The Secret Sauce to Creating HMOs in Article 4 Areas

19/06/2025 38 min Temporada 8 Episodio 222
The Secret Sauce to Creating HMOs in Article 4 Areas

Listen "The Secret Sauce to Creating HMOs in Article 4 Areas"

Episode Synopsis

#222Choosing 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 CompliantWe 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% RuleHMO Registers vs PlanningGrandfather 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 / timingUse 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.I'd Like Help With Setting My GoalsLeave a reviewJoin our WhatsApp  group / access  37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / 23 Step Guide to Buying Property at AuctionInstagramExclusive Property Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter package: 30 day trial instead of the usual 14Pro package  30 day trial, then 3 months 1/2 price, Ultimate package, 1/2 price for 3 monthsTristan's YouTube ChannelKeywordsExpat property investment, UK property investing, HMO investing UK, Article 4 HMO, Remote property investing, Buying HMOs Article 4, UK property for expats, Direct to vendor marketing property, HMO license vs planning permission, Certificate of Lawful Use HMO, Grandfather rights HMO UK, How to find motivated property sellers, HMO compliance UK, Article 4 area property strategy, HMO planning application tips, Sourcing HMOs for expats, HMO property valuation Article 4, UK electoral roll for property investment, British Library electoral data property research, Trace Genie property owner search, Creative property sourcing UK, Freehold ground rent UK, Planning permission increase HMO occupancy, Brand/Name Keywords, HMO Compliant company, Sui generis HMO planning, Rent to rent HMOs UK, C3 to C4 conversion UK, HMO council rules UK