Our expert panel picks their winner.

Dea Jolly

The Block Triple Threat winner, Domain columnist

“I am split down the middle. I think Will and Karlie’s high ceilings and extra outside area (on the ground floor) make it really attractive to more of the market, in terms of people with pets and kids. The high ceilings make it feel like a home and not an apartment, but the light in their apartment is not as good. And then you go upstairs to Julia and Sasha’s apartment and the light is amazing, the views are amazing, and the style is great throughout; very consistent. I think, by the smallest margin, Julia and Sasha.”

Alice Stolz

Domain national managing editor, The Block buyers’ jury

“Ground-floor apartments are back in vogue and I think Will and Karlie might be the dark horse this season. The ease of not relying on stairs or a lift means this large apartment appeals to downsizers and families, as well as those not waning to give up the prospect of a garden. The apartment is beautifully styled and oozes contemporary design and flair. The generous ceiling height, all those gorgeous windows, the easy street access; it’s a winning combo for me.”

Nicole Jacobs

Nicole Jacobs Property, The Block buyers’ jury. Buyers’ advocate Nicole has previously purchased several Block apartments for clients.

“Clear favourites after taking buyers through are Julia and Sasha (apartment 5), and Will and Karlie (apartment 1). The higher finishes, position within the block (for light), the additional courtyard space that comes with apartment 1 along with the consistency of each apartment has appealed to both investors and owner occupiers. These factors may however add to the reserve figure on auction day. The competition will only be truly revealed then, and the depth of buyers will determine how successful these apartments are. My dark horse prediction is Dan and Carleen. The smaller floor template compared to Andy and Ben, and Chris and Kim, reduces the potential price but will not reduce the number of buyers interested. This apartment is attracting owner-occupiers and they are always more willing to put their hands in their pockets when it comes down to the final moments of an auction.”

Greville Pabst

Executive chairman, WBP Property Group, The Block buyers’ jury. Greville has been a long-time valuer, buyers’ advocate and consultant on The Block.

“I’ve worked with Dan and Carleen throughout the season, and while their apartment is the most sophisticated and close to my heart, my gut says Karlie and Will are the front runners. One of the defining factors isn’t the design aesthetic but the ground floor location, simply because it’s the only apartment with a rear landscaped courtyard garden — an appealing prospect for most buyers. As the apartments will eventually be surrounded by medium density housing, the ground floor is not visually impacted. It may not be the largest apartment but it’s well-appointed, cleverly designed with soaring 3.8 metre ceilings, and the fittings and finishings are what buyers in this price range expect.”

Adrian Lowe

Domain news editor

“This has been an even season for two teams with scores, but that all counts for naught come auction day — all that our teams can hope for is that the right buyer comes along. I am favouring Will and Karlie for the win — the combination of high ceilings, a backyard and ground floor access means the potential buyer pool is large. Many people now don’t want to have to bother with stairs or elevators, and a family could quite happily live in this apartment with such generous proportions. I can’t discount Julia and Sasha’s gorgeous top-floor pad, but the dark horse would be Dan and Carleen. Cashed-up downsizers are still active in the market and they’ve captured that portion of buyer pool much better than their competitors have.”

Emily Power

Domain print editor

“My bet is with Julia and Sasha, slightly ahead of Dan and Carleen. Julia and Sasha have executed a thoughtful, cohesive style with ultra luxe touches. The level of finish and their choice of furnishings is highest-end. But the power of the downsizer market suggests Dan and Carleen, who are older and have a more classic approach to art deco, will greatly appeal. Their traditional approach, with mahogany and bevelled glass, will resonate with mature buyers who have long lived in 1920s and ’30s suburban homes. Resonance stirs desire and when emotions kick in, bidders dig deep; and downsizers have budgets to burn.”