Selling a house with planning permission could boost your home's value, according to Phil Spencer

Phil Spencer has a top tip that could add £5,000 to the value of your house. The best part is that it won't cost you a penny.

It almost sounds too good to be true. However, speaking to This Is Money, the Location, Location, Location presenter revealed that selling a house with planning permission can seriously boost the value of your home.

Phil Spencer's tip for selling a house with planning permission

'Converting the loft or adding an extension provides the biggest-value boost, but will typically cost between £20,000 and £40,000,' explains Phil.

phil spencer poses during the channel 4 red carpet paralympic launch at channel 4 studios london

'Just by applying for planning permission, you can sweeten the deal for a potential buyer. It might give a growing family the confidence that they can squeeze in an extra bedroom.'

Many sellers, including House Simple, have seen an increase in sale price after obtaining planning permission. It can increase the property value by 10 per cent and encourage a quick sale.

However, there are two main types of applications for planning permission. The full planning permission application requires a detailed proposal and will cost you £206 for an extension in England. Outline planning permission, on the other hand, is a little bit more flexible and you can get it for free.

'A full planning application requires an architect's drawings. But, with a bit of research, you can often secure outline planning permission for free by applying to the local planning authority yourself,' explains Phil Spencer.

room with white wall and rounded table and chair

An outline planning permission application allows for a decision on how the general principles of the site will be developed. There are some conditions, but the application is less detailed than a full planning permission application.

However, before you start rushing to apply for planning permission, it is important to address what changes would benefit your property. You might find them many of the changes don't need any planning permission!

Follow Phil's advice and make sure you do your research.

Rebecca Knight has been the Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2025; previously, she was the Deputy Digital Editor from 2022. She has a Master's degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London and has been writing about homes and interiors for 7 years. Her expertise lies in DIY projects, home decor trends and spotting the latest high street homeware buys that are about to go viral. She bought her first home in London last year and is currently renovating it (on a budget).