The Block is back for 2026 and contestants are already facing a major hurdle before the first room has even been judged. Host Scott Cam unveiled sweeping changes during Sunday night’s premiere, including a new House Decider challenge and strict council-imposed work-hour restrictions.
Rather than moving straight into their homes, the five teams will spend the opening week renovating a guest bedroom in a property they may not even end up keeping. The winners of the first room reveal will earn first pick of the five luxury homes, while the team finishing last will be left with whichever property remains.
The biggest surprise is a new set of time restrictions. In line with local council requirements, tradies and contestants will only be allowed on site from 7am to 6pm on weekdays, with reduced hours of 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Sundays will be reserved exclusively for judging.
Cam warned it is going to be tough, noting contestants face the same restricted council hours as everyone else in Mount Eliza. Series veteran Foreman Dan Reilly said if he were a contestant he would be very anxious about the time restrictions, adding that teams would need the right people and a good attitude to fit everything in.
Each team will receive $250,000 to complete their renovations, along with a $40,000 Bunnings PowerPass and the show’s signature Block Bucks.
This year’s competition is set in the Mornington Peninsula suburb of Mount Eliza, where five luxury homes offer views across Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline. Houses 1, 2 and 3 sit on elevated blocks with uninterrupted water views, while Houses 4 and 5 are larger with an extra 50 square metres of floor space and bigger backyards.
The house selection has already sparked strategy among teams. Adam and Jolene are targeting House 4, Rick and Tayla want House 2 for its ocean views, Courtney and Sev also favour House 4, and Chantel and Wyatt are chasing one of the elevated homes for water and city vistas.
The Block continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.
