Channel 4 presenter issues key advice to people looking at homes now

Channel 4 presenter issues key advice to people looking at homes now
There are a number of things to bear in mind when looking at a home, the Channel 4 presenter said
The property expert is warning anyone looking at a new house or flat
(Image: Getty )
Channel 4's Phil Spencer says be alert when viewing your next property. Warning people to think before they buy, the property expert said "before you fall for the decor" there are things on the inside you need to be aware of.
Philip Spencer is best known as the co-presenter of Channel 4 property show Location, Location, Location with Kirstie Allsopp. He has also presented a number of other home-based TV shows.
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Speaking on TikTok on his business account, Move iQ, where he provides guidance for people across the UK, he urged people to look to see if previous homeowners are covering things up.
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Phil Spencer's warning to people buying a flat or house
He suggested: "Start with damp and mould. So check your ceilings corners and skirting boards. Does it look like anything might have been painted to cover any water damage? Just have a bit of an eye out for that."
In another warning, he urged people to look out for "structural issues such as cracks in the walls". He revealed his safety test for it, saying: "I always think if you can fit a 10p coin in one it might be serious. It doesn't necessarily mean it is serious but it's certainly something to be thinking about."
If you can, you should also try testing the water pressure, he said. "Don't forget the water pressure.
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"If you can and it's not rude, turn on the taps. Is it a decent flow for energy efficiency? I think it's worth looking beyond the EPC rating so you can do it yourself", he added, urging people to "check the windows, check the doors"
You should also question whether or not the seals are tight or if they're letting in drafts." Potential owners should also "take note of light fittings plug sockets" such as how many there are, where they are located and whether or not they will work for your needs.
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If you're specifically viewing a flat, look outside, he suggested. Phil said: "When you're viewing a flat, very much check out the communal area areas. What are they like? Are they tidy? Are they well looked-after and cared for?
"Listen for a noise from neighbours, try to visit at different times and take your time. I really do mean that. It's a big decision and you don't want to do in a hurry. Your dream home should feel good. It should stand up to scrutiny", he concluded.
Moving home tips - including an 'essentials box'
On his Move iQ website, the founder notes that when moving, it's ideal to pack an 'essentials box'. Unpacking after a move can take time, especially with so much to organise in a new home, Phil stressed.
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Because of this, items like toothbrushes, tea and coffee, phone chargers, and other daily essentials should be packed last so they can be unpacked first. To make things easier, each household member should have an essentials box or bag with their must-have items readily accessible.
In another tip, he urged people to never overfill boxes just to keep your number of boxes down. He warned: "This is absolutely crucial, irrelevant of whether you're using a removals company or doing the move on your own. Boxes which are too heavy will become a hazard to anyone that carries them: the last thing you want is a visit to A&E on moving day.
"You might have heard some moving house 'horror story', where things might have gone wrong on moving day. But boxes that are too heavy create the possibility of them being dropped, valuables being broken or frantic last minute repacking.
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"It's a good idea to ensure your boxes aren't heavier than about 15kg, though some removals companies will sometimes specify a maximum weight limit. By this, we don't mean having a scale at hand to weigh every box you pack.
"Once you've finished with a box, give it a lift and determine whether you think someone would be able to carry this up and down a flight of stairs. If the answer is no, it might be worth thinking about doing a bit of reorganising your boxes to spread the load."

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