What’s Better: a HMO or a Single Let Property?

If you’re considering renting out your property for other people to live in, then you face several choices between several different types of arrangement. Of these choices, among the most important is between a House in Multiple Occupancy and a Single Let agreement. But what’s the difference between these two arrangements, and what does that imply for the profitability and sustainability of the enterprise.

It depends on what your situation is and what property type you are targeting. HMOs can bring in higher rental yields but typically require more up-front investment as well as time and energy to manage a larger number of tenants. Single let properties can offer more consistent incomes over time, but tend not to generate the same kind of income as HMOs.

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of investing in either option, what types of investments are available, financing options and more. We’ll also provide real-world examples of how to calculate rental prices and manage tenants so you can get started as soon as possible. So if you’re ready to dive into the world of property investment, read on!

What is an HMO?

The term ‘House in Multiple Occupation’ (or HMO) refers to any property in which three or more tenants live, forming more than one household. So, while there might be some communal facilities shared by all occupants, everyone gets their own lockable bedroom.

Arrangements of this kind tend to limit costs for everyone. This makes the preferred by students and young professionals who don’t yet have a stable income stream. You can usually find HMO furniture that’s made to match with properties of this sort.

HMOs can offer greater potential for capital growth and higher rental yields than single-let properties due to their ability to house more people in one space. However, as this type of investment requires more stringent legal requirements and carries a higher financial risk, it’s important for investors to assess their own risk tolerance before making any decisions.

What is a Single Let?

A single let is any property which you’re letting to just one person. Once the contract is sorted, you can generally just allow these tenants to get on with life, intervening only to perform regular maintenance. Since there’s just one tenant there, you are likely to face less frequent problems.

Single let properties can be a great option for those seeking to invest in property. They offer a reliable rental income and come with lower running costs associated with service charges and utility bills than HMOs. They are also ideal for those looking for steady rental payments, as only one tenant is living in the property.

Now that we’ve got those terms explained, let’s think about why we might prefer one arrangement over the other.

Why an HMO?

As property investors seek to maximize their returns and minimize the risk associated with investing in residential property, there has been a rise in interest in House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) investments. These can offer higher profits to those who are willing to take on the extra management and legal responsibilities associated with this type of investment. But is an HMO still worth it today?

HMOs can be a great investment opportunity, enabling you to generate strong profits from renting out individual rooms. However, as with any property investment, there are risks associated that need to be considered such as market conditions and finding suitable tenants. It is important to do thorough research before investing in an HMO.

HMOs tend to have a higher ceiling when it comes to overall rental yields. You might expect to get triple the takings from an HMO than you get from a single let, even when other factors are held equal.

Moreover, the demand for an HMO is usually more resilient to changing economic conditions. Even if the country enters into a recession, you can be fairly sure that there will be demand for housing of this kind. For this reason, it’s widely viewed as a safer bet in the long-term.

HMOs are also more stable – if a single tenant moves out, then you’ll still be generating rent from the rest of them. Unless you have a mass exodus, this means less downtime.

Potential pitfalls of owning a HMO property include higher insurance premiums and the increased need for ongoing maintenance due to the high consumption of energy and water from tenants, as well as possible issues with overcrowding. Additionally, landlords must be aware that there are additional regulations when it comes to renting out multiple rooms in a house.

Why a Single Let?

Single-let properties tend to be easier to live in, since there aren’t other personalities in the house to clash with. Thus, you can generally expect tenants to stay a little bit longer than they otherwise might have.

The simplicity of a single-let arrangement can also be a boon. While you might be able to charge more for a HMO, this is often offset by accelerated wear and tear, and callouts for failures. If you’re looking for an easy life, in other words, then a single let is usually a safer bet.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Investment

For those ready to invest in rental property either HMO or single let is a great option as it provides both income from regular rental payments and potential capital growth from appreciation in the property’s value.

When it comes to single-let properties, investors benefit from the simplicity of dealing with one tenant at a time and lower running costs associated with service charges and utility bills. This type of investment is often well suited to those who are looking for steady rental payments or prefer managing fewer tenants.

HMOs require more stringent legal requirements and come with higher financial risk, but they also provide the potential for higher returns than single-let investments due to their ability to house more people in one space. 

You should also keep in mind the differences if you plan on building a property portfolio.  This can provide a steady stream of income through rent but HMOs usually require larger initial investments and often involves higher running costs such as insurance, legal fees and council tax than single let properties. 

Ultimately, the right investment strategy should depend on individual goals and risk preferences. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different types of investments, investors can make an informed decision that meets their individual needs.

Legislation for HMOs vs Single Let Properties

The UK has different sets of legislation that govern Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and single-let properties. It is important to be aware of these regulations if you are considering investing in a property portfolio, as the type of investment will determine which legal requirements need to be complied with.

HMOs require additional considerations such as higher standards of fire safety, extra landlord insurance and stricter rent control laws. In addition, councils impose stricter rules on HMOs than single lets regarding overcrowding and the number of occupants allowed in the property.

Single-let properties are often less complex than HMOs and generally have fewer running costs associated with them. On the other hand, they may not generate as much rental income or capital growth due to their smaller size. Single person households also typically attract lower council tax bills than larger properties.

Final Thought

In conclusion, property investment can be a great way to generate a steady stream of income or capital growth but it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of investments before making a decision.

You’ll also want to think about the location you’re letting in. Often, this will have a huge impact on the type of demand for your housing – do your research before making a decision.

Consider all legal obligations and take into account financial risk, cash flow, utility bills, service charge, initial investment and rental yields before selecting a suitable exit strategy for your rental property.