A photo of HMO properties in the United Kingdom

HMO properties

Expert guidance on investing in HMOs

HMO properties are fast becoming increasingly lucrative and prevalent investments amongst rental properties, offering the highest rental yields in the market.

Our award-winning property investment consultancy will provide you with access to high-quality and high-yielding (ROI up 15%) HMOs for sale sourced from leaving developers across the UK.

We provide reliable, consultative guidance and one-of-a-kind opportunities for investors in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and elsewhere across the UK. BuyAssociation is committed to delivering investment properties as part of a hassle-free, straightforward process. If you wish to benefit from our distinctive opportunities from trustworthy consultants, discuss your goals with us today.

buy-to-let mortgage rates mortgages

What is a HMO property?

Housing in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) are fast becoming a favoured type of rental property amongst UK investors. After thorough research into the benefits of HMO properties, you will understand the key advantages to obtaining an HMO property as part of your portfolio expansion.

A HMO is a residential property comprising multiple occupancies under one roof (house share accommodation). HMO policies must not be confused with joint tenancies, as there is a clear legal definition as to what constitutes an official HMO property. A HMO building will consist of subdivided rooms that are let on a room-by-room basis, where occupants derive from more than one household.

HMOs must contain at least 3 separate households that are completely unrelated, or a ‘large HMO’ inhabits more than 5 households. The individual occupants will sign a tenancy contract that provides access to a private bedroom within the building; however, these occupants will share amenities such as bathroom facilities and kitchen facilities.

HMO properties are an extremely cost-effective and popular choice in regard to rental properties. They prove particularly beneficial for students and young professionals that have less disposable income and are looking for affordable housing.

A row of HMO townhouses

How to invest in HMO properties

HMO properties are suitable for experienced landlords. This is because it can be difficult to source finance/funding for HMOs so investors are often more successful when purchasing the properties in cash. It is also better suited to investors who already have a portfolio of other properties (at least two buy-to-let properties).

Working with expert investment consultants can aid you on your HMO journey. BuyAssociation has years of experience in sourcing HMOs for our community of investors. We have HMOs available in high yielding locations – we target areas with high demand such as large graduate populations or high employment clusters.

Our team of trustworthy, knowledgeable and friendly consultants can alleviate the stress of property management. Supporting your HMO investment at every turn, from identifying suitable properties to obtaining necessary planning permissions, finding and managing tenants and completing paperwork, our qualified team will take care of it all.

HMO Properties Properties

Working with BuyAssociation – our process

HMO properties are increasingly popular. BuyAssociation takes pride in offering both hands-off and fully managed HMO properties around the UK. We work closely with HMO providers which have fantastic track records for the deliverance of high-quality developments in the North West and throughout the country.

  • Discounted investments

    Investing early establishes potential for high returns over a long period of time. Our unique position in the property market since 2005 places us in an extremely advantageous position when it comes to supplying well-priced opportunities at pivotal moments. By working with us and exploring investment properties sourced by BuyAssociation, you can rest assured that you are gaining access to some of the best costs in the market, for exclusive properties that cannot be found anywhere else.

  • Personal approach

    At BuyAssociation, we understand that each investor partakes in a different journey – no experience is the same. For this reason, we take a comprehensive, consultative personal approach to property investment. Our client-focused process allows us to discuss your budget, goals and ideas to suggest a suitable property for you.

  • Straightforward process

    Our team of award-winning consultants work hard to achieve a smooth and simple process from start to finish with every client. By applying our in-depth knowledge, professionalism, and diligence to everything we do, we can ensure that our clients feel at ease and confident in their purchasing decisions. We prioritise effective communication which means that our clients are regularly updated and all transactions, communications and handovers are thoroughly documented.

  • Prime locations

    We conduct thorough research of the highest rental yield locations across the UK, working with first-class property developers to deliver properties that exceed the expectations of investors. By factoring in ideal locations that are persistently in demand, we can ensure that the investment opportunities we acquire are highly beneficial for rental returns and future prospects.

Why are HMO properties a good investment?

As an investor, securing a diverse property portfolio places you in a strong position in the market. Managing a wide range of properties enables you to more easily adapt to changing forecasts and widens your analytical scope when reviewing the performance of your assets to evaluate where your returns are highest.

  • Reduced risk of void periods

    HMO properties provide extra security when it comes to missed payments. because they rely on multiple incomes paying for each room, compared to a single income in buy-to-let. Therefore, if a singular tenant fails to pay their monthly contribution, only a segment of your income will be compromised – rather than the entire rental price.

  • Higher return on investment

    Multi-let properties are commonly known for providing a significantly higher yield than single-let properties, due to the rental income obtained from multiple tenants living in one single property. The average HMO rental yield currently stands at around 7%, which is 1.5% higher than the overall rental yield average. Investing in a HMO property with BuyAssociation can provide you with an average return of 10-15%. 

  • Create passive income

    HMO properties are considered excellent opportunities for maximising profits from your investments because the rental income potential of charging multiple tenants can be higher than a single-let property. The amount will increase depending on the size of your HMO – if you have 6+ tenants living in a high-demand apartment in a prime location, you will see consistently high returns. The scale of your returns depend upon strategy, market knowledge and careful consideration of how and where your property operates.

  • Ideal tenant types

    With HMO properties it is essential to find tenants with similar lifestyles to ensure they live together harmoniously. For example, mixing student tenants with a family household could be highly detrimental to your inhabitants, causing unnecessary issues for you as the landlord to resolve. It is recommended that HMO landlords research the surrounding demographics and target potential tenants accordingly.

Important considerations

In contrast to standard buy-to-let property investments, HMOs come with many complexities and higher regulatory standards:

  • Legislation – Investors must ensure they comply with legislation and understand the licensing requirements before adding an HMO to their evolving portfolio – we can refer you to our partners for advice.
  • Meeting the criteria – HMO properties have to be of a high standard and meet the legal and Government criteria – we have some of the UK’s top HMO opportunities.
  • Lettings management – with multiple tenants the lettings process can be complicated and time consuming – we can direct you to our partner who offers completely hands-off lettings management.
A modern new-build apartment building

Licensing and regulations for HMO landlords

The Housing Act 2004 saw the introduction of HMO licences, which were put in place as a means to protect tenants and landlords in a bid to prevent overcrowding and implement firmer fire safety measures. A licence has become mandatory for landlords operating large HMO properties – defined as 5 households or more with tenants sharing bathroom or kitchen facilities. Smaller HMOs may be exempt from licensing depending on local authority legislation.

In some cases, at the local authority’s discretion, additional licensing requirements could be applicable to all HMO properties. This might cover student houses that are close to university areas or converted blocks of flats. Occasionally, it can be difficult to determine whether or not your property is categorised as an HMO in legal terms. Therefore, you can utilise certain tools to accurately assess whether your property meets the criteria. 

Exclusive, off-market HMO property investments – our locations​

To us, prime locations are everything. When developments are placed in well-considered, popularised areas, investing in these properties can be extremely lucrative, boasting strong returns. The UK property market remains one of the most stable investment opportunities in the country. With an increase in demand for property and an ever-growing population, there has never been a better time to invest in the UK property industry. BuyAssociation focuses on acquiring investment opportunities in emerging locations with strong metrics and solid potential for growth. We source an abundance of high-quality, discounted properties in prime locations without compromise. Throughout the process of collaborating and working with our build partners and established developers, we actively seek developments with strong potential for our investors. It is crucial to us that our community of investors gain access to some of the most in-demand properties before anyone else.

Our ability to deliver exciting projects across the country is what places us in a unique position in the property market, making our portfolio of investment opportunities incredibly diverse, attractive and rare.

So, where are the best places to invest in HMO properties? Our HMO developer partners continuously keep track of property market forecasts and strive to explore upcoming developments in key areas across the UK. As specialists have identified that predominantly young professionals and student demographics remain the best tenants for HMO contracts, the locations we source developments from correlate demographically to ensure high occupancy rates are sustained. HMO properties continue to soar in popularity, and the ever-growing demand for city living, shared occupancy and affordable housing makes the HMO properties we acquire solid, worthwhile investments.

Greater Manchester

Comprising ten metropolitan boroughs, this North West county is one that is packed with opportunities. The vibrant city of Manchester, also known as ‘the capital of the North’, holds a strong reputation for its creative industries, thriving social life and impressive business opportunities. We focus a lot of our attention on the endless regeneration projects and innovative developments that scatter the city and surrounding boroughs. The exciting investment opportunities in this rapidly growing city are never-ending, making Greater Manchester an ideal destination to invest in residential and commercial properties. It has been predicted that rental prices will increase by an incredible 17% by 2025, indicating just how lucrative Manchester’s investment industry really is. The rental market is favoured by many landlords around the UK, as the average yield sits currently at 5.5%, performing much better than the national average. The rental sector continues to flourish due to the affordability (particularly in comparison to London) and constant tenant demand.

Where HMO properties are concerned, Greater Manchester is fast becoming a hotspot for HMO demand. This northern city is considered a fantastic location to live in, despite the higher prices, as is typical, that come with city centre living. Outside of the centre, many investors, landlords and tenants are also being attracted to the substantially lower costs that the property market on the outskirts boasts.

Areas within Greater Manchester, such as Bolton, Bury and Stockport, are also highly popular locations due to their close proximity to the city centre at a fraction of the cost. These surrounding areas also offer a much quieter, tranquil atmosphere in contrast to the bustling liveliness at the heart of Manchester. In order to keep costs down, residents of the city centre and surrounding boroughs tend to occupy shared housing properties. Greater Manchester’s demographic is widely varied, but comprises an excessive number of students and young professionals due to the incredible universities, energetic student lifestyle and unparalleled career opportunities.

The student population is suspected to stand at around 100,000 across Greater Manchester, exemplifying just how exquisite and impactful Manchester’s student community is for the economy and booming property market. The demand for HMO remains high in direct correlation with the ever-increasing population. The surge in population here has massively impacted the residential property market, as the undersupply of homes in Manchester is fast becoming problematic. However, in a bid to home new residents, construction companies and developers have never been more committed to expanding the city.

Reasons to live, work and invest in Greater Manchester

The boroughs of Greater Manchester continue to prove themselves as the most desirable locations for students, professionals, families and, of course, investors. This impressive county perfectly accommodates the various lifestyles of its multicultural residents due to the wondrous mix of countryside and urban areas, not to mention the uplifting community spirit that Manchester is known for. Whether you are a resident of Wigan, Oldham or Rochdale, the presence of community spirit, pride and friendliness is incredibly strong. The rapid economic growth of this thriving city is unmatched, with the students of Manchester and its exceptional property market driving the economic momentum. This city is widely known for its diversity, culture and spirit, as Manchester is home to some of the most renowned organisations, venues and attractions. The hustle and bustle of Manchester provides the people that choose to live and work in this impressive metropolis with never-ending entertainment and frequent events. What’s more, taking residence in neighbouring areas such as Trafford and Stockport allows inhabitants to benefit from the close proximity of these boroughs to Manchester’s city centre. However, these areas add economic and social value to the wider county of Greater Manchester in their own right, providing the community with an abundance of shopping centres and attractions. One of the most attractive aspects of Manchester is the low living cost thanks to the combination of affordable rent, food, drink and travel prices. When compared to the general affordability of buying and renting property in London, the low cost of living in Greater Manchester is remarkable – particularly as Manchester has just as much to offer as London does. The average house price in Manchester is £227k, which rose by 10% over the last 12 months, exemplifying the strong demand for housing in this sensational city.

Our HMOs for sale in Greater Manchester

At BuyAssociation, our valuable knowledge of this northern powerhouse ensures that the properties we acquire enrich the surrounding community and fulfil the requirements of investors and tenants. We have a varied index of available properties ready to invest in, all of which are highly suitable for an assortment of tenants and homeowners.

To find out more about the HMO properties we have in Greater Manchester or our buy-to-let opportunities, take a look at our investment portfolio. 

Group buying power

We work with property investors from around the world, sourcing opportunities from the best developers in the market.

Ahead of the market

Our unique position in the market allows us to connect investors with developers at the earliest stages of a property development.

Free of charge

All of BuyAssociation’s deals are sourced completely free of charge for our investors, directly from the developer.

A large residential building in Salford, Manchester

Salford

In the neighbouring city of Salford, we work with highly established developers to deliver HMO properties tailored to university students and the young professionals working in MediaCityUK, Salford Quays and beyond. The HMO opportunities we have sourced in Salford are perfectly placed for investors seeking a high-yielding property, with this city seeing 34% capital growth in the past 5 years.

Salford boasts an extremely promising property forecast for the coming years, as the economic growth this city has seen has been expeditious. The beautiful skyline, ongoing construction projects and regeneration schemes have hugely enhanced the city, making Salford a very desirable area to invest in. This diverse city has become an especially attractive location for buy-to-let properties, as Salford is conveniently placed within close proximity to Manchester. As Manchester’s neighbouring city, the growing population amplifies the demand for residential property. For professionals, the short commute from Salford to Manchester city centre is highly appreciated, allowing employees from a range of sectors to benefit from living close to the business hub of the North.

A photo of Salford Quays, Manchester, showing the Manchester Ship Canal and surrounding properties

Salford is conveniently positioned just 200 miles northwest of London, meaning Salford’s residents are well linked to all major cities. In regard to business, industries such as the creative and digital sector, financial services and manufacturing organisations have quickly identified Salford as an excellent city to base themselves in. In short, business in Salford is booming. There are numerous notable organisations that have chosen to locate their headquarters in Salford, inspiring more and more sectors to relocate there. Salford is underpinned by a rapidly expanding creative, digital and media sector that evolved magnificently since the development programme of MediaCityUK was introduced. As a result, the immeasurable career and investment opportunities continue to encourage people everywhere to consider Salford as a place to call home.

A lovely red-brick townhouse in Salford

Top reasons to reside, invest and let property in Salford

The five districts that comprise Salford are Eccles, Pendlebury, Irlam, Cadishead, Swinton and Worsley – all of which offer a plethora of shops, restaurants, woodlands and stately regeneration projects. The residents of Salford are also blessed with exciting landmarks and entertainment, affordable house prices, creative business opportunities and awe-inspiring history. What’s more, the rich culture of Salford and Greater Manchester is sporadically embedded in the city, allowing tourists and locals to delve into historic galleries, museums and libraries. With exciting development projects underway in a bid to expand the city and breathe new life into the area, the future of Salford is extremely positive and exciting. Buy-to-let investments have become a major area of interest for investors in Salford, as the private-rented sector is growing much faster than other cities across the UK. As far as investment opportunities go for this evolving city, the local property market here has had such high potential. It is thanks to mass urban regeneration, increased employment levels, expedient transport links and exceptional attractions that Salford remains an ideal place to invest and live. Key landmarks such as Salford Quays, The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum, to name a few, continue to influence the high tenant demand in Salford.

The rental yields have remained at high levels over the last year, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. At present, landlords are expected to generate an increasingly high rental yield, with rental prices currently averaging around £1,251 a month. The demographic of Salford is predominantly students of Salford and Manchester institutions and young professionals choosing to continue living there after graduating, making this destination a hotspot for HMO investments.

The properties we source based in Salford

At BuyAssociation, we are committed to enhancing the property market in this North West city, as we have witnessed first-hand just how incredible the property investment sector here is. We work with developers and build partners in this city to provide investors with first-class properties with meaning, value and quality at their core. The developments we provide exclusive access to are based within central locations, with convenient connections to transport links and business districts. Above all, our investment opportunities are strategically placed in the best areas for potential growth and strong returns. Due to the high demand for rental properties in Salford, the properties we attain are persistently sold quickly. With high occupancy rates and excellent returns, Salford’s property sector proves itself to be a solid investment centre.

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A photo of HMO properties in Sheffield

South Yorkshire

Another metropolitan county in England in which we provide profitable and exciting investment opportunities in is South Yorkshire. Consisting of four boroughs, Doncaster, Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham, this region contains distinctive opportunities for both investors, landlords and tenants alike. As strong contenders in the property market, the city of Sheffield and Doncaster continue to outperform some of the most prime locations across the UK.

Sheffield is the largest city in South Yorkshire and has been transformed over the last decade, with revolutionary developments increasing its economic and business potential. Sheffield presents itself as another top choice for young people and students looking to study and socialise in a high-spirited city. Future development plans have acted as an immense catalyst for investment opportunities, guiding investors towards the investment prospects that Sheffield  has established

A view of Sheffield City Centre at night, showing impressive modern properties and a large green space

The job market in this city is strong, with an excellent pool of career opportunities enabling graduates the chance to thrive in social work, education, transport and manufacturing industries.

Similarly, the borough of Doncaster is growing economically at a tremendous pace, offering large potential for investors looking to increase capital growth. Despite often being overlooked, Doncaster is home to some notable businesses and industries. The buy-to-let sector and rental market are thriving in Doncaster due to the recent rise in career opportunities, making it stand out as a go-to area for investors seeking to gain rental income. Doncaster proudly takes its place as the 12th most profitable place to purchase a buy-to-let property in the UK. Alongside this, the house prices, population and rental demand in Doncaster are rising year upon year by a drastic amount.

Why is South Yorkshire an enticing place to buy, rent and live?

Doncaster is a unique place to reside due to its harmonious hybrid of nature and industry, providing the large student population there with an array of parks, bars and attractions to enjoy. In addition, the traditional, rich-cultured town of Barnsley offers some compelling reasons to relocate and invest. In particular, its  excellent educational prospects, beautiful villages and dynamic market make Barnsley an idyllic location for both investors and residents alike.

It’s no secret that Yorkshire features some of the best scenic views in the UK, attracting a great deal of outdoor tourism for this reason year on year. It comes as no surprise, then, that the towns of Rotherham and Sheffield, in particular, are often praised for their incredible landscapes and are even listed as two of the most beautiful locations to live in the UK. The rich Victorian history of Yorkshire and intricate architecture are deeply embedded throughout all the boroughs of South Yorkshire. In addition, the sheer multitude of shopping centres and restaurants supply the people of Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham with an enviable array of retail and dining options to choose from.

Yorkshire has been strongly identified as a prime location for investors and landlords – they can expect to benefit from an annual yield of around 5.9%, on average. Many development plans are set to fulfil the increasing desire to live in the city of Sheffield and surrounding areas, provoking a plethora of investors and developers to get involved in the upcoming opportunities.

A photo of a town in the UK with lots of lovely residential properties and green space

HMO’s for sale with high returns at BuyAssociation

Like many of the locations we work, live and partner in, the boroughs of South Yorkshire – particularly Sheffield – are home to an influx of students, as well as young families. Scattered across Yorkshire are around 180,000 students who choose to live and study in Yorkshire’s universities. A high proportion of young professionals and students in this county seek to rent apartments and HMO properties, making student accommodation an asset to investors.

With surveys distinguishing Sheffield as the best location for postgraduate students, it’s no wonder that so many developers and investors are keeping a close eye on the emerging city of Sheffield and the neighbouring towns. The impeccable, top-performing Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Huddersfield never fail to attract students across the globe, maintaining an unrivalled reputation for its student facilities, accommodation and community spirit. In addition, the significant redevelopment schemes and ongoing projects continue to pique the interest of investors.

For our forward-thinking business, the boroughs of South Yorkshire are a core area of strength for our investors and partners. We are keen to enable our community of investors to delve into the exciting projects that are planned for the towns. As a result, we are committed to carrying out rigorous research to find the best, profitable opportunities in the region before anyone else. To be in with a chance of getting involved with the newest developments, keep a lookout on our website for rare, upcoming opportunities.

Manchester property investment

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A view of a beautiful property development in Bolton Town Centre

Bolton

As a fundamental contributor to Greater Manchester’s economy, this northern location takes a strong position in the property investment market. Just 20 minutes by train from Manchester City Centre, it is no wonder that Bolton is earning a reputation for being a valuable location for property investment. With picturesque community spaces and an exquisite and popular university, the tenant demand is on the rise. Bolton is populated with thriving industries with continuous work opportunities due to the array of business parks that enhance the career opportunities it has available. Bolton is also expecting massive economic growth following a cash injection of £300m in the Bolton Innovation Zone, with the intention of creating 20,000 new jobs across the creative industry.

Regeneration projects are ongoing in Bolton’s town centre, attracting large amounts of investment capital towards the many plans for innovative development. In addition, rental yields are proportionally higher from residential property, as Bolton boasts some of the lowest purchase rates in the country. Impressively, the average house price currently stands at just £164,200, showcasing the fantastic potential for investors interested in pursuing great value property investment opportunities.

An aerial view of Bolton Town Centre

The impressive, fast-growing property market in Bolton

Bolton is a fantastic location for property investment, particularly if you are interested in buy-to-let and HMO properties. HMO properties are becoming increasingly popular as an affordable and flexible choice for young professionals, and as Bolton is a large town with excellent transport links, more and more people are choosing Bolton as their home. Bolton is a hub of activity. Located close to Manchester, many choose this as their base and commute into the city, whereas others are attracted by the recent regeneration in the area following a financial influx of £1bn from Bolton Council. Multi-occupancy properties are also an attractive prospect for students and, with University of Bolton holding the accolade of one of the top 50 universities in the country, many students are looking for affordable housing while studying away from home.

Looking to invest in one-of-a-kind properties straight from leading developers? Contact us today!

Our team of friendly and experienced property investment consultants are here to discuss your goals and assist you in achieving them. To us, understanding your vision and exploring the best option for you is paramount. Whether you are looking for direction to expert investment advice, additional knowledge to help you in your venture or premium access to sensational opportunities, we are here to provide you with the support you need.

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