Who Will Win The Block: Fan v Faves?

Kyal and Kara are favourites with the public, but it’s still anyone’s game
Photo: Channel Nine

After 10 weeks of renovating, it’s finally time for The Block contestants to put down their tools for good.

But who will walk away with the $100,000 prize money when the apartments go up for auction tonight?

All will be revealed in the Grand Finale episode, which screens Wednesday night on Channel Nine.

Surprisingly enough, while Kyal and Kara are clear favourites with the public, the judges aren’t backing the New South Wales couple.

“Though the apartments will go well above market value for the area, it’s unlikely buyers and investors will be deterred.”

When asked which apartment they would buy if they had a spare $2 million lying around, not one of them chose the Super Ks’ luxury abode (which has been tipped to sell for $2.2 million), despite its lavish upstairs terrace and north-facing views.

Instead, Darren Palmer and Neale Whittaker prefer Alisa and Lysandra’s ultramodern apartment, which has been valued at $2.05 million, while Shaynna Blaze would snap up Brad and Dale’s, which is valued at $2.25 million.

Palmer favours Alisa and Lysandra’s apartment for its huge living and dining area. “I think people will walk through the front door and fall instantly in love with that apartment,” he says.

“It is breathtaking. You stop and think ‘this is luxury — I want to live here’.”

The judges are fans of Alisa and Lysandra’s spacious living room
Photo: Dingle Partners

Brad and Dale, on the other hand, are contenders due to the thought and planning than has gone into their apartment.

“Everything was planned very well,” Palmer says. “The proportions are considered, and their master bedroom and bathroom is like a private suite.”

Brad and Dale’s impressive master bedroom could win the day
Photo: Buxton

Chantelle and Steve, who have had their share of struggles on the show, are expected to come in last with a selling price of around $1.995 million.

Palmer admits that none of the apartments are suited to the elderly or families with small children due to their steep spiral staircases. However, they are a good fit for those with older children or empty nesters.

“While Kyal and Kara are clear favourites with the public, the judges aren’t backing the couple.”

And though property valuers believe the apartments will go well above market value for the area, it’s unlikely buyers and investors will be deterred.

“All of these apartments are a great proposition from a real estate point of view,” Palmer says. “If I had $2 million and I was looking around Albert Park, I would look for something unique. I would look for lifestyle, city views, the luxury of space, parking, and amenities like a pool and rooftop terrace — and all four of them have that.”

Buyers will be drawn to the apartments’ city views and prime Albert Park location
Photo: Buxton

As unlikely as it seems, the contestants have been warned that they could walk away with nothing if their apartments pass in on the day.

There is a precedent for this – in the 2011 season of the show, viewers were shocked when three out of four houses failed to sell.

However, Executive Producer Julian Cress remains confident the apartments will be highly sought-after.

“I would like to think that bidding will be spirited because we are offering warehouse-style apartments in Albert Park, a suburb where most people have to settle for a terrace house,” he says.