Property expert Phil Spencer has urged anyone moving home or flat to carry out the '10p test' when viewing properties. The Channel 4 presenter, best known for co-hosting Location, Location, Location with Kirstie Allsopp, advised buyers to look beyond fresh décor and cosmetic improvements, warning that hidden defects can easily be overlooked if you are too focused on appearances.
What is the 10p Test?
In a TikTok video shared on his Move iQ account, Spencer encouraged UK house hunters to watch out for signs that previous owners may have concealed damage or defects rather than properly repairing them. He advised: 'Start with damp and mould. Check your ceilings, corners and skirting boards. Does it look like anything might have been repainted to cover any water damage? Just have a bit of an eye out for that.'
He also recommended vigilance for 'structural issues such as cracks in the walls', sharing his own rule of thumb: '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.'
Check Water Pressure and Draughts
Additionally, he suggested checking the water pressure, reminding viewers: 'Don't forget the water pressure. If you can and it's not rude, turn on the taps. Is it a decent flow for energy efficiency?'
He advised buyers to look beyond the EPC rating and to 'check the windows, check the doors' and whether the seals are keeping out draughts. He also recommended inspecting light fittings and plug sockets, including how many there are, where they are positioned and whether they will suit your needs.
Tips for Flat Viewers
If you are specifically viewing a flat, look outside, he recommended. Phil said: 'Check out the communal areas. What are they like? Are they tidy? Are they well looked after and cared for?'
He added: '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 it in a hurry. Your dream home should feel good. It should stand up to scrutiny.'
Pack an Essentials Box
On his Move iQ website, the founder recommends packing an 'essentials box' when moving house. Unpacking can take time and you will need easy access to everyday items. Phil says keeping everyday essentials close at hand can make settling into a new home much easier.
He recommends packing items such as toothbrushes, tea, coffee, phone chargers and other daily necessities last, so they are the first things you unpack. To make settling in easier, Phil also recommends that each member of the household has their own essentials box or bag filled with must-have items, kept in the car so they are always within easy reach.
Don't Overfill Boxes
In another tip, he urged people to never overfill boxes just to keep the 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.'
He added: '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.'
