The Block 2018: What’s next for fan favourites Norm and Jess?

Builder Norm Hogan and radio host Jess Eva won the hearts of Australians with their humble, down-to-earth attitude, but that wasn’t enough to win The Block.

The pair, in their own words, came dead last. But you still couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces after the auctions on Saturday.

“We woke up this morning, without $200,000 in our bank account,” said Mr Hogan. “It’s just … we came last and we don’t care. To have that money is just going to change our lives.”

Ms Eva agreed. “On paper we came last but we’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.”

Jitters about the weak Melbourne property market were front in centre in the couple’s minds on auction day; they told Domain the were prepared to walk away with nothing.

But when a tech millionaire snapped up both penthouses for what was considered by most present as a bargain, the Sunshine Coast couple got to walk away with $209,000 after their apartment sold for $2,859,000.

So what will the engaged couple do with the money? Have an extravagant wedding? Go on a luxury holiday? Launch into a campaign of high-end renovations?

Nope, nothing of the sort, said Ms Eva.

“It’ll allow us to pay off all of our debts all of our cars, whatever else and out a bit into our mortgage,” she said. “It’ll give us a second chance at financial freedom. You know when you make a lot of stupid mistake when you’re younger? This’ll give us a second chance.

“We’re so grateful.”

How much did The Block apartments sell for?

• Sara and Hayden: 3/34 Fitzroy Street sold for $3.02 million  (prize money $645,000)
• Kerrie and Spence:  1/34 Fitzroy Street sold for $2.85 million (prize money $415,000)
• Courtney and Hans: 2/34 Fitzroy Street sold for $2,770,000 (prize money $410,000)
• Bianca and Carla: 5/34 Fitzroy Street sold for $2,991,000 (prize money $301,000)
• Norm and Jess: 4/34 Fitzroy Street sold for $2,859,000 (prize money $209,000)

And it won’t be tools down for long; Mr Hogan and Ms Eva are showing more of the great work ethic they showed on the 14th season of The Block by heading back to work very shortly.

“It’s back to work,” said Mr Hogan. “We’ve got to renovate our house at some stage but it’s just back to work for us.”

“There’s nothing wrong with having a cup of milk on a green laminate bench,” Ms Eva added, laughing. “After being on The Block and having marble.”

Mr Hogan added: “I love that bench.”

While it’s back to work for the pair, their time on The Block will make life a bit easier for the time being.

“We won’t have to do any side jobs and Normie won’t have to have work seven days a week,” Ms Eva said. “What it’s given us is more time with our children and that’s priceless.”