It’s a hell of a metaphor for the Australian housing market: all five houses on The Block have sold, delivering record-breaking winnings – to one billionaire. Adrian Portelli – known by Block viewers as “Lambo guy” – revealed in the closing moments of Sunday night’s finale that he had secured “the royal flush”, paying a total of $15.03 million for every property featured in this season of the reality show.
The renovated homes, in a former resort in Cowes on Phillip Island, netted $5.43 million in winnings for the contestants – the most lucrative season in the 20-year history of The Block , which screens on Nine, owner of this masthead. “So I bought these houses, a little bit for a premium, but I get all the amenities that come with it”: Winning bidder Adrian Portelli (left) with another bidder at The Block auction.
Credit: Nine The season winners, sisters Maddy and Charlotte Harry, in their early 20s, made a $1.55 million profit (plus the $100,000 grand prize). “To be honest, I barely watch the show,” Portelli said after the auctions.
But he said he had seen “the girls having a hard time and getting bullied” and was happy to give them the win. The move is being celebrated by many on social media who were happy to see the “kind” and “hard-working” contestants net a big profit, but critiqued by others who feel Portelli’s influence undermines the concept of the show. “That was my last appearance on The Block and I thought I’d go out .
