Well it certainly looks like real money was spent..The...

Well it certainly looks like real money was spent..

The Age

http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/the-block-proves-a-bankbuster-for-nine-20101123-185u0.html?from=brisbanetimes_ft

"Channel Nine's New South Head Road block was bought for $3.4 million with vendor finance this year, with $160,000 in stamp duty. It underwent a quick update before the contestants had 52 days and $80,000 to renovate their apartments.

There were weekly prizes which increased the renovation outlay on the apartments.

John and Neisha in apartment one spent $95,000. Mark and Duncan, the two tradies in apartment two, spent $90,000. Erin and Jake spent $94,853 in apartment three, which has the block's highest strata fee. Cheryl and Brenton in apartment four spent $89,974. Another $100,000 was spent on improving common areas."