The Impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) on Greater Manchester’s Communities
The housing market in Greater Manchester is shifting. Houses in multiple occupation now dot the area. Many shared homes appear close together. Local people worry about rapid change. They even weigh selling their properties. This article looks at the state of HMOs, shows their pros and cons, and reports the calls for more rules.
A Rising Trend in HMO Conversions
Family homes in Greater Manchester often change into HMOs. Bolton Council data show HMOs jump from 170 to over 720 in Bolton alone. High rents push this change. Renters seek homes that include bills with rent. Landlords see more income from this model. Fewer empty rooms mean steadier cash flow. Investors also see a chance in flexible lease terms. Shorter leases do attract a mix of tenants.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
Local people and leaders express strong worry about the change. Some say too many HMOs cut down family homes and shift the local feel. In Breightmet, one councillor claims that shared homes mean fewer places for families. Long-time residents even talk of leaving because their area shifts fast. One older resident said, "People in HMOs do not build roots in our area." In Horwich, locals started the campaign “Say No To HMO Horwich.” They stress that shared homes strain local roads and services and take away spots meant for families.
Calls for Regulation
Bolton Council now asks the government to impose more rules on HMOs. They focus on small conversions that bypass old planning rules for homes with six or fewer people. A Bolton councillor explains that HMOs can give a mix to housing. Still, too many in one spot hurt community life. In Salford, a council report finds that quick HMO growth affects social bonds and taxes local services. The report sets limits when shared homes rise above 10% of all houses in an area.
Balancing Needs
A search for affordable homes matters for many. Yet local residents must feel safe at home too. Some housing activists state that HMOs help students, young workers, and people with low incomes find a place. They stress that rising housing demand should mix well with a stable community. Leaders need to talk with locals to find plans that care for everyone’s needs.
Conclusion
The changing HMO scene in Greater Manchester brings both chance and risk. It helps calm high rents and fills housing gaps while shifting the neighborhood feel. As new rules come under discussion, a fair plan that meets the need for affordable homes and reflects local wishes will be key for lasting solutions.
Sources for Further Reading
- Bolton Council Report with HMO statistics: Bolton Council (2025)
- Salford Council’s HMO impact study: Salford City Council (2025)
- Manchester Evening News on HMO concerns: Manchester Evening News (2025)
Note: The above resources give clear data and views on HMOs in Greater Manchester. Investors and local people should stay updated on housing rules and community trends.
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
