TV property expert warns homeowners to ditch superficial makeovers for improvements that truly add value – and save cash
Phil Spencer advises homeowners to prioritise eco-home improvements over "flashy" renovations(Image credit: Simply Extend)
Are you dreaming of that perfect kitchen island or a bathroom worthy of a magazine spread?
While beautiful renovations promise instant kerb appeal, TV property guru Phil Spencer has a stark warning: focusing solely on aesthetics might be a costly mistake, causing you to overlook crucial eco-home upgrades that offer significant long-term value and savings.
New research reveals many homeowners are choosing flash over function, but the smartest money moves are increasingly hidden behind the walls – or on the roof.
The cosmetic craze: Why we choose flash over function
The study of 2,000 property owners, commissioned by Skipton Building Society, found that over half are primarily focusing on aesthetic makeovers, believing they add more value and offer immediate gratification.
This trend sees many opting to splash out on a new kitchen (48%) or bathroom suite (39%) rather than investing in vital energy-efficient improvements like insulation (19%) or energy-efficient heating systems (31%).
The appeal of instant visual change is clear: 43% admit they opt for these flashy upgrades simply because they want something new to enjoy, with 16% confessing they just love the thrill of a fresh home feature.
A striking 53% even said energy-efficient improvements "just don’t give them the same buzz as a swanky new renovation."
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Phil Spencer's prudent advice: Beyond the 'Gram'
Spencer has previously advised that your home's EPC rating could be a "key factor" in attracting potential buyers(Image credit: Move iQ)
Despite the widespread desire for instant aesthetic gratification, Phil Spencer, the renowned TV personality and property expert, urges homeowners to reconsider their priorities.
"It’s easy to get caught up in choosing statement tiles or bold paint colours," Spencer advises, "but the most valuable home improvements aren’t always the most Instagrammable."
He champions "green upgrades," explaining that they "not only save money in the long run, but they can also boost comfort, value and sustainability, all without spoiling the look of your home."
While the allure of a new kitchen or bathroom remains strong, the study also reveals a fascinating shift in homeowner priorities, driven by a modern twist on "keeping up with the Joneses."
More than a quarter (28%) now know a neighbour who’s made significant low-carbon or energy-efficiency changes, and a remarkable 53% of these have been inspired to follow suit. The primary driver for 38% was hearing that their neighbours had managed to cut their energy bills, proving that tangible savings speak volumes.
Indeed, almost half (47%) of all homeowners now believe making eco-improvements has become a modern-day status symbol. Charging an electric car on the drive (32%), underfloor heating powered by renewables (28%) and having a heat pump (25%) are increasingly seen as leading indicators of having "made it."
Michaela Wright, Head of Group Sustainability at Skipton Building Society, notes this evolving trend: "This research suggests we may be seeing a shift from ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ to ‘greening up with the Jones’."
For homeowners contemplating their next renovation, Spencer's guidance is clear; look beyond immediate visual appeal.
Don't let the desire for a "fresh home feature" overshadow the smart, sustainable upgrades that genuinely pay off.
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
