Alisa and Lysandra Fraser became household names after winning The Block Sky High in 2013.

Ms Bakos said Block buyers often acted very differently from suburban auction crowds.

“They’re not just chasing a home, they’re chasing the TV moment, the bragging rights,” she said.

“That distortion is why you see these million-dollar swings that you’d never see at a regular auction.”

Mortgage broker and buyers advocate Madeleine Roberts warns the gamble can be crippling for families without savings.

Mortgage broker and M R advocacy director Madeleine Roberts said the gamble hit hardest for families giving up secure pay.

“Three months with no reliable salary is tough, especially if you’ve got kids,” Ms Roberts said.

“The stipend might cover food, but mortgages and bills don’t stop.
“That’s why so many contestants now focus on the platform (the show gives), the jackpot is incredible if you land it, but the real win for most is launching a career in design, media or property.”

This year’s Daylesford contestants head to auction in November chasing million-dollar results. Picture: Nine

Ms Roberts said entering the show required serious planning.

“You’d need savings in the bank, maybe even family support, to survive it without going backwards,” she said.
“It’s not just a TV adventure, it’s a high-stakes financial decision.”

With Daylesford set to host the next auctions in November, hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft will lead the charge as five fresh teams: Emma & Ben, Han & Can, Britt & Taz, Sonny & Alicia, and Robby & Mat, roll the dice once more for the shows 21st season, chasing million-dollar magic among equal parts hope and heartbreak.