The Impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation on Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester sees a rise in Houses in Multiple Occupation. Residents, local authorities, and community leaders express worry. Many fear that neighbourhoods change as more people share homes. Some residents even think of selling their houses because they feel that the community has lost its old shape.

A Surge in HMOs: Benefit or Burden?

In recent years, demand for HMOs has grown fast. Tenants look for rooms at a price they can afford. Landlords earn a stable rent, and vacancies stay low. Simple payments for bills add to the room’s appeal for students and young workers.

But as the number of HMOs climbs, some ask if local life is at risk. Neighbors and local lawmakers note a change in social links. They see fewer long-term ties and a move toward short stays in shared homes. They fear a loss of the warm feeling often found in family areas.

Growing Demand for Regulation

Local officials now push for rules on small HMOs. Bolton Council asks for more control after seeing numbers grow from around 170 to over 720. A recent meeting showed the trend spreads across Greater Manchester. In Salford, records show 1,254 HMOs set up from 2017 to 2023. Local government members, such as Bolton councillor Sean Fielding, point to a rule change in 2010. That rule ended the need for planning permission for small HMOs with six or fewer people. Officials now feel that this change led to too many conversions and a loss of family homes.

In one Salford area, Ordsall, an inquiry found that HMOs grew steeply, from three in 2017 to 437 by 2023. Mayor Paul Dennett of Salford links this shift to a lack of council homes and a rise in homelessness.

Residents Voice Concerns

In areas like Breightmet, old family houses turn into HMOs. Neighbors speak of their worry. One long-time resident said,
“Many feel they are pushed from homes they have loved for years and may sell soon.”

Another neighbor noted,
“People in shared homes do not spend long enough to feel part of the community.”

Campaign groups, such as “Say No To HMO Horwich,” call on locals to fight the rapid growth of HMOs. They ask for more plans that keep family homes and old neighbourhood links alive.

Landlords’ Perspective: A Need in a Housing Crisis

Many landlords keep a firm view that HMOs help in a time of high property costs. Renting a single room in a shared home gives many a chance to find a place. This method meets the need of those left out of the normal rental market. Landlords state that shared living brings room agreements that suit many different needs.

Local councils now point to the government. They ask for planning rules that slow the growth of HMOs so that local services do not get overstretched.

Conclusion

The rise of Houses in Multiple Occupation in Greater Manchester shows a clear link between the need for affordable housing and the wish to keep close community bonds. As Bolton and other councils ask for more control, residents worry about losing the familiar family feel in their streets. Those who work in property must watch new rules and local views as the city looks to find a steady path forward.

Sources:

• Manchester Evening News: Changing the Face of Neighbourhoods
• Bolton Council Reports: HMO Planning Initiatives
• Salford Housing Data: Salford Council Report 2023

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.