A major shift is underway in the UK rental market, with an increasing number of landlords moving to Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs).

The HMO market has seen a remarkable surge in growth, with new data revealing a 40% increase in license applications since 2018. 

The research suggests that landlords are increasingly pivoting towards shared housing to meet the soaring demand for affordable, high-quality living spaces. 

The study, from specialist landlord insurance provider Just Landlords, analyses data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests from local councils across the UK. 

It found that since 2018, the number of annual HMO applications has climbed from 41,162 to a record-breaking 57,725. 

While growth has been steady throughout the UK, the situation varies from one city to the next. Edinburgh was named the UK’s HMO capital, with an average of 5,158 applications each year. 

Areas with the Highest Annual Application Rates 

1. Edinburgh – 5,158 
2. Oxford – 2,458 
3. Bristol – 1,491 
4. Southwark – 1,412 
5. Tower Hamlets – 1,394 

Areas with the Highest Application Growth 

1. Sandwell – 964% 
2. West Lancashire – 886% 
3. Tower Hamlets – 750% 
4. Guildford – 742% 
5. Waltham Forest – 481% 

Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments:  “We’re witnessing a major evolution in the UK rental market. An increasing number of landlords are moving away from traditional lets in favour of HMOs, to help meet the growing demand for flexible, affordable housing solutions.” 

“We’re also seeing an interesting geographical shift in investment. While London remains a cornerstone of the market, there has been huge growth in the Midlands and the North, with some areas seeing application numbers increase by nearly 1,000% since 2018.” 

As the sector grows, the data also points to an increasing focus on quality and compliance. 

Across the UK, council inspections of HMOs have risen by 83% since 2018, while enforcement actions, including improvement notices and prosecutions, have jumped by 180%. 

While the national picture is one of growth, the data also identifies areas where the market is still adjusting to new regulations. 

Areas like Blackpool and Fenland saw over half of their annual applications refused, while landlords in Lewisham, Wandsworth and Liverpool saw higher than average numbers of enforcement actions. 

Areas with the Highest Application Refusal Rates 

1. Blackpool – 70% 
2. Fenland – 51% 
3. Sandwell – 48% 
4. Armagh – 26% 
5. Norwich – 24% 

Areas with the Highest Number of Annual Enforcement Actions 

1. Lewisham – 288 
2. Wandsworth – 146 
3. Liverpool – 141 
4. Denbighshire – 141 
5. Camden – 117 

Despite increased enforcement in some areas, the overall picture of the UK HMO market remains one of strong growth and professionalisation. 

As more landlords enter the sector and councils continue to improve oversight, standards across shared housing are expected to continue rising. 

Ross adds: “While our findings reveal an environment of tightened regulation, this should be seen as a positive step for the market. Higher standards protect the reputation of the sector and ensure that dedicated, professional landlords aren’t being undercut by sub-standard operators.”