Growing Concern Over HMOs in Greater Manchester: Residents Call for Regulation
HMOs have become the focus in Greater Manchester. In recent years, many houses have been changed to HMOs. Rising rents push people toward shared living. Neighbourhoods feel the strain, and some homeowners think of selling theirs.
The Rise of HMOs in Greater Manchester
Local reports show HMOs grow fast in Greater Manchester. Bolton now has over 720 HMOs compared to about 170 a few years ago (Manchester Evening News, 2025). Many choose HMOs for the low cost, as rent often covers bills. This appeal draws tenants who need affordable living and gives landlords a steady income with fewer empty rooms.
Critics, however, point out that the growth of HMOs weakens community bonds and reduces the number of family homes.
Residents’ Fears and Local Government Responses
Council meetings bring these fears to light. All members at Bolton Council agree on new rules for small HMOs. The council wants to undo the 2010 rule that let small HMOs—homes for six or fewer people—skip planning approval. Salford Council shares these views. They note that more HMOs strain local services and harm social ties (Salford Council, 2024).
The Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, links the rise of HMOs to a lack of council housing and growing homelessness. Salford now stops new HMO plans if they cause HMOs to be more than 10% of all houses in an area (Salford Planning Department, 2025).
Community Sentiment
On Breightmet streets, residents see the change each day. Many worry about their home area’s loss of family life. One resident said, “This has always been a family street… now some people plan to leave because things are different.” A woman in her 70s warned that new HMO tenants break community ties.
Councillor Sean Fielding, who started the Bolton motion, said, “HMOs also remove many needed family homes in high-demand areas.” Local campaigners, like those in the group ‘Say No To HMO Horwich’, support petitions to keep family homes safe (Change.org, 2024).
They clarify that their fight is not with HMO tenants but with plans that ignore long-time residents’ needs. The goal is to balance housing so families can continue to live in established communities.
The Future of HMOs in Greater Manchester
Discussions about HMO rules go on. Local leaders now face this choice: meet the need for cheap homes or protect the look of long-established areas. As HMOs grow, local government must answer both sides—those who need low-cost options and those who value long-term community life.
Summary
HMOs in Greater Manchester change many neighbourhoods. Residents and local leaders now seek stricter rules. HMOs do provide low-cost housing, but many fear that community bonds suffer and family homes vanish. With local councils pushing for tighter control, the future of HMOs stays in debate. This issue shows how housing policy must meet new demands while keeping a strong community spirit.
References
- Manchester Evening News, "They’re ‘changing the face of neighbourhoods’ and residents are thinking of selling up" Read more
- Salford Council Reports (2024)
- Change.org, "Stop the Over-development of HMOs – Protect Family Homes in Horwich" Sign the petition
Staying informed can help investors and residents handle the fast-changing housing scene in Greater Manchester.
Disclaimer: This article has been generated by AI based on the latest news from Google News sources. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying key details from official reports.
