Andy Sunderland, former Block contestant, buys first home

The former contestant on The Block, turned radio and television presenter, has finally scored his own renovation project in Highton after a two-year search.

Former Blockhead turned media personality Andy Sunderland and his girlfriend Lou Conheady have bought their first home in Highton.

Former Block contestant turned radio and TV presenter Andy Sunderland is preparing to dust off his renovation skills after buying his first home in Highton.

The K rock and Channel 9 host saw plenty of potential to work his magic on a “ripper” three-bedroom house near the Barwon River.

Sunderland and girlfriend Lou Conheady beat two other bidders for the keys to the property at auction on Saturday.

RELATED: Belmont house smashes reserve by $136K

Hamlyn Heights buyers see inside house for first time after auction

Luxury Torquay home like staying at a hotel

It sold under the hammer for $657,000.

Sunderland, a former primary school teacher who appeared on The Block in 2016 with mate Ben Toyne, now hosts a Geelong radio show and kids television game show SMASHDOWN.

He and Ms Conheady have been trying to break into the Geelong market for two years but kept getting outbid at auction.

He said their change of fortunes would come as a huge relief to his builder from The Block, Trent Comelli of Trenic, who could finally get his weekends back after inspecting every prospective purchase.

With television filming on hold, Andy Sunderland has been working on the tools with his builder from The Block during the coronavirus pandemic. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

The Highton house has solid bones.

“We have put in offers and always just fell short, this time it just worked,” he said.

“A lot of people from Melbourne were coming down as well and we found they were going to auctions and buying things for $80,000 over reserve,” he said.

“We thought ‘how are we ever going to get in?’ but we just got into the market and it’s a ripper.

“It’s got unreal views over Geelong but it still needs a fair bit of work.”

The house is liveable as is.

A kitchen update is the first priority.

The house offers duel living zones with a treetop aspect, a deck for outdoor entertaining and a two-way bathroom off the main bedroom.

The original 1980s interior is set for a full renovation, starting with the slate-tiled kitchen, but the pair are in no rush.

Sunderland, who was “not handy to say the least” when he entered The Block, said he had picked up knowledge working with Mr Comelli but would still leave the bulk of the renovation to the experts.

The view from the deck.

McGrath, Geelong listing agent David McGuinness said the location and views drove competition from two other first-home buyers for the Highton property.

“Outside there is quite a lot of work to do with retaining walls but the house is solid,” Mr McGuinness said.

“The location and the views were exceptional.”

Originally published as Andy Sunderland, former Block contestant, buys first home