All five Mount Eliza homes have been given the same $3.45 million reserve. Shelley Craft revealed the figure during a Today appearance, with Nine confirming a sale guide of $3.6 million to $3.9 million.

That puts a rather large number between the teams on The Block and the payday they have spent months working towards. It has also restarted the argument over whether five different properties should really begin at the same price.

Same Reserve, Different Houses

In a Reddit discussion about the reveal, one viewer questioned why the reserves matched when the homes differed in land size, privacy and views. They tipped Rick and Tayla’s House 5 to win, pointing to its larger block.

Nine lists House 5’s land at 1,435 square metres. Houses 1, 2 and 3 sit higher on the site, while Houses 4 and 5 have more floor space and larger decks, but only partial water views. There are different selling points before anyone even gets to the styling.

The debate over the Mount Eliza homes’ value has clearly not disappeared with the reserve reveal. Another commenter predicted that several teams would leave without an auction profit, while others thought the figure was lower than expected. These are viewers’ predictions, with the bidding still to come.

The Contestants And Judges Are Less Gloomy

Scott Cam told TV WEEK that contestants were unhappy with their reserves, as usual, but their reaction had been calmer than in other seasons.

Sev had hoped for something in the mid-$3 million range and felt Nine had done its homework. She also pointed out that she and Courtney will split whatever they make, so a lower reserve would help their individual winnings.

Shaynna Blaze defended the homes’ value, arguing that the building quality and location made the reserves attractive. In her view, a failure to sell would reflect the market.

Shelley’s hope is that buyers arrive knowing the numbers and ready to compete. The teams will be hoping the loudest voices on auction day belong to people holding bidding paddles.