Steph and Gian Ottavio took home The Block Australia crown on Sunday night when they sold their Hampton East house for $5million and netted $1.75million in profit.
Now, the childhood sweethearts, both 27, have opened up about the whirlwind season which saw laughs, tears, and a shocking rollercoaster finale.
Speaking with Daily Mail Australia on Monday, the Sydney couple also revealed their foolproof strategy to win the Channel Nine renovation series.
‘When we got the call that we were on The Block in February, the first thing we did, I think three days later, we called Tom Spanos our auctioneer,’ they said.
‘He was the first person we called and engaged, and people probably wouldn’t think that. As soon as you find out you’re on the Block, why would you call an auctioneer?’
Steph (left) and Gian Ottavio (right), both 27, took home The Block Australia crown on Sunday night when they sold their Hampton East house for $5million and netted $1.75million in profit
They continued: ‘For us, it was the end game. There was a lot of thought that went into that. The team at Ray Way Sunbury are exceptional.’
Steph and Gian went on to say ‘it was a no brainer’ to secure the same agency which helped Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman ‘Oz’ Abu Malik land the win last year.
The western Sydney mates landed a shocking $1.6million in profits when they sold their Gisborne home during season 18 of the Block in 2022.
This year, Steph and Gian smashed the record win by selling their house on Charming St for $1.65million over reserve, receiving an extra $100,000 for their win.
Now, the childhood sweethearts, both 27, have opened up about the whirlwind season which saw laughs, tears, and a shocking rollercoaster finale
But the architect and accountant’s strategy didn’t end there, as they took things a step further by remaining in Melbourne for another three months after filming.
After renovations ceased and host Scott Cam called ‘tools down’ for the final time, most teams flew back home to watch the Block on television.
Meanwhile, Steph and Gian moved back down to Melbourne and away from their family for another three months so they could network and meet every potential buyer face-to-face.
Ultimately, all their hard work paid off as they managed to sell their home to Adrian ‘Mr Lambo’ Portelli, who knocked out serial Block bidder Danny Wallis, for $5million.
Season 19 was filled with a myriad of ups and downs which included a bullying scandal as viewers took exception to the way some couples were treating other contestants.
Speaking with Daily Mail Australia on Monday, the Sydney couple also revealed their foolproof strategy to win the Channel Nine renovation series
READ MORE: The Block’s most memorable buyers are revealed – from a ‘conwoman’ bidder to a regretful celeb and the controversial ‘Mr Lambo’
However, it appears whatever rivalries existed may have been put aside after the whirlwind auction, as Steph and Gian had nothing but kind things to say about the other teams.
‘All couples are such good friends. We’re looking forward to the many reunions that we will be having if not yearly, monthly,’ they said.
‘We’ve left with amazing friendships. We had this really unique bond and respect for each other and I think everyone should know that.’
As for what’s next for the winning couple, Steph and Gian said they plan to sell their property in Sydney and continue to flip homes.
They’re also very excited to be launching a new homewares business called Japandi Estate based on the popular and unique design style they showcased on the Block.
‘When we got the call that we were on The Block in February, the first thing we did, I think three days later, we called Tom Spanos our auctioneer,’ they said
