The countdown is on for The Block 2026 auction, but it will look very different this year because of a change in Victorian law.
Unlike previous years, the reserve price will have to be disclosed statewide exactly one week before the auction.
Under the new laws, which came into effect on October 1, auctions from October 16 onward must list the seller’s reserve prices to the exact dollar. If a reserve price changes, the auction’s date has to be moved.
The change also means auctions cannot take place without the disclosure of a reserve price.
What date is The Block 2026 auction?
While this year’s auction date in Mount Eliza is yet to be published, the new law sets a new precedent for the show, especially after the $2.99 million 2025 reserve price caused swift backlash.
So, will the change make or break The Block‘s auction?
According to Buxton’s Director and Auctioneer, Mark Nunn, who will represent Lisa and Rosco, it’s “actually quite a good thing”.
“When buyers go to an auction knowing that the reserve price is, they’re going there knowing that they’re going to be in the game if that reserve price is within their budget and they can pay that or more,” he tells New Idea.
“That’s basically what it’s telling them now: that they can secure the property. So, I think it will still create competition. You’ll still get multiple people wanting to buy property on auction day,” he continues.
Unlike previous Block auctions, he says it adds an additional layer of transparency.
Mark certainly knows what he’s talking about. He was in charge of 2025 winners Britt and Taz’s home, helping them secure $420,000 above the reserve.
What is The Block 2026 auction reserve?
Domain has confirmed the reserve price will be between $3.6 million and $3.9 million.
Even though that may sound exorbitant, Mark says it’s suitable for the seaside suburb.
At the time of publication, the median house price is $1.72 million, but he explains that unlike Daylesford, which hadn’t had a sale exceeding $3 million in years, prices are more consistent in Mount Eliza.
“Obviously, there’s challenges in the market itself, the real estate sector at the moment with interest rates and economic pressures and all the rest of it, but I think a lot of these properties are more for aspirational buyers,” he explains.
“I might be a second or third home, might be an Airbnb. There’s certainly local buyers as well that are showing interest from an owner or occupier point of view, too.”
