London has the highest concentration of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) in England, but the largest number of listings, and opportunity for investors, are in regions outside of London.
According to research by Revolution Brokers, which collated HMO stock levels and data, there are 56,000 HMOs registered across England, with the highest proportion located in London at 24 per cent or 13,528 HMOs.
This is followed by East Midlands with 19 per cent of HMOs at 10,737 and South West at 16 per cent, or 8,883 properties.
The lowest concentrations of HMOs were in the North East at one per cent, or 715 properties, then East of England at four per cent or 2,139 properties.
From a sales perspective, across the UK there are 886 HMO listings, with the majority located in the South East at 210.
Other areas of potential purchase opportunity include the East Midlands with 125 listings, and the North West with 111 listings.
Revolution Brokers’ founding director Almas Uddin said London continued to dominate the market as the HMO capital.
He explained: “For a start, the capital is home to the greatest abundance of stock providing a superior level of choice to investors.
“This high level of stock has been driven by the consistent demand for multiple occupancy rental properties from tenants and while initial investment costs may be higher than elsewhere across the country, stronger wage levels allow for a much stronger return where rental income is concerned.”
He added that there was also an abundance of tenants, domestic and international, moving to London, and void periods were lower which maximised returns.
Anna is currently the deputy editor for Mortgage Solutions and editor for Specialist Lending Solutions. She has worked as a journalist since 2019, having secured her Gold Standard NCTJ diploma from News Associates in a fast-track six-month course.
She started her career as a report at specialist publication The Insurance Insider covering a wide range of areas before joining Mortgage Solutions and Specialist Lending Solutions in 2021.
In her role, she helps put together and structure the news agenda for the day and writes up press releases, reports, interviews, analyses and exclusives across both titles. She also commissions blogs for Specialist Lending Solutions and hosts online masterclasses and in-person events across the business.
She has been shortlisted for three journalism awards, which include BIBA Journalist and Media Awards Scoop of Year Award in 2020, Headline Money Mortgage Journalist of the Year Award (B2B) in 2022 and 2023.
Prior to being a journalist, Anna worked in ecommerce across Snow + Rock, Cycle Surgery and Runners Need websites, and before that worked at specialist financial PR firm Rostrum.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading, seeing live music, and cooking for friends and family. When she gets a chance, she also enjoys hiking, skiing and indoor rock climbing.
