The Block auction sparks scrutiny as selling agency bids for buyer

Contestants Courtney and Sev during the auction of their property on The Block. The Block winners Courtney and Sev’s $1.27m auction haul has raised eyebrows after the underbidder used an auctioneer from the same firm selling the home to bid for them. It can also be revealed that buyer effectively had two proxies in the auction room, both authorised to bid on their behalf — though for different homes. Courtney and Sev became the most successful contestants in the show’s history with a combined haul of $1.87m, including the value of prizes won during the show’s filming earlier in the year as well as a $100,000 bonus for the biggest sale price. RELATED: Secret auction tactics revealed on The Block 2026 Block contestants reveal ‘scary’ auction stress The Block 2026 delivers shock clean sweep at Mt Eliza auctions Their auction, conducted by The Auction Company’s Paul Tzamalis on behalf of OBrien Real Estate, wound up reaching $4.72m — far above the $3.45m reserve price. But the nation’s top buyers’ advocacy industry group has urged prospective homebuyers to think carefully before engaging real estate agents to bid on their behalf, particularly if they work for the same firm that is sell...