Investment strategy

HMOs

Houses in multiple occupation let by the room, typically producing a higher gross yield.

What hmos means

An HMO is a property let to three or more people forming more than one household, sharing facilities. Rooms are let individually, which usually raises gross income compared with a single let of the same house.

Who it may suit

Investors who want higher rental income and are comfortable with more active management, additional compliance and a longer set-up period.

What Westwood looks for

  • Locations with genuine sharer demand: employment centres, hospitals and universities
  • Properties where a workable room layout can be achieved without fighting the building
  • Local authority position on Article 4 direction and licensing before anything else
  • Room sizes and amenity standards that meet the relevant licensing requirements

Key considerations

  • Licensing, fire safety and amenity standards vary by borough across Greater Manchester
  • Article 4 areas restrict conversions without planning permission
  • Management, bills and higher tenant turnover reduce the net position
  • Specialist finance and valuation approaches usually apply

How we present the numbers

  • Room-by-room rent build-up rather than a single market rent
  • Bills-inclusive operating costs modelled separately from the rent roll

All figures are estimates prepared from local evidence and are subject to your own due diligence, survey and valuation. We do not guarantee returns and we do not provide financial, tax, legal or investment advice.

Where we source this strategy

Other strategies

Compare this against the alternatives.

Most portfolios end up using more than one approach. We will be straight with you about which fits your position now.

Speak to Westwood

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Tell us what you are trying to achieve and we will tell you honestly whether we can help, and what we would look for on your behalf.