A photo of HMO properties in the United Kingdom

HMO property for sale

View HMO property for sale

View Investments

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are a very popular choice for property investors, offering some of the highest rental yields in the market.

BuyAssociation is an award-winning consultancy that connects investors with top-quality, high-yielding HMOs (ROI up to 15%) from leading UK developers. We provide exclusive opportunities across the UK, along with expert guidance every step of the way, ensuring a hassle-free HMO investment process. 

Contact us today to discuss your goals and access these unique opportunities.

buy-to-let mortgage rates mortgages mortgage market

What is an HMO property?

An HMO property, or house in multiple occupation, is a rental property shared by three or more tenants who are from separate households. The tenants have their own bedroom but share communal facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

HMOs can vary from smaller properties with three tenants to larger properties housing five or more households. Tenants sign individual agreements to live there, each with private rooms and shared communal spaces.

A row of HMO townhouses

How to invest in HMO property

Investing in HMO properties involves several key steps:

  1. Research the market: Focus on high-demand areas, such as university cities or locations close to industrial parks, where tenant interest and rental yields are strong.
  2. Understand regulations: HMOs require compliance with licensing, safety standards, and planning rules. Check local council guidelines to ensure your property meets all the criteria.
  3. Secure financing: HMO mortgages differ from standard buy-to-let loans, often requiring larger deposits. Speak to an expert to find out how much you could be eligible to borrow.
  4. Find the right property: Look for properties that meet HMO standards, such as sufficient communal space and necessary safety features.
  5. Work with experts: Partnering with specialists like BuyAssociation simplifies the process. Our team excels in sourcing high-yielding HMOs in prime locations, and we’ll help you with aspects such as planning permissions, licensing, and paperwork.
  6. Manage tenants effectively: Efficient management is essential for HMOs. A property manager can oversee tenant sourcing, rent collection, and maintenance.

By following these steps, with expert guidance, investors can unlock the full potential of an HMO investment property. BuyAssociation offers comprehensive support for a seamless, stress-free HMO property investment journey.

Investment potential of HMO properties

HMO properties are among the UK’s most lucrative investments, typically offering higher rental yields than traditional buy-to-lets. Their multi-let structure maximises income and reduces void period risks. With rising demand for affordable housing and population growth, shared accommodation remains a resilient sector for investment. 

BuyAssociation connects investors with high-yield HMOs in prime locations, simplifying the process with expert support. HMOs offer a stable, rewarding way to diversify portfolios and achieve passive income.

HMO properties

Advantages of investing in HMO property

Investing in an HMO property can offer several compelling advantages for both seasoned investors and those seeking to diversify their portfolios:

  • HMOs have reduced risk of void periods

    HMO properties reduce void period risks compared to traditional buy-to-lets. With multiple tenants contributing, a single missed payment or vacant room has minimal impact on total income. This diversification ensures greater financial stability, even in fluctuating markets.

  • HMOs have higher return on investment

    The average HMO rental yield currently stands at around 7.5%, which is 1.5% higher than the overall rental yield average. Investors partnering with BuyAssociation can achieve even higher yields, often ranging between 10-15%. This substantial income potential makes HMOs one of the most attractive options for property investment in the UK.

  • HMOs create passive income

    HMO properties are a reliable source of passive income due to their higher rental yields and stable occupancy rates, with the majority of HMO investors opting for a hands-off investment option, leaving their time free to focus on other opportunities. By working with BuyAssociation, investors can maintain full occupancy and benefit from effective management.

  • HMOs maximise opportunities created by strong rental demand

    UK rental demand is extremely high, and HMOs help to address the shortage of available homes for tenants. Increasingly, tenants are looking for more affordable and flexible accommodation, with large numbers of young professionals seeking high-quality flat shares in well-connected locations.

Buying HMOs: the law, legislation, and criteria

HMO investments demand strict compliance with regulations and high standards, such as:

  • Legislation: Larger HMOs require mandatory licensing. BuyAssociation connects investors with legal experts to ensure compliance.
  • Standards: HMOs must meet safety criteria, including fire safety and proper living conditions. We source compliant properties for investor peace of mind.
  • Management: Managing multiple tenants can be complex, but our partners offer hands-off letting services to simplify the process.
A modern new-build apartment building property investment

Licensing and regulations for HMO landlords

Investors and HMO landlords must understand the key licensing and regulations for HMOs to ensure compliance:

  • Mandatory HMO licensing: Required for large HMOs, defined as properties with 5 or more households sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities. Smaller HMOs may be exempt unless local authority regulations specify otherwise.
  • Additional or selective HMO licensing: Local authorities may impose additional licences for properties such as student houses near universities or converted flats.
  • Compliance tools: Determining if a property qualifies as an HMO can be complex. Use available tools or seek professional guidance to confirm compliance. 

The Housing Act 2004 introduced these measures to enhance tenant protection, reduce overcrowding, and enforce stricter fire safety standards. Understanding these regulations ensures both tenant safety and landlord compliance.

HMO property investments – our locations​

At BuyAssociation, we prioritise HMO property investment opportunities in prime locations to ensure maximum capital growth and rental yield potential for our investors.

Guided by market insights, we target high-demand locations popular with young professionals and students, ensuring high HMO occupancy rates and steady rental income that surpasses the average buy-to-let.

We recognise that rental demand is particularly strong across urban areas, and our team can source high-quality HMO properties in emerging areas with strong growth potential, securing exclusive (often discounted) opportunities through partnerships with developers.

Learn more about some of our key target locations below.

Greater Manchester good landlord charter property north west manchester property investment

Manchester HMOs for sale

Manchester is a major Northern Powerhouse city boasting a strong economy, a growing student population, and increasing demand for affordable housing, making it an ideal destination for HMO property investment.

BuyAssociation has extensive experience in the Manchester property investment field, enabling us to source first-class HMO opportunities that align with both investor goals and tenant preferences. Strategically located in high-demand areas, these opportunities deliver strong rental yields and significant potential for capital growth.

Explore our investment portfolio today to discover the best HMO properties and buy-to-let opportunities in Greater Manchester.

Enquire about Manchester HMOs
A large residential building in Salford, Manchester

Salford HMOs for sale

Salford, a regenerated city in Greater Manchester, offers great opportunities for HMO investments. Its strong economy, flourishing creative industries, and growing young professional population make it ideal for property investors seeking high-yielding rental opportunities.

Thanks to its proximity to Manchester city centre, along with major investment projects including MediaCityUK and Salford Quays, Salford has become a hotspot for renters and investors, who can benefit from the city’s rapid growth and stable rental income potential.

BuyAssociation collaborates with trusted developers to source premium HMO properties that meet the surging demand in Salford.

Enquire about Salford HMOs
A photo of HMO properties in Sheffield

South Yorkshire HMOs for sale

South Yorkshire offers unique opportunities for HMO investors, with cities like Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham emerging as property market leaders. Sheffield’s dynamic economy and Doncaster’s thriving rental market provide solid foundations for lucrative HMO investments. 

Sheffield’s growth has attracted a growing number of young professionals and students seeking affordable housing, while Doncaster has become a buy-to-let hotspot with rising rental demand and competitive prices. BuyAssociation offers access to South Yorkshire’s top HMO properties, helping investors maximise returns.

Enquire about South Yorkshire HMOs
London

London HMOs for sale

London remains a strong location for HMO property investment. With tenant demand through the roof, HMOs are ideal for housing multiple tenants in one property. With its diverse population and thriving job market, the capital presents endless opportunities for investors seeking consistent rental income and long-term appreciation.

Despite higher entry costs, the rental yields in many London boroughs can still outperform traditional buy-to-let properties. BuyAssociation partners with developers to provide access to well-placed HMO properties in the city, ensuring your investment aligns with both demand and potential growth. Let us guide you through London’s strong property market and secure your next HMO opportunity.

Enquire about London HMOs
An aerial view of Bolton Town Centre

Bolton HMOs for sale

Bolton, located just 20 minutes from Manchester city centre, has emerged as a key location for HMO property investment. With its affordable house prices, growing job market, and thriving student population, Bolton offers excellent potential for HMO investors.

The town’s £300m Innovation Zone and various regeneration projects are transforming Bolton into a modern economic hub. Average house prices in Bolton tend to be lower than the North West regional average, presenting investors with greater potential for high value growth when looking at HMO property investment opportunities. 

Enquire about Bolton HMOs

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

Our team of friendly and experienced property investment consultants are here to discuss your property investment goals, whether you’re looking for an HMO property, a traditional buy-to-let, or something else.

For direct updates and investment opportunities from leading UK developers, or to discuss any of our current or upcoming projects, send us a message today.

Realtor giving senior couple key to new house renters
GET IN TOUCH

Join over 30,000 property investors

Access advice and unique property investment opportunities directly from leading developers throughout the UK

Get In Touch Register Now