The Block 2025 auctions were billed as a massive TV spectacle — but what unfolded in Daylesford turned out to be one of the most revealing auction finales the show has aired in years.&nbsp;Five nearly identical, fully furnished homes were pushed to market on a single afternoon, each carrying price expectations the local market was never built to support. What followed was a rare moment where real buyer behaviour overpowered reality-TV momentum.To break down what really went on, we’re joined by buyers and vendors advocate Mark Errichiello, who attended the auctions, tracked buyer behaviour, and has followed The Block’s auction patterns for years. Mark explains how quoting in the low $3 millions set unrealistic expectations from day one, how the quality of the build couldn’t compensate for a non-premium location, and why bidder confidence evaporated the moment prices edged toward $3 million.We unpack the psychological chain reaction inside the room — how the stalled results of House 2 changed the energy for every house that followed, how auction order heavily influenced who bid and when, and why mid-auction reserve changes shattered trust and halted momentum entirely. Mark also highlights overlooked costs buyers faced this year: stamp duty on cars and furnishings, rising Victorian land tax, and the long-term financial drag of prestige builds in regional markets.This episode strips back the theatre and exposes the real mechanics at play — from buyer sentiment to pricing strategy to the risks of flipping homes far from their emotional sweet spot. If you want the unfiltered version of what The Block 2025 really showed us about Australia’s property market, this conversation is a must-listen.<h3></h3><h2>Episode Highlights</h2>00:00 – Introduction to the Block Auctions01:18 – Meet the Expert: Mark Errichiello01:52 – Auction Day Insights and Challenges02:52 – Market Realities and Auction Strategies04:33 – The Block's Unique Auction Dynamics05:43 – Behind the Scenes: Vendor and Agent Dynamics09:02 – The Realities of Property Flipping11:10 – Investment Considerations and Risks12:28 – Decoy Bidding Strategy13:38 – Market Sentiment and Future Trends14:54 – Final Thoughts on the Block Auctions19:59 – Pricing a Property with Furniture22:31 – Victoria's Land Tax Changes and Market Impact24:11 – Strategic Moves and Missteps in Property Auctions27:24 – Renovation Strategies for The Block34:34 – Melbourne Market Insights38:40 – A Memorable Client Story40:39 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts<h2>Links</h2><ul><li><a href="https://masteradvocates.com.au/behind-the-hammer-inside-the-block-2025-daylesford-auctions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Article: Behind the Hammer Inside The Block 2025 Daylesford Auctions</a></li></ul> <h2>About the Guest</h2>Mark Errichiello is a licensed buyers and vendors advocate and the Co-Founder & Director of Master Advocates, a Melbourne-based property advisory firm known for its strategic, data-driven approach to acquisitions, valuations, and auction representation. With decades of hands-on experience, Mark has attended every Block auction since the early seasons and understands the dynamics of high-pressure televised auctions better than most.Mark has represented bidders in both metropolitan and regional markets — including acting as an anonymous strategic bidder during the Phillip Island Block season — giving him unique insight into how buyer psychology, auction order, and market fundamentals shape outcomes. His commentary cuts through hype and focuses on realistic pricing, fair value, and the long-term risks buyers often overlook.Respected for his measured, forensic approach, Mark brings clarity to situations where emotion, spectacle, and production expectations collide with real market behaviour. His expertise helps buyers navigate fast-moving environments and make confident, well-informed decisions.<h2>Connect with Mark</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-errichiello-ba5b0a31/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Br3Vc8VUeTeKYvi1ZQV%2BLZw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/masteradvocates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Master Advocate Facebook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/masteradvocates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Master Advocate Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MasteradvocatesAu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Master Advocate YouTube</a></li></ul> <h2>Resources</h2><ul><li>Visit our website: <a href="https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li><li>If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:</li><li>The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - <a href="mailto:questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li><li>Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? <a href="http://www.gooddeeds.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gooddeeds.com.au</a></li><li>Work with Veronica: <a href="http://www.veronicamorgan.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au</a></li><li>Looking for a Mortgage Broker? <a href="http://alcove.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">alcove.com.au</a></li><li>Work with Chris: <a href="mailto:chrisbates@alcove.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chrisbates@alcove.com.au</a>&nbsp;</li></ul> Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!<ul><li>Subscribe on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast</a></li><li>Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719</a></li><li>Subscribe on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXMark0?si=26cde394fa854765</a></li></ul> If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

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Inside “The Block” Auctions: What Really Went Wrong in Daylesford

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