Scott Cam Undergoes Knee Replacement Surgery Ahead of 'The Block' Premiere

Scott Cam, host of the Australian renovation reality show "The Block," has been hospitalized for 12 days following knee replacement surgery. He is expected to return home soon but will require a walking stick for mobility.

Cam, 63, discussed his recovery with radio hosts on B105's Stav, Abby & Matt, describing the initial five days post-surgery as difficult due to pain and strong painkillers. "I am calling you from my hospital room, which I've been in for 12 days. I just had a knee replacement," he stated. "First five days is not good. Let me tell you. I'm at the back end now."

He added that the surgery has left him "incapacitated a little bit with a walking stick." Cam is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital on Sunday.

Housing Affordability Concerns

Separately, Cam has voiced concerns about Australia's housing crisis, noting that his own adult children are struggling to enter the property market. He contrasted their difficulties with his and his wife Ann's experience when they purchased their first Sydney property in 1994 for $200,000. That purchase was the start of a property portfolio reportedly valued up to $25 million.

"It's impossible. You can't buy anything right now," Cam told realestate.com.au, detailing how one of his sons had his pre-approved loan amount significantly reduced. Initially approved for $800,000, the son's borrowing capacity was revised to $510,000 after a federal budget aimed at helping young people buy homes. This reduction, which Cam attributed to negative gearing factors, prevented his son from purchasing a property valued just under $1 million.

Cam stated that his children face "far greater" challenges in the housing market compared to his generation at their age.

Renovation Advice

Beyond affordability, Cam also offered advice to homeowners undertaking renovations. He identified underestimating costs and timelines as the most common and costly mistakes. "I think most of the time the mistake they make is their budget, and underestimating costs, therefore jobs don't get finished," he said. He also emphasized the importance of finding reliable and suitable tradespeople.

Additionally, Cam stressed the necessity of conducting building and pest inspections before purchasing a property, especially older homes, calling pest control "essential."

"The Block" is set to premiere on Channel Nine and 9Now on Sunday, August 2.