It was a red-carpet affair at the historic Fitzroy Town Hall in inner Melbourne for The Block's climax — the auction!
Rod and Tania who won a Toyota Corolla after being deemed the favourites in the people's choice award. In an even more magnanimous gesture Toyota announced they would sell another Corolla on eBay, with the proceeds going to the Melanoma Institute of Australia.
Click here to start bidding on Polly and Waz's Toyota Corolla.
Before the first auction Josh stunned everyone when he produced a tiny case and handed it to a wide-eyed Jenna. He proposed to her on national television and the crowd went berserk. Thunderous cheering could have brought the roof down.
Josh and Jenna
The first property under the gavel was Jenna and Josh’s, and things got off to a shaky start. Their auctioneer asked for an opening bid of $900k and a call came back: “$750k.” Things didn’t improve and the property was eventually handed in — a stinging blow for the young couple.
Polly and Waz
Next up Polly and Waz faced the buyers’ scrutiny. After an initial bid of $700k the numbers gradually crept upwards. Riotous applause was heard when the $800k threshold was crossed and after $840k the house was officially on the market. The word "sold!" finally rang out at $855k.
Katrina and Amie
Bidding on Katrina and Amie’s house got off at a cracking pace and quickly passed $800k — then ground to a halt. Despite the best efforts of their agent, bids didn’t rise above $822k and the property was passed in. The sisters were bitterly disappointed.
Rod and Tania
Rod and Tania’s was considered by many to be the dark horse that could surprise and the crowd cheered when their auctioneer began, speaking at a dizzying pace. Bids rose in steady $10k jumps — then, in another shocking surprise, things stalled at $832k. Sadly, their property was also passed in.
Polly and Waz, the couple who began the series with the least renovation experience, took out the major prize — in addition to their profit above the reserve, $15k, they also walked away with $100k in prize money.
To say the others were disappointed is an understatement. But Rod remained philosophical and he was genuinely happy for the winning couple: “Look, that’s just the way things happen. I’m really proud of Waz. He just soaked up the experience and learnt so much. He never complained or caused trouble. He just got on with the job. Well done.”
What a gobsmacking end to a fascinating series. That’s it for 2011 — but watch this space for The Block 2012!
What do you think of the auction results?
