The Block 2025: First look at carbon-neutral houses being built in Daylesford for the show
Construction has kicked off on The Block 2025, with something happening on site that has never been done before on the show.
Construction has already begun on The Block’s 2025 season in Daylesford, weeks before contestants arrive to take on the challenge of creating five homes.
The site, located at the Raglan Street and the Midland Highway, is already bustling with activity as builders race to lay the groundwork before filming commences.
Frames for the first two houses have already gone up, giving fans and Daylesford locals their first glimpse of the carbon-neutral homes planned for the shows 21st season.
RELATED: Portelli vows to help Ch9 star after $50k scandal
Daylesford divided over The Block’s impact on town
Secret’s out: The Block 2025’s massive shake-up
Designed by Group Architects, and principal Architect of Brenchley Architects Julian Brenchley, the homes will feature exteriors ranging from timber to metal cladding, while plans show the layouts will include pools and expansive landscaping.
The homes will be built by Nine in Six builders, who have helped on several other seasons of the show including Elsternwick, Port Melbourne and Brighton.
This sneak peek into the early stages of construction has heightened anticipation among Daylesford locals and Block fans.
Owners of local mens' wear boutique Alexander Hancocks said the picturesque town, which is known for its mineral springs, lush countryside and vibrant arts scene, was an opportunity to bring the town into the national spotlight.
“I’m optimistic for the success of The Block in Daylesford,” Mr Hancocks said.
“Daylesford is a hidden gem, and this show will shine a light on what we have to offer.
“When I moved here in 2018, I hadn’t even heard of the town, and I’d lived in New South Wales for years,”
While The Block is known for driving interest in property and renovations, Mr Hancocks believed its presence will have a broader impact on local businesses — from restaurants and cafes to galleries and wellness retreats.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone, so this kind of exposure is exactly what we need,” he said.
“Even more, I’d love to see them bring back the open-for-inspection days — people love to see the homes in person, and it would bring even more visitors to town.”
Construction on The Block is chugging along, with social media posts capturing the progress, as scaffolding and steel frames have popped up on site.
Photos shared on a Facebook fan page show the rapid transformation over just a few days, while much of the site remains fenced off.
“Things move quickly on The Block. On Jan 10, the site was bare, and by Jan 16, the frameworks for two homes were already standing,” one excited fan wrote.
“If this were an episode, they’d be talking about TruCore steel every second minute!”
The Block judge and Whitefox chief executive Marty Fox told The Herald Sun earlier this month that Daylesford’s charm and unique character made it an obvious choice for The Block producers.
“The mineral springs, the rolling countryside, the restaurants — it’s a part of Victoria that holds a lot of sentimental value for so many people,” Mr Fox said.
“It’s such a picturesque and iconic location, and I think this season is going to resonate with a lot of viewers.”
Principal of Belle Property Daylesford, Will Walton said he sees The Block as a unique opportunity to showcase the region’s diverse property market and attract interest from new buyers.
“Daylesford offers something for everyone, from charming miner’s cottages to modern architectural homes,” Mr Walton said.
The Belle Property Daylesford principal also noted the town’s reliance on Airbnb due to a lack of large-scale hotels, emphasising the importance of tourism to the local economy.
“It’ll be interesting to see how the homes are priced — they could attract a broader market or create new benchmarks for the area,” he said.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Portelli vows to help Ch9 star after $50k scandal
Blues’ ex-president set to sell his luxurious Kew pad
Australia’s housing shortfall: What’s gone wrong?
david.bonaddio@news.com.au
Originally published as The Block 2025: First look at carbon-neutral houses being built in Daylesford for the show
‘Too late to leave’: Out-of-control bushfire rages in Victoria’s west
Residents and campers in Victoria’s west have been urged to take shelter as an out-of-control bushfire threatens communities surrounding the Little Desert National Park.
Year of the Snake celebrations begin
Chinese Lunar New Year of the Snake kicks off in style with a super-sized Snakes and Ladders experience and lion dancing in QV Melbourne.
How retro beach house becomes viral star — made $100k in a year
A Peninsula beach retreat has made its owners a six-figure sum within 12 months, following a renovation inspired by a Danish summer house. Find out how the home scored the big bucks.