The Impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) on Greater Manchester Communities
The demand for HMOs grows in Greater Manchester. Their growth worries both residents and local authorities. Many families now think of leaving their homes because the neighbourhoods change fast.
Rising Popularity of HMOs
HMOs are rising in Greater Manchester. Housing costs climb. Rent grows hard to afford. Shared homes bring lower rents. Tenants share bills and utilities. Landlords earn steady rent from more occupants.
Local data shows Bolton’s HMOs jump from about 170 to over 720 in only a few years. Salford sees 1,254 HMOs built from 2017 to 2023. People now feel that family homes lose space to short-term stays.
Concerns Over Community Integrity
Local government and residents worry about these changes. Bolton Councillor Sean Fielding notes HMOs appear mainly in areas like Breightmet. He explains that this trend cuts down family homes. He warns that weak planning rules can let the change grow.
Residents report uneasy streets. One neighbor said long-time locals now plan to sell their homes. The mix of old residents and short-term tenants shakes community life. One woman in her 70s said, “We used to be known as one of the nicest streets in the area. Having people in HMOs without really putting down roots can’t be good for the community.”
Calls for Regulation
Bolton Council now pushes to limit smaller HMOs. A recent meeting reviewed the 2010 rule that made planning permission easier for HMOs with six or fewer residents. Other councils share these worries. Reports note that HMOs may hurt local bonds and services.
Salford’s mayor, Paul Dennett, points to a lack of council housing and a rise in homelessness. Salford now checks HMO plans closely. New rules cancel applications if new HMOs push the local ratio above 10% in a 100-metre area.
Community Action and Future Directions
Community groups quickly respond to rising HMOs. One group, called ‘Say No To HMO Horwich,’ calls out for keeping family homes safe. Their petition, titled ‘Stop the Over-development of HMOs – Protect Family Homes in Horwich,’ stands for a fair mix of housing and neighborhood life.
Those who back HMOs say they help young workers, students, and low-income people find homes. They claim that such homes fit many different tenants. The task now is to find a plan that meets the need for affordable housing while keeping community spirit.
Conclusion
The debate over HMOs in Greater Manchester shows the task of balancing housing needs and local life. While many express their alarm, local leaders search for new rules that keep the community strong and fair.
For landlords and property buyers, these changes show both gains and risks. Knowing how residents feel and what rules exist will be key for success.
