Siblings take The Block's top honours

Last updated 07:45 07/09/2012
Ben and Libby Crawford
PETER MEECHAM/Fairfax NZ
WINNING SMILES: Siblings Ben and Libby Crawford have won The Block NZ, taking home $237,000.

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Christchurch's Libby Crawford and her brother Ben have won The Block NZ.

The win on the programme's live auction show on TV3 earned them an extra $80,000 after making a profit of $157,000 for selling their house for $961,000.

During the live auction the pair looked visibly nervous as the bidding heated up. Libby Crawford said the win was "absolutely incredible".

Auckland-based Ben Crawford grew up on the family farm at Edendale in Southland with his sister, who is now based in Christchurch.

The pair said their prize money would go towards their new business, Libby and Ben.

"It's still an out of body experience," Ben said. "Obviously the finance is bloody good. It's been such a crazy journey over the past 10 weeks."

Libby said the auction happened so fast but she had fears no-one would want the house.

"It happened so quickly, 15 minutes didn't seem that long," she said. "Our biggest fear was that tumble weed would blow through the auction room and no-one would bid."

The couple say their competitive natures have helped them through right to the end, but choosing their auction spot proved a dilemma.

"We had really strong advice for both first and fourth," Libby said. "In the end we felt it was either we back our house or play a tactical game to stall the bidders."

Ben said the programme has brought their relationship closer.

Libby and Ben's house at 78 Anzac Ave was first to be auctioned. Described as the best on the block, it was sold for $961,000.

The siblings made a profit of $157,000 from the $804,000 reserve.

Sarah and Richard's house at 76 Anzac Ave sold for $870,000. The couple made a profit of $64,000 from a reserve of $806,000.

Ginny and Rhys' house at 80 Anzac Ave sold for $805,000. The couple made a profit of $11,000 from a reserve of $794,000.

Rachel and Tyson's house at 74 Anzac Ave sold for the reserve of $798,000, meaning they did not make any profit.

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- © Fairfax NZ News

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