Move iQ Podcast

Hosted by Phil Spencer: UK Property Expert

Business Investing Education

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Episodes

259

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

August 19, 202634 min

How to Make the Right Move in Later Life

With a rapidly ageing population representing the largest and fastest-growing group of homeowners in the UK, the conversation about making the right home move in later life has never been more important. Yet for many, the thought of leaving a home filled with decades of memories can feel overwhelming, and downsizing can come with many hidden challenges. In this episode, Sara and Lexie speak to Susan Gregory, founder of Turners Oak, about the hidden emotional and practical challenges of downsizing, or as Susan prefers to call it, “rightsizing”. Whether you're considering a move yourself, supporting a parent through the process, or simply curious about what later life housing really looks like, this conversation offers a compassionate, practical perspective on how to approach downsizing with curiosity, control and confidence. Have you or someone you know navigated downsizing? What surprised you most about the process? Let us know your thoughts in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:15 The Psychology of Downsizing: Understanding Resistance 08:05 The Grief Cycle and Acceptance 10:54 The Overwhelm: Practical Challenges and Decluttering 15:03 Getting 80% Ready: The Fear of Making the Wrong Decision 17:26 Success Stories: The Freedom on the Other Side 20:37 Location Decisions and Lifestyle Priorities 24:53 Cost, Inheritance, and Financial Considerations 27:15 Practical Details: Pets, Leases, and Trial Periods 28:43 Final Advice: Plan A, B, and C Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ 👉 VISIT THE TURNERS OAK WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://turnersoak.co.uk/meet-susan ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

August 12, 202619 min

Rental Developments Are On The Rise

Rental developments are on the rise, and it's not just about city centre flats anymore. Single family housing is quietly reshaping the rental landscape, offering families, professionals, and even retirees a new way to live without the pressure to buy. But what exactly is single family housing, and why is it becoming such a compelling option for so many people? In this episode, Sara and Lexie sit down with Ged McPartlin, Managing Director of Simple Life Homes, to explore the rise of rental houses in suburban and commuter areas. Whether you're considering renting long term, curious about how the rental market is evolving, or simply interested in the future of housing in the UK, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to make a house a home without owning it. What do you think about renting for life? Is it a smart lifestyle choice or still a compromise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:52 What is Single Family Housing? 02:06 Beyond City Centre Living 03:47 Renting as a Smart Financial Choice 05:06 Security and Professionalism 07:16 Building Community and Placemaking 08:39 The Village Community Revival 11:24 Learning and Evolution 13:06 Why Now? The Changing Landscape 17:47 Who It Works For and Who It Doesn't Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ 👉 VISIT THE SIMPLE LIFE HOMES WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.simplelifehomes.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

August 5, 202639 min

What Every Tenant and Landlord Should Know

The Renters' Rights Act came into effect in May, bringing significant changes to the UK rental market. But what should every tenant and landlord know about navigating the new landscape? In this episode, Sara and Lexie are joined by Jan Hytch from Propertymark to break down the new rules of renting and separate fact from fear. Whether you're a first time renter, an experienced tenant, or a landlord trying to understand your responsibilities under the new legislation, this episode offers practical, reassuring insight into what's changed, what hasn't, and what the future of renting in the UK might look like. You'll also hear about the new rules around pets, the shift toward periodic tenancies, and why good communication between landlords and tenants has never been more important. Are you renting under the new rules? Have you noticed any changes yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Biggest Changes for Tenants 02:07 Landlord Responsibilities and Property Standards 03:55 Debunking Myths and Fear Mongering 06:43 The New Generation of Landlords 07:34 Improving Rental Stock 09:38 Finding Good Tenants: What Landlords Really Want 11:22 Pets in Rental Properties 14:03 Landlord Concerns Addressed 18:44 Periodic Tenancies and Long-Term Security 23:58 Understanding Rent Increases and Section 13 Notices 28:07 Fines and Professional Practice 29:23 Tenants- What to Watch Out For 32:20 The Two-Month Notice Myth 34:07 The Future of Renting Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 VISIT PROPERTYMARK'S WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.propertymark.co.uk/ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

July 29, 202637 min

Why Even Reliable Renters Are Missing Out

Renting in today's market can feel overwhelming, especially with new legislation and rising costs making the process more competitive than ever, and even reliable renters are missing out. But with the right preparation and support, it doesn't have to be as stressful. In this episode, Lexie and Sara are joined by Bruce Evans from RentGuarantor to discuss everything UK renters need to know in 2026. This conversation is packed with practical, honest advice for anyone looking to rent. They explain what a guarantor actually does and share insider tips on preparing for viewings, spotting red flags, and how to make yourself stand out as a strong tenant in a competitive market. Whether you're a first time renter, moving to the UK from abroad, a student looking for accommodation, or simply navigating a tricky financial situation, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared. RentGuarantor provides professional UK-based guarantor services, helping renters who may not have a suitable friend or family member able to support their tenancy. The company works with tenants, landlords and letting agents to help more people secure a home while offering greater financial reassurance throughout the tenancy. Check out their website, linked below. Are you currently renting or looking to rent soon? What's been your biggest challenge or surprise? Let us know in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:01 Who Needs a Guarantor and Why 07:11 The Biggest Mistakes Renters Make 10:03 The Power of Personal Connection and Being Prepared 11:27 Getting Ready to Rent: Your Preparation Checklist 14:43 Affordability Checks Explained 19:05 What Does a Guarantor Actually Do? 24:48 The Hidden Costs of Renting 28:43 Viewing Properties Like a Pro: Red Flags and Top 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! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@MoveiQ 👉 DOWNLOAD THE FREE NO NONSENSE GUIDE TO RENTING A HOME 📖 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/tools/renting/guide-renting-home/ 👉 VISIT RENTGUARANTOR’S WEBSITE 🔗https://www.rentguarantor.com/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

July 22, 202620 min

First Home Essentials People Often Forget

Just picked up the keys to your first home? Congratulations! But before you start unpacking, there are a few essentials people often forget about. Lexie and Sara are sharing their honest, real life experiences of moving day and those crucial first 24 hours in a new home. They discuss why you should pack a "move in bag" like you're going on holiday, the importance of cleaning empty rooms before you fill them, whether you should hire a removal company or go it alone, and why changing the locks and recording meter readings matter more than you think. Moving home is often listed as one of life's most stressful events, but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of planning, realistic expectations, and a sense of humour, your first night in your new home can actually be fun. What's the one thing you wish you'd known before moving into your first home? Let us know in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:36 The Emergency Move-In Kit: What to Pack First 04:22 Food, Cleaning Supplies, and First Night Essentials 05:57 Community Tips and the Boring Things People Forget 07:55 Furniture Dilemmas: Sofas and Beds 10:35 Managing Expectations and Going With the Flow 13:09 Removal Companies vs DIY: What's Worth the Money? 14:22 Creating Your Sanctuary Space 16:12 Clean First, Then Organise 17:33 Kids, Pets, and Admin Tasks Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE FIRST HOME FOCUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 @FirstHomeFocus (https://www.youtube.com/@FirstHomeFocus) 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 @MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup 👉 VISIT THE MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk ➤ CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL 👇 📲 INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/moveiq 📲 TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv 📲 FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ 📲 X https://x.com/MoveiQProperty

July 15, 202626 min

Fact-Checking the Biggest Property Myths

Property advice is rarely one size fits all, but that doesn’t stop the same old claims being repeated again and again. In this episode, Sara and Lexie put some of the most common property beliefs under the spotlight, from asking prices and online valuations to renovation, deposits and the so-called spring market. Do you really need to renovate before selling? Is the asking price a true reflection of value? Should buyers stretch their budget as far as possible? And are new builds really problem-free? They also share some of their own experiences, including viewings that went badly wrong, buyers who would not even step through the door and why Christmas can sometimes be a surprisingly good time to strike a deal. The key takeaway? Good property guidance depends on the property, the market and your own circumstances. Blanket statements should always be treated with caution. What piece of property advice do you hear all the time but completely disagree with? Let us know in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Who Should You Trust for Property Advice? 03:42 Social Media Influencers and Property Advice 05:58 Do You Need to Renovate Before Selling? 08:16 Is Asking Price the Real Value? 10:54 Smart Pre-Sale Spending: Layout, Staging, and Kerb Appeal 15:52 Off-Market Properties and the Damp Myth 17:44 Buyer Myths: Deposits and Mortgage Brokers 19:31 Online Valuations: How Accurate Are They? 20:47 Stretching Your Budget and Market Timing Myths 25:53 New Build Assumptions Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

July 8, 202626 min

Have These Interior Design Trends Aged Badly?

Panelling, colour drenching, fake grass, and words on walls... which home trends have stood the test of time, and which ones have aged like milk? In this episode, Lexie and Sara discuss which home design trends seemed like a brilliant idea at the time but didn't quite work out in the long run. From the grey everything era to crushed velvet and open shelving, they give their opinion on what's hot, what's not, and what you should think twice about before jumping on the bandwagon. What's the biggest home trend you've regretted? Or have you nailed a trend that still looks amazing years later? Let us know in the comments 💬 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:13 The Paneling Trend: Love It or Hate It? 02:47 Colour-Drenching and Bold Paint Choices 08:12 The Pinterest Perfect Home: Reality vs Aspiration 11:22 Weird Things Found in Homes 15:13 Fake Grass and Open Shelving: Practical or Problematic? 19:18 Kitchen Trends: Dark Cabinets, Shakers, and Gloss 23:49 Final Thoughts: Finding Your Style Beyond Trends Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

July 1, 202616 min

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 💬 👉 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! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 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

June 24, 202620 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 💬 👉 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! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE FIRST HOME FOCUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 @FirstHomeFocus 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE IQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 @MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup 👉 VISIT THE MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk ➤ CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL 👇 📲 INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/moveiq 📲 TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv 📲 FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ 📲 X https://x.com/MoveiQProperty

June 17, 20267 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 💬 Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉 Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ 👉 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! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE MOVE iQ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/c/MoveiQ 👉 GET PHIL SPENCER'S ADVICE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX ✉ 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/newsletter-signup/ 👉 VISIT OUR MOVE iQ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ ON SOCIAL 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en #RetrofitUK #EnergyEfficiency #HomeUpgrades #ZeroBills