New House Shares in Guildford: A Shift in Community Dynamics

Family homes now change into HMOs at a growing pace. Residents on Applegarth Avenue in Guildford worry that this shift may change their community’s feel. The Borough Council approved four HMO applications. Long-time residents now think about the future of their street.

Residents Voice Their Concerns

At the council meeting on 17 July, local residents spoke out. They worry about the rise of HMOs on their street. Today, the street has 25 registered HMOs and two more cases wait for a decision. One resident, who has lived here for 20 years, said, "It has lost the heart of the street. It used to be full of families, but now it’s just people who leave to go to work and come back again. Only one person says ‘hi’."
Ward councillor Howard Smith shared this view. He said that converting three-bedroom family homes into HMOs is the top worry of locals. He fears that too many short-term renters can make the community weak. "People are getting really tired of three-bedroom family homes being put up for sale and turned into HMOs," he said.

The Perspective of Local Authorities

The leader of Guildford Borough Council, Julia McShane, sees these issues. She noted that parking and antisocial behaviour may grow with more rental homes. She pointed out that many in the community face these problems and that proper routes exist to solve them.
The council approved these HMOs to meet the need for more space for young professionals and students in Guildford. Applegarth Avenue sits near the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Some worry that the need for more homes might clash with a desire to keep the community stable.

What are HMOs?

Houses in Multiple Occupation are places where different people share rooms and common spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Many students and young workers choose these homes because they usually have lower rent than single-family houses.
Some investors see HMOs as a chance to earn funds in a busy rental market. Others point out that current residents may object, especially when they notice familiar faces leave and new ones come.

The Impact on Property Investment

The rise of HMOs brings both challenges and gains for investors. In areas with busy work spots or universities, there is a clear need for homes that rent. At the same time, investors must handle local rules, community views, and changes in home values.
Those who want to work in this market should check local council rules. These rules may change with planning needs and housing demands. Knowing the needs of the local people also helps build a lasting plan.

Conclusion

The shift from family homes to HMOs in Guildford shows a trend seen across the UK. HMOs give homes to people in need, but long-time residents worry about the loss of a strong community. As the council keeps approving HMOs, talks between locals and officials will play a big role in the future of streets like Applegarth Avenue.
For those looking to put money into the property market, especially HMOs, it is smart to stay aware of what the community needs and the rules in play. This awareness can help support a plan that works for both profit and neighborhood bonds.

Sources:

• BBC News
• Local Democracy Reporting Service
• Guildford Borough Council
• House of Commons: Communities and Local Government Committee – Housing Supply
• UK Government: Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

This article gives an overview of the new debate on turning family homes into HMOs in Guildford. It looks at what this means for local people and for those who put money into houses. The dialogue between locals and officials now shapes what comes next for areas like Applegarth Avenue.

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.