Read this weekend’s Sunday Times article about Housing and Landlords.
It captures how the Zeitgeist, or latest trend, influences public sentiment around housing. Ultimately this could shape housing policy.
The Renters Rights Act has been shaped by Left Wing ideology. Yes I know the Renters’ Reform Bill was created by a then-Right-Wing government. Comparatively, though, it was never as extreme as what we have now got with the RRA.
The question this prompted for me, when I read this article is, how will public sentiment towards HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation) shape further policy around Article 4 directives?
What is an Article 4 directive in housing terms, you might ask?
Article 4 is used by Local Authorities to restrict the number of single dwelling houses that can be converted into an HMO. Under permitted development rights, a home can house up to 6 tenants, without full planning permission.
The article states that Andy Burnham has expressed support for his constituents’ concerns in Makerfield. They talked of their concerns over the proliferation of HMOs.
Housing in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) statistics
As the clampdown on hotel accommodation for Asylum seekers began in 2023, we have witnessed a rise of 22% in ‘dispersal’ accommodation (Home Office statistics).
Liverpool has experienced an increase in HMOs from 4,850 in 2015 to 16, 494 in 2025.
Birmingham, Tower Hamlets and Leicester have also had large rises.
The article talks of public sentiment and the backlash against asylum housing. Consider this situation alongside the stated aim of no longer using hotels to house asylum seekers. Buildings are being identified (not always correctly) as housing asylum seekers and being targeted by demonstrators.
Local communities versus HMOs vs housing shortage
The article approaches this from a community perspective with case examples. One such case is of a Hampshire couple, whose neighbour’s house was acquired by an investor. They felt frustrated they could comment on the plans for a large kitchen extension, but not have any input into the number of extra rooms being created or the number of occupants. They feared increased noise and scarce parking spaces no longer being available to them.
On the one hand there is the local community and neighbourhood considerations, on the other a shortage of affordable homes.
Are landlords being used as the scapegoats yet again?
What are your thoughts?
The Full Sunday Times article is here behind a Paywall
Want some help with your HMO housing investments?
I work with time-strapped Professionals, Expats and Entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or local presence or have gaps in your know-how, to build property portfolios in the right way for you. Or who are simply stuck with little progress. This means you can carry on with your day-to-day life without spending a disproportionate amount of time getting sucked into investing.
If you want to talk through your plans and get clarity then please book a chat to find out more here or get in contact by telephone +44 (0)1932 849 536 or contact us
We are known for our quality customer service and non-pressurised approach.
Property Venture® is an award-winning, Boutique investment property specialist that provides a bespoke sourcing service for time-strapped entrepreneurs and expats. Having landlord, investment and development experience means we know how to help you build wealth through property with less risk and more clarity.
Disclaimer: Property Venture® is not offering advice. It has outlined information in layman’s terms for the reader to be better-informed.
With regard to in-country legislation, letting licences and taxation laws, then you must take appropriate legal or taxation advice during your purchase process, at which time your solicitor or advisor will discuss with you up-to-date legislation and costs.
