Exclusive: In 2026 The Block is heading to Mount Eliza, boasting water views for the first time and five new teams tackling the renovations.
But host Scott Cam admits he’s already thinking months ahead, and admitted he’s feeling the nerves for auction day already.
When it comes to this year’s Block, host Scott Cam is already feeling the nerves ahead of auction day. Nine
“We are feeling nervous about the auction, as we do every year, but I think this year because of the budget,” he told nine.com.au ahead of the Season 22 premiere.
For the host, it’s the “curveballs” in the market, like the changes to negative gearing that have affected the market as a whole, but he’s hoping that the appeal of these five homes being new builds that it won’t matter.
“I think that people are nervous about buying at the moment, and that will obviously affect us,” he continued.
“But we’re happy with our product.”
And judging by the first look at the season, the five new teams – Adam and Jolene, Chantel and Wyatt, Lisa and Rosco, Rick and Tayla and Courtney and Sev – have been given just the opportunity to deliver one stunning end result.
For the first time in the show’s history water views will be the big draw card, but the picturesque bayside location boasts secluded beaches like Canadian Bay and Ranelagh Beach, and the most vibrant local community of boutique shops, cafés, gourmet grocers and more.
So, when it comes to auction day in a few months time, Scotty is hoping that five amazing houses with great views will lead to plenty of success.
It won’t be long before everyones focus turns to auction day – but for now it’s all about the building. Nine
As for his advice for the new crop of Blockheads who will no doubt be watching the market closely until auction day later this year, you just need it to line up perfectly.
“I think if you’ve got all your planets aligned,” he said.
“You’ve got a great build with a beautiful design, you’ve got an emotional connection – which is what you really need, you’ve got a great real estate agent, great auctioneer.
“If you get all those planets aligned and you’re happy with a great product, I think you’ll be alright.”
And when it comes to the teams for 2026, they’re the kind of people Scotty likes.
“We’ve got a really good bunch of Blockheads this year,” he said.
“They’re from all over Australia and good, hardworking people – which is what I like – I like hard workers and people that have a go.
“I don’t like lazy and I don’t like a lack of resilience, and these guys have got all of that, and they’re fantastic, good people as well. I really like them.”
So, with the countdown to Season 22 fast approaching, only time will tell to see how their resilience gets tested this year and what’s going to happen when the tools are down and auction day arrives.