Move iQ Podcast

Hosted by Phil Spencer: UK Property Expert

Business Investing Education

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Episodes

250

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 10, 20269 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 💬 Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉 Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ 👉 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! 👉 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

June 3, 202615 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 💬 Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉 Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ 👉 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! 👉 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 #HeatPumps #SolarPanels #RetrofitUK #EnergyEfficiency

May 27, 202612 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 “smarter” 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 journey💬 Retrofit isn’t just about technology - it’s about trusted advice. Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉 Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ 👉 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! 👉 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 #EPC #RetrofitUK #UKHomeowners #EnergyBills

May 22, 202614 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 💬 👉 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! 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO THE FIRST HOME FOCUS YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 @FirstHomeFocus 👉 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 @sbsintermediaries

May 20, 202612 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! 💬 Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ 👉 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! 👉 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 #EPC #RetrofitUK #Homeowners #EnergyBills

May 13, 20269 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! 💬 Brought to you in collaboration with Vibrant Energy Matters 👉Find out more: https://www.vibrantenergymatters.co.uk/ 👉 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! 👉 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 #EnergyEfficientHome #EPC #PropertyPodcast

May 6, 202634 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! 👉 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! 👉 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 X: https://twitter.com/MoveiQProperty

April 29, 202630 min

What Actually Adds Value to Your Home …and What’s a Waste?

Everyone says “just do the kitchen”… but is that really what adds value to your home? In this episode, we’re cutting through the home renovation myths to look at what actually makes a difference - and what could end up being a waste of money. Lexie and Sara walk you through understanding the difference between adding value to your life vs your sale price, look at where different budgets work hardest, and break down what buyers really care about. If someone gave you £25k to spend on your house tomorrow, where would you spend it? And what home upgrade do you think is overrated? Let us know in the comments! 👉VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏱️ 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 X: https://twitter.com/MoveiQProperty

April 22, 20266 min

When Property Sales Don't Go to Plan

Property sales don’t always go exactly to plan; from gazumping and delays due to collapsed property chains, there are a number of common pitfalls that can disrupt a move. In this final episode of our conveyancing series with Napthens Solicitors, we’re answering your questions about the whole legal process, finding out about issues listeners have faced, and sharing practical advice on how buyers and sellers can protect their move to keep things progressing smoothly. By understanding the warning signs early and knowing how to respond, you can help reduce stress and avoid unnecessary delays during your property journey. There are ways to be prepared for different circumstances and we hope this series has helped you understand the legal process better. Check out our channel for the previous episodes and other informative videos so you can buy and sell with confidence! Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads. 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Handling survey issues and renegotiating price 01:43 The future of blockchain technology in property 03:09 What to do if your solicitor isn't performing 04:16 Choosing the right solicitor from the start 05:06 Timing your solicitor instruction with mortgage offers 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR 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 WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ 👉 VISIT NAPTHENS’ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.napthens.co.uk/personal-legal-services/residential-conveyancing-solicitors/ 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO NAPTHENS’ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@napthensllp1503 ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ and NAPTHENS ON SOCIAL 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ https://www.instagram.com/napthensllp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ https://www.facebook.com/NapthensLLP/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/move-iq/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/napthens-llp/

April 15, 202611 min

How to Protect Your Property Purchase

Buying or selling a home can already feel stressful, but a few common problems during the conveyancing process can quickly throw a move off track. Today Phil and Sarah from Napthens Solicitors are discussing how to protect your property purchase, exploring some of the most common pitfalls that buyers and sellers encounter, from gazumping and delays to collapsed property chains. Understanding these risks can help you stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary setbacks during your property journey. Whether you’re buying, selling, or part of a property chain, this episode will help you navigate the challenges that can arise during conveyancing. For more on the legal process of a property sale, head over to our channel for episodes that deep dive into every stage. Enjoyed this video? Want to see more? Subscribe to the channel with the link below. That way, you won't miss any future uploads. 👉 VIDEO TIMESTAMPS ⏳ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Why property deals fall through 01:34 The importance of momentum and speed 02:37 Gazumping explained 03:39 Gazundering and how it affects sellers 04:19 Protecting yourself from gazumping and gazundering 05:42 Managing property chain issues 07:26 Common holdups and delays in transactions 07:53 How to handle survey results 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR 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 WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.moveiq.co.uk/ 👉 VISIT NAPTHENS’ WEBSITE 💻 🔗 https://www.napthens.co.uk/personal-legal-services/residential-conveyancing-solicitors/ 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO NAPTHENS’ YOUTUBE CHANNEL 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@napthensllp1503 ➤ CONNECT WITH MOVE iQ and NAPTHENS ON SOCIAL 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moveiq/ https://www.instagram.com/napthensllp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoveiQ/ https://www.facebook.com/NapthensLLP/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philspencertv?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/move-iq/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/napthens-llp/