The issue was Courtney and Sev's custom wine rack, which their supplier had classified as an artisan piece rather than a standard cellar fit-out. That meant it carried a dramatically lower cost than its supposed $100,000 value, while Adam and Jolene's comparable cellar came in at $20,000.

The Wine Cellar Becomes The Main Event

Lisa went straight to the supplier for answers, then filled Jolene in. By the time Lisa and Rosco confronted Courtney and Sev, the defence was that the rack was bespoke joinery, effectively artwork, and therefore subject to a different pricing arrangement.

It did not settle the mood around House 4. The cellar had already been a flashpoint during the week, after Courtney and Sev's wine cellar plans ran into budget pressure. This time, the other teams were left wondering how the same kind of inclusion could land in such different cost brackets.

The judges, however, loved the finished feature. Darren called it art, and House 4's garage was a hit for its dark palette, inclusions and car. Their enormous backyard also impressed Dave and Darren, although Marty was not convinced its lawn steppers made it friendly enough for a family home.

Different Problems In Every Backyard

Adam and Jolene made a strong case with a striking entry sculpture, a polished wine display and a private side garden. Their pool area was another story, with Shaynna concerned about how exposed it felt, while the garage layout was criticised for eating into the space needed for two cars.

Chantel and Wyatt's backyard was judged saleable but too simple, and their garage was described as little more than a white box. Their courtyard rescued the reveal, giving the judges the warmth and outdoor function they had been missing from the pair's previous spaces.

Lisa and Rosco earned praise for privacy, the outdoor fireplace and finishing the things that mattered most to them, but Marty thought the mulch-heavy yard had sacrificed too much lawn. Their garage was still unfinished after a floor disaster, leaving the courtyard to do the heavy lifting.

Rick and Tayla had the biggest yard, and Marty's affection for its generous lawn gave them a genuine boost. But the unfinished garage floor, incomplete workspace and partly finished backyard meant House 5 could not quite turn its potential into a winning result.

A Tie Nobody Wanted To Share

Lisa and Rosco began the day with one last budget win, taking their prize pool to almost $500,000 after a car was added. But the Room Reveal belonged to the two houses at the centre of the cellar clash.

Adam and Jolene and Courtney and Sev finished on 34.5 points each. Lisa and Rosco scored 31.5, Rick and Tayla scored 30, and Chantel and Wyatt finished on 29.5. With both winning teams forced to share the moment, Sunday night's dinner is set to be a crowded one.

The Block continues tonight at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now.