Buying a house can feel like entering a minefield - but there is one man who can guide us through safely.
Property guru Phil Spencer has been giving expert advice on our screens for two decades along with on-screen partner Kirstie Allsopp.
The housing market has changed drastically over that time, but the pair have evolved with the times and are still at the top of their game.
Phil has told The Mirror what the biggest mistakes people are making when buying a house - and the best way to get on the property ladder in the current climate.
It’s not good news for buyers right now as the power has shifted towards sellers, but Phil has revealed his top tips to gain the upper hand.
One important point that the Location Location Location star is keen to stress is to consider where you want to be in five to ten years time, so living right next to a pub night seem ideal in your 20s but won’t be when you’re trying to raise a family.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here .
“I often advise people looking for a house to try and forecast the next five to ten years of their life,” Phil tell us.
“Sure, you love going for drinks with your friends now because the local pub is only a five-minute walk but are you going to care about that in five years’ time when they’re starting to settle down?
“Look, no one knows what the future holds, the last two years have taught us that but it’s a good idea to at least think about it for a while before making a big purchase.”
While talking us through the latest housing trends, Phil admits it’s tough for buyers so you need to stand out from the crowd.
“Stock is low at the moment so it’s very much a seller’s market, which means buyers’ ability to haggle is diluted,” says the property expert.
“I know it’s easier said than done but save as much as you can and think about how you can be the best potential candidate for the vendor.
“Chains can be complex so having a mortgage in principle in place, solicitor on standby and being responsive to the estate agent will put you in a good place. It’s not easy so stay optimistic.”
Buying isn’t for everyone and many of us need to know what we should be asking when looking to rent a home.
Phil believes the questions to ask on a rental property are the same as the ones you’d ask before a purchase - and multiple visits at different times will be extremely useful.
“Whether it’s 18 or 24 months, it’s going to be a place of sanctuary and where you want to spend time with loved ones so it has to be right,” he says.
“Your home whether buying or renting is fundamental to your happiness.
“The rental market is completely competitive at the moment, so you may not always have time to but where possible I would always advise visiting at different times of the day. Somewhere could look and feel different at night compared to when you see it in the day.
“Of course, location is key, so does it give you a good commute into work, what are the local amenities like, what’s the safety like.”
Phil and Kirstie first met during a screen test for their popular Channel 4 property show in 2000 and found a natural connection, which has led them to become firm friends and even business partners.
Two decades after their TV partnership was born, the iconic duo are still going strong and have no intention of going their separate ways any time soon.
Phil says: “Looking back on my career, where do I start? I suppose I can’t not answer this question honestly without acknowledging Location, Location, Location.
“It’s been on people’s televisions for 22-years. Kirstie and I are incredibly proud of that. It was the first property programme, and it’s a great format.
“Kirstie and I are very lucky to work with one another and present it for so long, and she’s not killed me… yet.”
The biggest challenge the pair have faced in recent times is filing a show which is predominantly inside in a pandemic while following social distancing guidelines.
One thing we don’t see on their shows is all the effort that goes on behind-the-scenes, with Phil explaining: “A huge amount of work goes into finding the properties to show the house hunters, all with their own unique criteria.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that the deal at the end of the show, happens as quickly or as smoothly as it appears in the edited version. Those negotiations and numerous phone calls can take hours.”
Phil will be in attendance at this year’s Ideal Home Show, which is in its 114th year, along with a number of other famous faces.
There are a number of talks, including interior design, gardening and cooking, but Phil will be sticking to what he knows best.
“This is not my first time at the show, so I am honoured they’ve asked me back,” says Phil, who recommends a visit for anyone interested in property.
“As a self-confessed property geek, the ideal Home Show is full of other property enthusiasts and has a fantastic atmosphere.”
Phil has revealed his first stop will be the Future Living Home in the Show Village, made from 70% recycled steel, which he says makes it a “sustainable option for self builds” and is “full of the latest smart home technology”.
“I will be at running some talks at this year’s Ideal Home Show, talking about the current housing market, sharing advice and tips on how to navigate the current climate and share stories from over the years,” he tells us.
“There’s a huge demand right now and it’s certainly a sellers’ market, so I am sure there will be lots of questions.”
It’s non-stop for Phil at the moment as he will be back on our screens with Kirstie very soon after completing filming for two of their property shows.
He adds: “After my stint at this year’s Ideal Home Show Kirstie and I will be finishing another series of Kirstie and Phil's Love It or List It and then begin filming for Location Location Location starts over Easter.
The Ideal Home Show, in partnership with NatWest, the world’s longest-running home and interiors exhibition, is currently on at Olympia London until Sunday 27th March 2022. For more information and tickets, please visit idealhomeshow.co.uk
Do you have a story to share? Email webfeatures@trinitymirror.com
