It’s clear Australians love home improvement shows, with The Block dominating the ratings weekly.
And now Block judge Neal Whitaker is set to feature on another renovation-based series on Foxtel’s Lifestyle channel.
Neal, who is joined by Selling Houses Australia’s Andrew Winter, told News.com.au the duo ‘wind each other up’ in their competitive roles on Love It Or List It.
‘We wind each other up’: The Block’s design judge Neal Whitaker and British property expert Andrew Winter are set for hilarious banter as they go head-to-head in new renovation series
The program has previously had success in Canada, America, England, Spain, Norway and Brazil.
Love It Or List It follows homeowners on their renovation journeys, with the two hosts working to persuade the guests to stay and revamp their homes or leave, sell and move on from the property.
Design guru Neal claims there are many differences between his new show and The Block.
‘Even after eight weeks of filming The Block I hadn’t met the contestants, but with this I am completely invested in the couple from day one. I am spending their genuine renovation budget. It is real money that is changing hands,’ he said.
‘I am completely invested in the couple from day one’: Design guru Neal claims there are many differences between his new show and The Block, including working extensively with the couples and spending ‘real money’ and a ‘genuine renovation budget’
Taking sides: Love It Or List It follows homeowners on their renovation journeys, with the two hosts working to persuade the guests to stay and revamp their homes or leave, sell and move on from the property
‘It’s not a design competition. It is about helping. That’s an important distinction for me, given my background. It’s not about me bringing “my design eye”.’
He added: ‘I have to leave my own taste and style at the door. It is about sorting out the problems with their house and giving them something that works.’
Neal will be tasked at encouraging couples to renovate their current homes, learning to ‘love it’ in the process.
However, real estate expert Andrew will try to persuade owners that it’s best to move on from their property and put it on the market.
On to a winner? It’s clear Australians love home improvement shows, with The Block dominating the ratings weekly
‘I have to leave my own taste and style at the door’: Neal will be tasked at encouraging couples to renovate their current homes, learning to ‘love it’ in the process
‘We are competing with each other, but at the end of the day it is a TV show… We do take it seriously. It’s human nature to want to win,’ Neal added of the pair’s new roles.
Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney properties will feature on the show.
Love It or List It will air on Lifestyle from 8.30pm on Wednesdays
Coming soon! Love It or List It will air on Lifestyle from 8.30pm on Wednesdays