top of page

Vacant Homes to Vibrant HMOs: A Plan

  • Writer: Sarah Ruivivar
    Sarah Ruivivar
  • Jul 25
  • 2 min read
Image: Unsplash
Image: Unsplash

Picture this: England's long-term vacant homes, currently gathering dust, could soon be buzzing with life as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).


According to HMO management platform COHO, converting these empty properties into HMOs could create nearly 5,000 new homes, offering a swift and savvy solution to the housing crunch.


With 264,884 long-term vacant dwellings in England, the potential is enormous. The North West leads with 38,894 empty homes, followed by London and the South East. The East of England, meanwhile, has seen an 8.2% rise in vacant homes, reaching 28,103 in 2024.


As the new Labour government ambitiously targets 370,000 new homes annually, COHO suggests that repurposing these vacant homes into HMOs could be a game-changer. Currently, HMOs make up about 1.8% of England's dwelling stock. Applying this percentage to vacant homes could expand the HMO stock by 4,889 properties.


Want to hear more? Join Mal & Matt on the Property AI Report Podcast each week!

Access from your preferred podcast provider by clicking here


London alone could add 1,473 HMOs, with Yorkshire & Humber, the South East, and other regions following suit. But why stop there? Each HMO accommodates multiple tenancies, making them a potent tool for boosting housing supply without new builds.


COHO's spokesperson highlights the evolving perception of HMOs, now seen as vibrant, high-quality living spaces attracting young professionals. By unlocking these vacant homes, local councils and planning authorities could meet the soaring demand for affordable housing, especially in bustling cities with limited development space.


So, let's roll up our sleeves and turn these empty houses into homes, creating lively communities and tackling the housing crisis head-on. It's time to rethink and revitalise our existing housing stock for a brighter, more connected future!


Want to hear more? Join Mal & Matt on the Property AI Report Podcast each week!

Access from your preferred podcast provider by clicking here


ree

Made with TRUST_AI - see the Charter: https://www.modelprop.co.uk/trust-ai

Comments

bottom of page