Despite all of the challenges of 2020, a bumper season of The Block reached its conclusion last night with total winnings of all contestants topping $3.3 million.
But the biggest payday was for Jimmy and Tam, who’s property at 360a New Street, Brighton sold for more $966,000 over the reserve.
Add this to the winner’s prize money of $100,000 – meaning the couple will take away over $1 million dollars – a record haul for the TV show.
Handling the sale for Jimmy and Tam was the team from McGrath St Kilda, Agents Michael Townsend and Josh Stirling.
McGrath Chief Auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green called the auction, clocking up his seventh appearance on the popular television show.
Mr Kennedy-Green said, “This home had a premier position with two street frontages and rear lane access.
“It was definitely a superior product across the board with a special renovation and attention to detail that made it a standout.”
Agent Michael Townsend noted the difficulties that 2020 has presented to all agents in this year.
“It was certainly a challenge with the lockdown – and we had to focus on one-on-one buyer inspections.
“In many ways, this helped us totally target buyers and personalise our interaction with them.”
Agent Josh Stirling added, “Jimmy and Tam were passionate about their renovation and our ultimate purchaser fell in love with what they created.”
McGrath Founder and Executive Director John McGrath said he was delighted to be involved again with the show this year.
“It’s been a pleasure to have represented Jimmy and Tam in winning this year’s auction.
“The overall standard of all houses was extraordinary, and we felt Jimmy and Tam produced one of the best renovations in the history of The Block, and were deserved winners.”
The Buyer
According to Domain, the buyer of Jimmy and Tam’s house was Emese Fajk – a New York local who had her heart set on Jimmy and Tam’s house.
She told Domain she was a fan of the show and that’s why she went so hard at the auction.
But Jimmy and Tam only met her at the inspection half an hour before buyer registration closed on Friday.
“Properly setting roots down in Australia was already on the cards, so having a property that you love and you can feel that sort of emotional connection [to] and meet the people that built it, that made all the difference, that’s why I was willing to go all out,” Ms Fajk told Domain.
The Block 2020 – Results
- Jimmy + Tam: $1.066m ($966,000 over reserve, plus $100,000 winner’s prize)
- Sarah + George: $650,002
- Harry + Tash: $650,000
- Luke + Jasmin: $506,000
- Daniel + Jade: $460,000
