How purchasers can avoid ‘The Block’ situation

However, a month after going under the hammer, Channel Nine made a shock revelation just before Christmas, announcing that the sale had fallen through after the buyer failed to meet the deposit requirements. 

At the time, Channel Nine issued a statement, noting: “Everyone at The Block and Nine are very disappointed for Jimmy and Tam that the sale of their home was not completed as scheduled.”

The winning Block house sold to 28-year-old Emese Fajk for $4.256 million during the live, televised auction, just shy of $1 million above the $3.29 million reserve.

This made winning couple Jimmy and Tam instant millionaires, with the pair seemingly walking away with over $1 million in total prize money. 

But things turned sour a month later, when the settlement date was reached and the buyer was a no-show, stripping Jimmy and Tam of close to $1 million, but not the winner’s title.  

“Jimmy and Tam remain the winners of The Block 2020 as they would have secured the win on the previous bid. 

“We will now work with them and their agents to finalise a sale as soon as possible, and we are confident of a positive result for this unique property,” Channel Nine said. 

How to avoid a similar situation? 

Aus Property Professionals founder and buyer’s agent Lloyd Edge has given investors a few handy hints to avoid a similar situation: