The Block’s 2024 guide house prices have caused a stir as a former contestant branded them a ‘stitch-up’ in scathing comments.
The estimates for the five Phillip Island houses are considerably lower compared to previous years, not reaching anywhere near the same multi-million expectations.
The shock prices are the lowest in almost 10 years, with all five being placed from $1.7million to $1.85million, a huge drop from last year’s guides of $2.2million and upwards.
The revelation has sparked chaos with one ex-contestant claiming it is a ‘stitch-up’ from Channel Nine producers to ensure the lavish homes sell at an unexpected profit.
They alleged that the 2024 contestants were being ‘set up to win stupid money’ as the modest prices have left former stars of the construction show baffled.
The unnamed star exclusively told Daily Mail Australia: ‘These houses are going to sell for 3 million and that is a ”stitch up” for Channel Nine to have a really exciting finale where everyone this year makes big money.
‘There is not a chance this hasn’t been massaged to suit a narrative that works for the show’s format.’
Another former contestant predicted that Adrian Portelli will double the guide price and purchase Courtney and Grant’s house for $3.7million in a huge ‘twist’.
The Block’s 2024 guide house prices have caused a stir as a former contestant branded them a ‘stitch-up’ as they were the lowest in almost 10 years
‘Maybe these price guides are so low for a reason? It is either to make these houses more appealing to the average buyer or so Adrian Portelli can afford to buy the entire resort for $15million, that would be my guess,’ they speculated.
A 2021 Blockhead said the series will need a ‘happy ending’ with the sales after the contestants have been ‘put through their paces’ during the ‘difficult’ 20th season.
‘That kind of pressure and drama needs a happy ending and those outcomes are curated by the people who make the show, no doubt about it,’ they added.
Executive Producer Julian Cress has even hinted at the low house prices, saying the ‘buyers will get a lot-of-house for that much money’.
‘I think the properties that have been created by the contestants this year have been absolutely outstanding. When people come and see them they will be blown away – especially with the price points that have been quoted,’ he added.
The 2024 guide prices mark a drop-off from last year’s and a huge decline from the massive listings in 2022, which ranged from $4million to $4.4million.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.
One ex-contestant claimed the 2024 stars were being ‘set up to win stupid money’ as the modest prices have left people baffled (pictured: Courtney and Grant)
Contestants Jessie and Paige, Courtney and Grant, Ricky and Haydn, Kylie and Brad and Mimi and Kristian are currently being challenged with their huge Phillip Island builds.
The winner will be revealed in the upcoming grand finale, which will be filmed in the final week of October before being screened in November.
As tensions rise on the renovation show, Ricky and Haydn were forced to hit back at ‘cheating’ claims in recent days after a difficult week.
The fan favourites struck a major snag while attempting to complete their en-suite, which left them with the difficult task of having to re-do the room.
There was more drama after their builder took personal leave on the day when final waterproofing was scheduled.
The pair were then accused of ‘lying and cheating’ because of mistakes their builder made.
The Block’s Ricky and Haydn (pictured) have hit back after being accused of cheating on the renovation show
‘It was our lowest week [on the show]. There were some things done by our building team when we were off-site,’ Haydn, 37, told TV Week.
‘Foreman Dan called us liars, cheats and said we were trying to be deceitful. But we simply weren’t aware of things going on – the whole site was blowing up.’
The re-do on the bathroom came after it was revealed that the wrong bonding primer was used on the floors, which also delayed the plastering.
To make matters worse for Ricky and Haydn, it emerged that the builder had ditched waterproofing day because he wanted to go to a concert.
‘I’m not good with people lying to me,’ Ricky, 34, told the publication.
‘Having a builder on something as important as The Block, you have to have trust. It’s going to be hard to come back from that.’
