Move iQ Podcast
Move iQ Podcast
Phil Spencer: UK Property Expert
Phil Spencer is one of the UK's leading property experts, with over 25 years of experience in the property sector. The Move iQ Podcast is where Phil shares his tips for all things property related. Whether this is your first move or you are a seasoned property professional, Phil shares his property advice, guidance and insights to help everyone move and manage their home with confidence.
Inside the UK Property Market in 2026
What's really happening in the property market right now? And what do the experts on the ground actually think? In this episode, we’re at the Propertymark One Conference in London to speak with estate and letting agents from across the country. We heard real world insights on everything from the Renters' Rights Act to rental demand, seller expectations, and the first time buyer market. We’re covering all the hot topics and challenges facing the market in 2026- from offers falling through to energy efficiency. If you want to know what's happening with the gap between asking prices and sale prices, whether landlords are genuinely selling up and leaving the sector, or how agents are managing sellers with over optimistic price expectations, then this episode is for you! Are you buying, selling, or renting right now? What's your experience been in your local market? Let us know in the comments πŸ’¬ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:35 The Renters Rights Act: Early Impact and Landlord Caution 02:12 The Pricing Gap: What Sellers Want vs What Buyers Pay 03:25 Market Challenges: The Toughest Conditions Since 2008? 03:57 Are Landlords Really Selling Up? 05:22 Managing Seller Expectations on Price 07:58 The Rental Competition: How Many Tenants Per Property? 10:02 First-Time Buyers: Who's Getting on the Ladder? 11:26 Rental Prices and the Bidding Ban 12:43 Energy Efficiency: Does It Really Matter to Buyers? 14:58 Essential Advice for First-Time Renters Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/move-iq
Jul 1
16 min
DIY vs Professional Help: The Honest Truth
Thinking of tackling that home project yourself? Or should you get help from a professional? In this episode of the Move iQ Podcast, Lexie and Sara discuss the honest truth about DIY, laying out the skills needed to actually pull off home improvements, why people choose to DIY in the first place (spoiler: it's not only about saving money), and when it makes sense to roll up your sleeves versus when you should step back and call in the experts. Have you tried a DIY project that went brilliantly or hilariously wrong? What's the one thing you'd never attempt yourself? Let us know in the comments πŸ’¬ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:18 The Reality of DIY: Skills and Disasters 03:33 Why People DIY: Cost, Pride, and Motivation 04:44 When DIY Makes Sense: Cosmetic Projects 06:30 Time, Patience, and Hidden Problems 07:19 Where to Draw the Line: Structural, Plumbing, and Electrical 11:59 Finding Trustworthy Professionals 14:13 Creative DIY Success 16:52 Getting Help from Friends and Family Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FIRST HOME FOCUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— @FirstHomeFocus πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE IQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— @MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup πŸ‘‰ VISIT THE MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk ➀ CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL πŸ‘‡ πŸ“² INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/moveiq πŸ“² TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv πŸ“² FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ πŸ“² X https://x.com/MoveiQProperty
Jun 24
20 min
Could Your Home Reach Zero Bills?
Feeling overwhelmed by retrofit? You're not alone. But what if confidence, not confusion, was the starting point? In this final episode of the retrofit series, Phil Spencer and Daniel Kittow from Vibrant Energy Matters bring everything together - showing how homeowners can move from uncertainty to clarity, one step at a time. They discuss the human side of home energy upgrades and how it's not just about the tech or the savings, it's about feeling confident enough to take action. They explore what holds homeowners back, why retrofit feels so overwhelming at first, and how getting the right support can completely shift your mindset from doubt to decision. Plus, they explain why starting small is absolutely fine, what low cost changes you can make yourself, and how investing time in research now can lead to zero bills and real financial freedom later. Have you started your retrofit journey, or are you still doing your research? What's your next step? We'd love to hear from you! Share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments below πŸ’¬ Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters πŸ‘‰ Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Why Homeowners Feel Confused and Overwhelmed 01:10 The One-on-One Support Approach 02:40 Building Confidence, Not Expertise 03:17 Overcoming the UK Mindset Shift 04:02 The Planning and Financing Process 05:02 Flexible Plans and Quick Wins 05:38 Final Thoughts: Invest Time in Your Home's Future Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #RetrofitUK #EnergyEfficiency #HomeUpgrades #ZeroBills
Jun 17
7 min
Future-Proof Your Home and Save Money
Does retrofit actually pay for itself, or is it just another expensive home upgrade? Is it possible to future-proof your home and save money? In this episode, Phil Spencer is joined once more by Daniel Kittow from Vibrant to tackle the money question: is retrofit worth it financially, and how do you make the numbers work in your favour? They explore the real returns on energy upgrades, why retrofit can outperform traditional investments, and the common financial mistakes homeowners make when planning improvements. Plus, Dan shares why jumping in with the big ticket items first might actually be the smartest move, what grants are still available, and how energy efficiency can help you pay off your mortgage years earlier. What motivates you most: lower bills, increased comfort, or protecting your home's value? We want this series to reflect real homeowners, so please do share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments πŸ’¬ Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters πŸ‘‰ Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Does Retrofit Really Pay Off? 02:44 Beyond Money: Energy Security and Comfort 03:09 Asset Protection and Property Value Increases 04:06 Quick Wins vs Long-Term Investment Strategy 05:12 Common Mistakes: Why Order Matters 05:57 Start Big, Not Small 06:50 Financial Mistakes Homeowners Make 07:36 The Boiler Upgrade Scheme Grant Explained Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #RetrofitUK #EnergyEfficiency #HomeUpgrades #ZeroBills
Jun 10
9 min
Which Home Energy Upgrades Are Worth It?
Heat pumps, solar panels, and smart tech – are they the future of home energy, or just an expensive headache? In this episode, Phil Spencer is joined again by David Sanders from Vibrant Energy Matters to discuss what upgrades are available to make your home more energy efficient. They explore whether heat pumps and solar panels are right for every home, how the technology has evolved, and why getting the order right matters just as much as the tech itself. They discuss how heat pumps actually work, the impact of combining solar panels with battery storage, and the role of smart tech in making your home more efficient without needing to be a tech expert. Plus, David shares what he's installed in his own Victorian terrace and the common mistakes homeowners make when going it alone. If you’ve installed a heat pump or solar panels, what's your experience been? We want this series to reflect real homeowners, so please do share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments below πŸ’¬ Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters πŸ‘‰ Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Heat Pumps and Solar: Are They Right for Every Home? 02:28 How Heat Pumps Work and Their Efficiency 04:17 Heat Pump Myths: Noise, Cost, and Installation 06:22 Solar Panels: Still Worth It? 07:56 Battery Storage: The Game Changer for Solar 09:41 Smart Tech: Making Energy Management Simple 11:56 Common Mistakes and the Need for a Long-Term Plan Next time, we're looking at the money question – how to make retrofit pay off in the long run, and which upgrades actually deliver savings. Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #HeatPumps #SolarPanels #RetrofitUK #EnergyEfficiency
Jun 3
15 min
Why Do Millions of UK Homes Need Improving?
In this latest episode of our retrofit series, Phil and David from Vibrant Energy Matters look at why millions of UK homes need improving, what β€œsmarter” retrofit guidance could look like for homeowners, and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. They discuss the VESA Report that Vibrant provides and how better, whole-home advice can help people move forward with confidence. What would make you feel confident enough to start - clear costs, trusted guidance, or knowing what comes first? Let us know! Share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments- your input will help shape future episodes and support others on the same journeyπŸ’¬ Retrofit isn’t just about technology - it’s about trusted advice. Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters πŸ‘‰ Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:48 The Information Overload Problem in Retrofit 01:57 What is the VESA Report? 02:41 How VESA Goes Beyond EPCs 04:12 The Importance of Doing Things in the Right Order 05:08 Understanding Different Retrofit Motivations 05:33 Vibrant Energy's End-to-End Approach 06:12 The Critical Optimization Stage 07:08 How Landlords Can Benefit from the VESA Report Keep an eye out for our next episode all about heat pumps, solar panels and smart tech - making modern upgrades make sense. Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #EPC #RetrofitUK #UKHomeowners #EnergyBills
May 27
12 min
What’s Really Happening With Mortgage Rates in 2026?
Worried about what global uncertainty means for your mortgage? You're not alone. In this episode, Phil Spencer sits down virtually with Charlotte from Skipton Building Society to talk through what's really driving mortgage rates right now, how global events are affecting the UK housing market, and what it all means for anyone trying to buy or remortgage in 2026. They discuss the impact of oil prices and inflation on interest rates, why mortgage rates are moving more than usual, and what first time buyers need to know about affordability in today's market. Plus, they offer practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the headlines and explainswhat to do if you're coming off a low fixed rate this year. Are you a first time buyer, or are you remortgaging soon? What's your biggest concern right now? Let us know in the comments πŸ’¬ πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:26 How Global Conflicts Are Affecting UK Mortgage Rates 02:50 The Changing Face of Home Affordability 03:56 First Time Buyer Demographics: The New Reality 05:25 Innovative Mortgage Products: Track Record 06:53 Delayed Start Mortgages and Zero Deposit Options 08:14 Essential Advice for Aspiring First Time Buyers 10:57 Market Outlook and Remortgage Considerations Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FIRST HOME FOCUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— @FirstHomeFocus πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup πŸ‘‰ VISIT THE MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk ➀ CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL πŸ‘‡ πŸ“² INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/moveiq πŸ“²TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv πŸ“²FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ πŸ“²X https://x.com/MoveiQProperty @sbsintermediaries
May 22
14 min
EPCs Explained: Useful Tool or Tick-Box Exercise?
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are everywhere - but do they actually help homeowners make decisions? Alongside expert insight from David Sanders from Vibrant Energy Matters, Phil Spencer breaks down what EPC ratings are meant to do, why they often fall short, and why so many homeowners find them confusing or frustrating. They explore how EPCs fit into the retrofit conversation, what factors actually affect the rating and why better guidance is needed. Do you know your home’s EPC rating, and has it ever been useful? We want this series to reflect real homeowners so please do share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments. Your input will help shape future episodes and support others on the same journey! πŸ’¬ Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters πŸ‘‰Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/Β  πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:33 What is an EPC and What Should It Do? 01:24 Why EPCs Come Under So Much Criticism 02:53 How EPCs Affect Landlords and Rental Properties 03:50 Understanding Your EPC Rating as a Homeowner 04:58 EPCs in Mortgage Applications and the Lending Industry 06:05 Why EPCs Have Outgrown Their Original Purpose 07:23 What Homeowners Should Look For Beyond EPCs 08:02 How to Use Your EPC Wisely Our next episode takes a look as smarter retrofit advice - inside the VESA Report. Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #EPC #RetrofitUK #Homeowners #EnergyBills
May 20
12 min
Making Your Home Cheaper to Run
Want to lower your energy bills but don't know where to start? In this first episode of our new retrofit series, Phil Spencer sits down with Daniel from Vibrant Energy Matters to answer the question everyone's asking: what actually is retrofit, and why does it matter to you as a homeowner? They break down what it really means to make your home energy efficient (spoiler: it's not about ripping your whole house apart), why it's become such a hot topic in 2026, and what's holding so many homeowners back from making improvements. They also look at why UK homes are such big contributors to carbon emissions, the financial benefits of investing in your property's energy efficiency, and the single most important step you should take before making any changes. What's been holding you back from making your home more energy efficient? Let us know in the comments! We want this series to reflect real homeowners so please do share your retrofit experiences, questions, and home upgrade stories in the comments. Your input will help shape future episodes and support others on the same journey! πŸ’¬ Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters πŸ‘‰Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/Β  πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:42 What is Retrofit? 03:13 The Confusion Around Getting Started 04:47 Investment Returns and Financial Concerns 05:34 First Steps 06:16 What's Coming Next in the Series Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #EnergyEfficientHome #EPC #PropertyPodcast
May 13
9 min
The Common Mistakes Home Movers Make
Looking for a new home? Don't let emotion cloud your judgment! In this episode, Sara and Lexie discuss the most common mistakes home movers make, from falling head over heels at first viewing to overlooking the practical details that really matter. Whether you're a first time buyer or a seasoned mover, this episode is packed with honest insights and real life stories to help you avoid costly errors and make smarter decisions. They discuss the emotional pull of property viewings, the importance of future proofing your purchase, why you need to view more than one property, and the hidden costs that can catch you off guard. Plus, they share personal mistakes they've made along the way and what they wish they'd known before buying. What's the biggest mistake you've made when buying a home? Let us know in the comments! πŸ‘‰ VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:41 Head vs Heart: The Emotional Pull of Property 00:02:22 Falling in Love with Properties: The Viewing Trap 00:03:26 Lifestyle Considerations 00:04:48 Future Proofing Your Home Purchase 00:07:21 Not Viewing Enough Properties 00:10:29 The Danger of Staging and Beautiful Aesthetics 00:12:22 Using AI and Technology for Property Planning 00:13:56 Living in a Property Before Making Changes 00:16:35 Red Flags to Watch For During Viewings 00:17:43 Seeing Potential in Properties 00:20:09 The Hidden Costs 00:22:33 Listed Properties and Heating Costs 00:23:24 White Goods, Fixtures, and What Stays 00:24:33 Essential Questions to Ask and Final Tips Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! πŸ‘‰ SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL πŸ”— https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ πŸ‘‰ GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX βœ‰ πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ πŸ‘‰ VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE πŸ’» πŸ”— https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➀ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL πŸ“² Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en X: https://twitter.com/MoveiQProperty
May 6
34 min
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