FAQ's

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least three unrelated tenants who share communal facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. Common examples include student houses, shared professional homes, or multi-let properties.

Yes, most standard buy to let mortgages are not suitable for HMOs. You’ll need a specific HMO mortgage, which is designed for properties let to multiple tenants under separate agreements. These often have different criteria and require specialist lenders.

While requirements vary by lender, typical criteria include: At least 25% deposit (more for larger HMOs) Experience as a landlord (though some lenders accept first-time landlords) Minimum and maximum number of lettable rooms Property must meet licensing and safety standards May require a personal guarantee if using a limited company

Yes, in most cases. If your property is let to five or more unrelated people, it's considered a large HMO and will usually require a licence from the local council. In Oxford, Article 4 Direction applies, meaning even smaller HMOs need planning permission to convert. Always check local authority rules.

Higher rental yields compared to standard buy to let Multiple income streams from one property Strong demand in student and professional markets Can be more tax efficient when owned via a limited company

Higher upfront costs, including licensing and compliance work More complex management and maintenance Can be harder to remortgage or sell Fewer lenders offer HMO products than standard BTL Risk of voids if not fully tenanted

Yes, and many landlords choose this route for tax efficiency. We work with lenders who specialise in limited company HMO mortgages, including for SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles).

Cowley, Headington, East Oxford, and Botley are among the most popular HMO hotspots. These areas have high demand from students and young professionals and offer strong rental yields.

Yes, subject to the property’s value, rental income, and your portfolio status. HMO remortgages can help release capital for further investment or refurbishment projects.

This varies by lender. Some cap the number of rooms, while others are comfortable with larger HMOs subject to experience and rental strength.