The Block 2023 front gardens and facades: How do this year's homes measure up?

I think street appeal in a house is akin to charisma or gravitas in people. Some people have it, some people don’t. Houses don’t need to be painstakingly picture-perfect from the outside to deliver on this front, but a bit of a tug at the emotional heartstrings when it comes to a property can go a long way.

Cast your mind back to Mitch and Mark’s beautiful front garden and facade from The Block in 2021. Many say the sheer appeal of their home from the outside, coupled with that divine front garden, aided them in creating a strong emotional connection with buyers that went on to help them win The Block. The data backs it up, too; houses with front gardens have a median price $80,000 more than houses that don’t, and they spend, on average, 11 fewer days on the market.

So, what does that mean for Kristy and Brett? A house with no front garden visible from the street. Maybe the fact that behind their tall privacy-protecting fence is their pool, the largest on The Block this year.

It’s a property that in reality, will be entered and exited from the side entrance, not the front. It’s neither good nor bad … but it has to be said, it is different.

As is the entrance to the home of Eliza and Liberty. Their house is entered via a narrow path and feels a little unassuming, but when you arrive at the front door, I challenge anyone not to be wowed by their entry – it is stunning. But the less traditional entrance for some might play into the minds of buyers who rank street appeal highly.

Kyle and Leslie and Leah and Ash have gone conventional with a twist.

Both houses have neat front gardens that each come with a big cherry on top; a car turntable baked perfectly into their driveways – ideal to maximise space in tight areas and allows cars to safely enter and exit the driveway – perfect for people who might have children racing around.

And now to “Chez Steph and Gian”, who clearly value the idea of wanting to deliver a house that is metaphorically wrapped in a big fat bow.

Their front garden and facade oozes street appeal. The size and orientation of it make it feel luxe, as does the beautiful and established magnolia tree. And the unique stone fence and chimney gives it a vibe that this is not just a house, this is a true home, the type you want to live in forever. It’s pretty obvious from the outset there’s something very special behind this facade.

And so, to the question I am asked most at the moment, what’s my favourite house on The Block this season?

Well, it’s complicated.

I love the style and curves of Kyle and Leslie’s house, along with their whopping 34 square metre standalone studio.

But then I love the spirit and fun of Leah and Ash’s place, plus their Murphy bed and their garden.

Add to that, the more formal front living room of Kristy and Brett’s place (if this were my house I’d make a rule that this is the “good room” and no children are allowed in there!) and their kitchen bench, which is just stunning.

And please add to my list, Eliza and Liberty’s epic kitchen (and do not forget their four metre bench with the sink perpendicular to it – genius) and their beautiful entrance, the spacious floor plan and the timber look windows with double glazing.

And finally, I’ll add the style, flair and warmth of Steph and Gian’s place. The thoughtful approach to every room, the incredible walk-in-wardrobe, the Jack and Jill bathroom, their amazing deck and back garden and the most beautiful mature tree to watch over all the houses. 

But you know what, whoever wins this season of The Block, I hope the renos have inspired many Aussies to take another look at that rather plain clinker-brick house that they once might have thought was too dull … and also, to think once more about the simple life of suburbia. I’m telling you, it’s great out there. 

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