It’s being billed as the biggest reno shake-up on television, but not everyone is convinced Seven’s giveaway gamble will pay off.

Seven has axed auctions from new reno show My Reno Rules in favour of multimillion-dollar home giveaways.

Seven’s My Reno Rules has scrapped auctions in favour of multimillion-dollar home giveaways, a radical shake-up experts say could change lives but risk the show’s credibility.

Hosted by Dr Chris Brown, and launched as a direct competitior of Channel 9 ratings juggernaut The Block, the 2026 series will pit four teams of Aussie battlers against each other in Bulleen.

But unlike The Block, which ends in public auctions, My Reno Rules will give the homes away to viewers through Portelli.

It comes almost a year after Portelli swept The Block auctions in the 2024 series, soending $15 million to buy up every property at the series Philip Island site.

One year on and Portelli is still stuck with the Philip Island homes. After failed attempts to get rid of them, he is now staging another giveaway in November.

Portelli’s last links to The Block, the Philip Island homes, should be gone by the time My Reno Rules airs.

The new show will see contestants face explosive challenges, jackpot cash grabs, immunity keys and curveballs with surprise visits from Portelli designed to flip the leaderboard in an instant. At stake for contestants is a major cash prize.

But in the “biggest twist yet on Australian television”, two viewers at home will receive a life-changing call during the live finale telling them they’ve won the fully furnished, landscaped multimillion-dollar homes.

LMCT+ founder and billionaire Portelli purchased the properties at 54-56 Pinnacle Cres, Bulleen for about $2.7m and stepped in as principal sponsor.

“You may have seen on previous reno shows they do auctions and unfortunately only 1 per cent of the viewing audience have the potential, or capacity to buy these homes,” Portelli said.

The Bulleen homes at 54-56 Pinnacle Cres, Bulleen will be transformed on My Reno Rules before being given away to viewers. Picture: Supplied
“It’s phenomenal to take viewers on the journey and then actually give them the chance to win one.”

Dr Brown said the Channel 7 series would deliver “genuinely life-changing moments”.

“Imagine winning a brand-new home — that’s the reality for two lucky Aussies,” he said.

Channel 7 director of programming Angus Ross says My Reno Rules will be “next level” for Aussie television. Picture: Seven
“And if you’re a passionate renovator, you could also win a massive cash prize, with the dream of owning your own home still top of the list for most Aussies, I can’t wait to have a front-row seat to that becoming a reality.
“It’s going to be a heartwarming ride.”

Belle Property and Hockingstuart Victoria director Anthony Webb says gifting multimillion-dollar homes is unprecedented, and life-changing for winners. Picture: Supplied
Belle Property and Hockingstuart Victoria director Anthony Webb said the decision was a gamble for Seven but also an unprecedented opportunity.

“From a property perspective, gifting two multimillion-dollar homes is extraordinary,” Mr Webb said.
“It’s not just the house value, it’s stamp duty avoided, years of saving sidestepped, generational wealth created in a single announcement,” Webb said.

Mr Webb said Bulleen was already on a growth trajectory, with North East Link and the Eastern Freeway upgrades — including a new dedicated Eastern Busway — set to supercharge accessibility.

“You’re wedged between prestige areas like Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and Templestowe. Renovated homes there easily top $2m. Whoever wins will be set up for decades.”

Melbourne’s new Eastern Busway, part of the $16.5bn North East Link project, is set to boost property values in Bulleen. Picture: Victoria’s Big Build

M R Advocacy director and buyers’ agent Madeleine Roberts has warned scrapping auctions risks undermining the show’s credibility. Picture: Supplied
M R Advocacy director and buyers’ agent Madeleine Roberts struck a more cautious note.

“Yes, gifting homes will tug at heartstrings, but without valuations or sales, viewers are left guessing at what they’re actually worth,” Ms Roberts said.
“That auction day climax is what gives contestants their pay-off and gives the audience confidence in the result.”

Backing Dr Chris Brown is a judging panel with serious design and property clout: Block veteran Neale Whitaker, Luxe Listings Sydney star Simon Cohen, and interiors guru Julia Green.

Seven’s director of television Angus Ross said the format would be “next level”, while Endemol Shine’s Tara McWilliams described it as “as big and bold as a show can get”.

Host Dr Chris Brown with judges Neale Whitaker, Simon Cohen and Julia Green will steer the My Reno Rules competition. Picture: Seven

Big Brother host Mel Tracina, from Endemol Shine’s production stable, will return to 10 in 2025 in another big TV gamble after it last aired on Seven in 2023. Picture: Ten
Endemol Shine Australia also produces Big Brother, Married At First Sight, Survivor and MasterChef.

Filming is scheduled to run from September 26 to November 27, though delays in getting the homes “television-ready” have already caused headaches.

“People will watch in real time as lives are changed forever on national television,” another insider said.
“Between Adrian’s curveballs, the live giveaways and the emotional pay-offs, Seven’s banking on the drama to hook the whole country.”

My Reno Rules will air on Seven and 7plus in 2026.