The Secret Sauce to Creating HMOs in Article 4 Areas

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11d ago 38:51

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Choosing the right location for an HMO is crucial.

You need primary locations where tenant demand is strong.

But these are often in Article 4 areas. Most are overpriced.

In this episode, we reveal the secret sauce to getting an HMO in an Article 4 area.

Tristan Gordon of Zebra Invest is the perfect person to talk about HMOs.

He helps landlords navigate the complexities of regulations through his company HMO Compliant

We discuss:

HMO Locations: The importance of selecting strong-demand locations for HMOs, often in Article 4 areas where supply is limited and values are higher.
Article 4: a planning regulation adopted by councils to control HMO conversions in certain areas.
HMO Demand/Supply Imbalance: Operating within Article 4 areas can be lucrative due to lower competition, despite higher perceived barriers.
The 10% Rule
HMO Registers vs Planning
Grandfather Rights & Lawful Development Certificates (CLUs) to prove continuous HMO use and get planning.
Gathering Evidence for CLUs: Tenancy agreements, rental income proof / letting agent records / electoral rolls / sworn affidavits.
Dangers of Unproven HMOs: Buying HMOs without proper planning = fewer mortgage options / lower value.
Direct to Vendor Marketing: Handwritten leaflets / targeted data analysis / timing
Use of Data Tools: Combining EPC / sales data / HMO registers to find sellers.
"Sandwiching": restriction of properties adjacent to existing HMOs
Certificates of Lawful Use (Existing & Proposed): for regularising historic use and for establishing intended use, for selling / refinancing.
Incremental HMO Planning: Increasing HMO sizes step by step e.g. from 6 to 7+ beds)
Detective skills: Public records, planning portals, Trace Genie — persistence and smart data gathering can give you an edge.

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