Wickes & Phil Spencer Reveal Home Upgrades To Attract Buyers

• The TV property guru has partnered with Wickes to share five budget-friendly tips for selling homes - all for under £500

With UK house prices falling by 3.1% year-on-year and the cost-of-living crisis squeezing household budgets, sellers are under pressure to find affordable ways to make their homes stand out in an increasingly competitive market. And as the autumn property market approaches, many buyers are prioritising ‘move-in ready’ homes to avoid the expense of renovations during the winter months.

TV property expert Phil Spencer has partnered with home improvement retailer Wickes to reveal five simple tips that can help homes appeal to more buyers, including the number one upgrade every home seller needs to consider, all for under £500.

‘You don’t need a full renovation to impress buyers - far from it,’ says Phil. ‘In my experience, it’s the small, thoughtful touches that really help a home stand out. Storage is an absolute must in my opinion - clear, clutter-free spaces instantly make a home feel calmer and more inviting.

‘Add to that a fresh coat of neutral paint, and you can completely shift the mood of a room, making it feel brighter, more spacious, and easier for buyers to picture themselves in. With the right know-how and a few clever products, you can make all these changes for under £500. It’s about smart upgrades, not big spends.’ 

Phil’s top 5 features that make buyers say yes: 

1. Smart storage that actually works
   Clutter is a dealbreaker. Buyers are drawn to homes that feel organised and serene - not crammed and chaotic. Think built-in shelving, hallway cupboards or stylish storage units that hide the mess and highlight the space. It’s not just storage - it’s breathing room.
   
   
2. Walls that whisper ‘fresh start’
   Peeling paint and bold colours can make buyers hesitate. But calming neutrals help people imagine their lives unfolding in your space. Freshen up with soft greys, warm whites or earthy tones that create an instant sense of calm, light and possibility.
   
   
3. Let there be (natural) light
   Light makes everything feel bigger, better and more inviting. Bounce it around with mirrors, swap heavy curtains for sheers, and keep windowsills clear. This achieves airy, open rooms that say ‘ahh’ the moment someone steps in.
   
   
4. An entrance that charms on arrival
   You never get a second chance at a first impression. A clean, well-painted front door, a smart doormat and a potted plant or two make your home feel loved and well looked after - before they’ve even stepped inside.
   
   
5. Character that tells a story
   Modern buyers love charm and soul. Whether it’s a decorative fireplace, exposed floorboards or a heritage-style detail, a little character gives your home a heart. It’s what makes people remember your space - and feel emotionally drawn to it.

Chris Moorhouse, Category Director of Timber, Building, Decor, and Gardens at Wickes commented: ‘We know how important it is for homeowners to make a great first impression when selling. That’s why we’re proud to offer affordable, easy-to-use solutions that help transform spaces without breaking the bank.’ 

Here are Phil’s top Wickes picks to bring each feature to life:

• Wickes Silk Emulsion Paint in Calico No.410 - A warm, calming neutral that instantly lifts tired walls and creates a clean, inviting feel.
  
  
• Wickes White Gloss 3 Drawer Storage Unit - This sleek, modern unit provides ample concealed storage, making it ideal for decluttering any room. Its compact design ensures it fits seamlessly into various spaces.
  
  
• Frameless Round Mirror - Perfect for bouncing light around darker bathroom spaces and adding a modern touch. 
  
  
• Plain PVC Coir Doormat - A quick curb appeal win that gives your entrance an instant refresh.
  
  
• Heritage-Style Fireplace Surround Kit - Add timeless character to a living space with a ready-to-install surround that nods to period charm.
  
  
• Outdoor Planter in Slate Grey - A sleek, low-maintenance way to frame the front door and create a warm, welcoming vibe. 

For more cost-conscious tips, homeowners can explore the Wickes House Move Heroes Hub, developed in partnership with Phil Spencer’s property advice platform, Move iQ. 

Launched to help reduce the stress of moving, the hub features a range of resources, including how-to guides, checklists, and helpful videos. All housed in one convenient place on the Wickes website, it empowers homeowners to take on projects with confidence and turn their plans into reality. 

For more information, visit https://www.wickes.co.uk/house-move-heroes. 

Source : Wickes

Image : Wickes

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