Photography: Instagram via @larabirdy
The Channel 7 series Dream Home was the unexpected hit that had the nation hooked. Launched on 26 May 2024, its blend of high-stakes renos and heartfelt backstories proved irresistible.
So, will Dream Home return in 2025? Not just yet. Seven has hit pause, but a spokesperson confirmed the show “remains part of Seven’s content lineup” and that its debut season was “the number one new format of 2024”. Translation: expect it back… eventually.
Meanwhile, fan-favourite host Dr Chris Brown isn’t sitting still – he’s fronting the new animal adventure series Once In A Lifetime. And what about the contestants?
Dream Home contestants: Where are they now?
One year on, we checked in with the teams to see how life has changed since their time in the Dream Home spotlight. Spoiler alert: one of them is already selling up.
Winners: Rhys & Liam (Qld)
The ‘tradie brothers’ delivered a masterclass in hands-on renovating. Liam’s Queenslander got a stunning Scandi-coastal makeover – landscaping, pool, the works. But by February 2025, he and partner Shennyn had decided to move on. “We’ve loved living in this home, but we’re excited to be doing a renovation project together,” says Shennyn.
Rhys, meanwhile, pocketed the $100k mortgage prize and has been flat out with his reno business, balancing work with family life alongside partner Cassandra and their two little ones.
2nd Place: Lara & Peter (NSW)
With their red-brick Belrose home transformed into a Mediterranean oasis, for Lara Dream Home was a career game-changer. She landed a role with Three Birds Renovations. “Dream Home got me my dream job,” she says.
Pete, meanwhile, is “back to the daily grind” as a marine electrician, but the couple are still loving their home. They’re also grateful Lara’s mum got to see the finished result before she passed away in August 2024. “She was an interior decorator and was so impressed by what we’d achieved,” says Lara.
3rd Place: Elle & Taeler (Vic)
Elle received a warm timber-clad makeover for the Watsonia home she lives in with partner Brody. The couple got engaged soon after filming wrapped and are set to marry in March 2025. “They’re enjoying their dream home,” shares her sister, Taeler.
As for Taeler, her reno business, FTLO Design, has boomed. She’s worked with Koala, Kip & Co and Beacon Lighting, completed five projects, and is now on the hunt for the next one. “I want to develop homes in a sustainability-conscious way,” she says.
4th Place: Jacinta & Jordan (NSW)
Their Punchbowl home went from a modest structure to a luxe new build. “We still feel so blessed,” says Jacinta. “Entertaining has become our favourite thing.”
But there’s more on their reno to-do list – landscaping is next. “It’s like being back on the show, just without the crazy deadlines!” says Jacinta. With baby number three (a boy!) on the way, they’re also planning an extra bedroom upstairs.
5th Place: Hannah & Jonny (Qld)
Renovating on Dream Home was a wild ride. “We’d done a bit, but nothing like this,” says Hannah. Still, they wouldn’t change a thing. “We can’t imagine life without this home.”
Now they’re racing to finish their backyard – including a plunge pool and outdoor kitchen – before their April 2025 wedding, which they’re hosting at home. “Matching a ‘dream home’ aesthetic on a budget is tough,” admits Hannah. We’re confident they’ll pull it off.
6th Place: Brad & Mel (Vic)
The ‘reno rookies’ went from underdogs to fan favourites, thanks to their heart and Brad Pinto’s ’90s boy band past (shoutout to CDB fans). Their Northcote cottage gained a second storey, and their four kids now have all the space they need.
They’re still in touch with the other contestants, and Hannah shares that Mel’s kids “absolutely love their rooms”. In the end, that’s what Dream Home was all about – creating spaces that feel like home.
Not every contestant is staying in their Dream Home, but one thing’s certain – the experience changed their lives. And while the show might be on ice for now, it’s safe to say Dream Home left its mark.
Now, bring on Season 2 (whenever that may be).
