In a nation of property watchers, Phil Spencer needs little introduction. Alongside co-host Kirstie Allsopp, Phil has spent countless hours on our screens helping picky buyers to try to find a home on TV’s Location, Location, Location.
But what is perhaps less appreciates is that with the show having now run for more than two decades, Phil has been publicly guiding hopeful house hunters through the ups and downs of the property market.
The show began as the property market was accelerating into the 2000s boom, continued through the financial crisis crash and the doldrums afterwards, and is now airing as Britain undergoes perhaps its bizarrest house price sugar rush – the pandemic one.
So what are Phil’s views on the current red hot market, what are his tips for buyers and why is is he seeking to help people further down the line than usual – on moving day? Jane Denton caught up with Phil Spencer to find out.
Top tips: Phil Spencer, who has teamed up with Airtasker, has five top tips for home movers
When it comes to buying a home most of the focus ends up on finding one, making an offer, getting it accepted and making it over the completion line, but moving day rarely gets much consideration.
Yet, this is not just theoretically the most exciting day of the process, but can also be a stressful and expensive one.
Britons typically spend £414 more than they intend to when moving home, new findings claim. Nationally, this overspend tots up to £1.36billion a year, research by Airtasker in its latest ‘Move Right’ shows.
People typically now spend more than £3,000 on moving costs and two in five movers said budgeting was the most challenging part. In fact, more than half admitted to exceeding their moving budget by up to £1,000.
Top moving costs people often fail to take into account include van hire, moving supplies like protective wrapping, switching utilities and connections, and repair costs, the company which outsources everyday tasks says.
Airtasker suggests one in five people plan to move this year, and if you fall into this category it pays to plan ahead. Phil, who has teamed up with Airtasker, gives his five top tips for buyers looking for a smooth move below.
1. Nail your checklist – and do one early
Write yourself a moving checklist and do it early so you can map out your to-do list and timeline for what’s involved with your move. I’d recommend writing your checklist as soon as you’ve decided you’d like to move or at three months before you move.
Think methodically when you write your checklist and don’t forget to include any small tasks as these often go a long way to help things run smoothly.
I’d always recommend de-cluttering your space, getting rid of any unwanted items (and/or donating to charity) one month before your move so you’re not packing any unnecessary items on moving day.
Notifying your suppliers and redirecting mail is another one to add to the checklist, and I’d recommend doing this one month before your move date.
Notify your bank, utility providers and insurance company of your new address to ensure your mail doesn’t go missing.
2. Consider recruiting an expert to help
Moving is a big milestone, but it also comes with a pretty big to-do list. Once you’ve got your checklist sorted, consider which tasks you’ll need help with.
For instance, you might decide that you can take care of packing, but that you’ll need a tech expert to help with your Wi-Fi set up at your new place.
From removalists to cleaners to furniture assemblers, there are plenty of firms that can help with a range of moving tasks, including platforms where you an post work.
Simply post a task, set your price and choose from rated experts who can help straight away.
Phil Spencer on the property market and his tips
Views: Phil Spencer thinks a ‘bottleneck’ exists in the UK’s housing market due to low listing levels
We asked Phil about property prices, tips for first-time buyers and the thorny subject of overdevelopment in certain parts of the country.
Home moving
While the process of moving home ‘should be an exciting process’, problems typically crop up because it is a ‘complex process with many moving parts.’
To ensure the home moving process runs smoother, Phil said his ultimate top tip for movers centred on ‘thorough planning and preparation.’
He said: ‘People need to focus on the task and be completely dedicated to it, but this can be tough when a buyer has a full-time job.’
Phil said that while he has not actually moved home a lot, when he does, it is always well-planned and thought out.
He said he takes ‘gentle time’ thinking about a move, and doesn’t leave anything to the last minute.
However, he did get a shock when buying his latest home in Hampshire around seven years ago, when a lady in a shop pointed out to him that stamp duty rates had suddenly been hiked. ‘It made me really stop and think about how much it would cost me to move in total’, Phil said.
Outlook for the property market
While conceding that no one has a crystal ball when it comes to the outlook for the property market, Phil said he thought low listing levels were causing a ‘bottleneck’ in the market.
In terms of prices, Phil said that while he did not believe the market would ‘pop’, ‘it does need to calm down.’ He added: ‘We are in the eye of the storm at the moment.’
Amid the rising cost of living, Phil said that over the next six months, more people will be forced to stop ad really think about whether they can afford to move home or not.
Tips for first-time buyers
Phil said that while the market remains tough for first-time buyers, there are steps they can take when planning to and buying a property.
He says that before buying a home, first-time buyers should ‘tread very carefully’ and look to purchase for the long term.
‘First-time buyers need to think about how their life is likely to pan out in five to seven years time, and consider the type of property they really need and want’, he said.
He also recommended, where possible, buying a home which comes with the opportunity to extend or add value to. ‘Buying in a location that will change for the better while you are living there is another important consideration’, Phil added.
And, for those who have found their dream first home, Phil recommended getting a long fixed-term mortgage secured as soon as possible.
Property development in the UK
‘We do have a housing shortage’, Phil said when discussing the subject of new-builds.
He said that in his many years of being an expert, no government of the time had ever successfully reached its housing target.
Phil said he found it ‘frustrating’ that developers can sit on land they have planning permission to build on and do nothing with it for years.
As a solution, he thinks such sites could, for instance, be used as ‘temporary housing to help vulnerable people.’ He thinks modular homes could be a great way to help people in need quickly with housing.
What’s next for Phil?
Phil is on Love It or List It duties with Kirsty Allsopp at present, but will be working on new Location, Location, Location shows after Easter.
He is also ‘madly developing’ new shows for Channel 4, not all of which will be linked to property.
3. Order packing boxes in a variety of sizes
My number one packing tip is to order your packing boxes in a range of different sizes, and if in doubt, order more boxes that you think you’ll need as you can always re-use them.
Don’t forget to also buy packing tape and any proactive wrap for delicate items.
Start packing in the least-used room of your property, and make sure you label your boxes as you go (you can even take photos of the inside of boxes to help you find your contents quicker).
Save time by leaving clothes on hangers and make sure you protect lids of liquids to avoid any spillage in transit.
Keep daily essentials at the top of your boxes for easy access later – things like your phone charger or toothbrush.
4. Ensure your new home is pet and child friendly
Before you move, consider if the new property is child or pet-friendly and take any precautions like a microwave lock or corner protectors for coffee tables or sharp edges.
If you have a furry friend, consider whether you’ll need to get a dog door installed.
5. Do your due diligence on moving day – and change the locks
Do a walkthrough of your new property to ensure everything is in order. It’s worth doing your own inventory by taking photos of any damage or concerns which you can raise with the agent.
If you haven’t already – ask the agent or landlord where the main stopcock is based and where you can find the gas and electricity meters to take readings.
Remember to change your locks when you move for peace of mind.
