The high-stakes bidding wars that once thrilled The Block fans fuelled this season’s finale flop by driving up price expectations far beyond market value, according to a property insider.

Aus proptech CEO Aaron Scott said billionaire Adrian Portelli had inflated the value of the homes featured on past series, causing this year’s contestants to feel undervalued for their time.

Two of the five houses featured in the latest season failed to sell at auction, prompting claims the reserve prices were set too high, at more than $2m above the Daylesford median house price.

But Mr Scott, co-founder of real estate agent comparison service bRight Agent, said the reserves reflected market value for high-end homes in the Victorian town.

“If The Block prices are out of touch as some claim, then perh

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