By Eleanor Noyce

Copyright metro

Phil Spencer has revealed the ‘unsightly’ issue that could jeopardise your house sale (Picture: Metro/Getty Images/Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

When it comes to viewing a home, you might be looking out for all sorts of potential red flags, from gaping cracks in the walls to signs of subsidence.

But what about when the tables are turned, and we’re the ones hoping to sell up?

Speaking exclusively to Metro, Phil Spencer, property expert and founder of the property advice website Move iQ, has weighed in on the ‘unsightly’ issue that could cost you your house sale if you’re not careful.

Any guesses? It’s mould – that galling microscopic fungus that, rather unsexily, likes to pop up this time of year.

As Phil explains, it materialises as ‘dark, spotty marks on walls, window frames or the grout between tiles,’ and while it can vary in colour, shape and size, it’s almost always ‘accompanied by a damp and musty smell.’

As it turns out, mould damage can be pretty costly, as a 2024 study from Checkatrade found that the bill for removing mould from an entire house can rack up to as much as £1,200, while very severe mould damage can devalue a property by up to 50% if left untreated.

But as Phil’s motto goes, mould damage doesn’t have to be ‘inevitable’ – and ‘prevention is always better than cure.’ With that in mind, he’s given us his top five tips on avoiding it completely.

If you’re looking to sell up in the coming months, pay attention.

Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation

‘No, that’s not the title of my new show – even if it does have a ring to it,,’ jokes Phil. However, it is the number one way you’re going to prevent that mould taking hold.

‘In summer we tend to have the windows open a lot, and this creates plenty of cross-draught ventilation which naturally carries moisture outside,’ Phil explains.

But, with a chill in the air and autumn firmly beckoning, we’re now much more likely to have the windows closed at this time of year. As Phil notes, the lower temperatures can ‘cause humid air to form condensation on windows and other cold surfaces.’

Get those windows open (Picture: Getty Images)

So, to keep any pesky mould at bay, you’ll need to open your windows at least once a day to get that air circulating. And double down on that rule in bathrooms and kitchens, which can get particularly steamy.

Become a superfan

An extractor fan is going to become your new best friend – both when cooking and showering, which, naturally, also generate a considerable amount of steam.

Phil also suggests keeping the bathroom or kitchen door closed to prevent it from further spreading around the home, as well as opening any trickle vents inside windows if you have them fitted.

Phil explains: ‘These are small vents that usually sit unobtrusively in window and door frames, which allow a small amount of air to circulate even when the windows and doors are closed. They’ve been compulsory on new ones in England and Wales since 2022, but they only work if you open them!’

Crack down on condensation

Mould damage can be pretty costly (Picture: Getty Images)

If you’re spotting a theme here, you’d be correct: you need to be really, seriously vigilant in dealing with that condensation. When you see it forming in droplets or pools on the likes of windows, window frames and other surfaces, wipe it up immediately.

‘You can also reduce the amount of moisture you put into the air by keeping lids on pans when cooking, and avoiding drying your clothes on radiators,’ he adds.

Go with the airflow

Now, it might be tempting to wedge your sofa right up against the wall to truly maximise the floor space, but you could actually be shooting yourself in the foot by doing this.

Instead, allow even just a few inches of space to improve that air circulation – and Phil further advises making use of a dehumidifier to ‘remove moisture from the air completely.’

@owenwillis 22 going on 60. I will not stop talking about the benefits of a dehumidifier. If u are thinking about buying one, this is your sign x #housewife #dehumidifier #damp #howto #humidifier #damp #mold #mould ♬ original sound – Owen Willis

Leave a bit of a gap between your furniture and the walls (Picture: Getty Images)

Get that temperature control nailed

Now, we know that energy costs are still on the up and putting the heating on isn’t as economically viable as it used to be, but if you can, try to sufficiently heat your home throughout the colder months.

Phil concludes: ‘Don’t let the temperature drop too low. You can reduce the risk of condensation and mould by using your thermostat to keep your home at a consistent, warm temperature.

‘A combination of good ventilation and a comfortable temperature will help you to keep unsightly mould at bay, making your home healthier and smell better.’

What does living with mould really do to your body?

Living in a mouldy home can pose all kinds of health risks, from respiratory problems to allergic reactions. And if you live with a lung condition like asthma, it can exacerbate symptoms.
‘If you have a lung condition, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mould can also make your symptoms worse, leading to a potentially life-threatening asthma attack or flare up,’ Erika Radford, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, previously told Metro.
‘Damp and mould can also increase your risk of other things that can make you lung condition worse, like chest infections, colds and flu.
‘Managing your asthma well is vital. This means taking your preventer medicines every day as prescribed, even if you feel well. And speak to your GP or asthma nurse, or pharmacist about antihistamines and nasal sprays to help you manage allergy symptoms.’
What’s more, exposure to mould can actually trigger an allergic reaction, as mould spores produce allergens.
‘This can result in an onset or increase in sneezing, runny nose, red eyes or skin rash. This can have a considerable impact on a person’s lifestyle, such as sleep problems, and disrupt their quality of life. Allergic reactions can also worsen asthma symptoms,’ Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click added.

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