‘So many variables’: Experts predict who will win The Block 2026

As the countdown to the hotly anticipated auction day begins, Block insiders have revealed which houses they expect will be hotly contested this year.The five Mt Eliza homes are set to go under the hammer on Saturday, October 31, and the team whose house sells for the highest profit above the reserve price not only takes home any money above the reserve, but they also get a $100,000 bonus prize.In a Block first, the $3.45 million auction reserve for all homes - which equates to double Mt Eliza’s median sales price – have been revealed weeks ahead of auction.Experts say the views on offer could be a game changer for this year's season of The Block. Picture: Channel 9New Victorian auction laws came into effect earlier this month which require real estate agents to publish the seller’s reserve price at least seven days before an auction, or fixed-date sale.Prior to the reserve reveal, all five homes had price guides between $3.6-3.9 million.PropTrack data shows the coastal suburb, located an hour south of the Melbourne CBD, recorded a median house price of $1.72 million over the 12 months to September.The Block judge Darren Palmer. Picture: Channel 9Judge Darren Palmer says it's diffi...