NLA opposes HMO crackdown - buy to let mortgages

11 August 2009

Proposals to move houses in multiple occupation (HMO) to non-residential areas have been opposed by the National Landlords Association (NLA).

The British Property Federation and higher education body the National Union of Students also do not support the government plans and believe this upheaval will negatively affect students, immigrants and poorer members of society who live in these properties.

Politicians are looking at revamping the HMO sector after receiving widespread complaints about anti-social behaviour in areas where there are a high number of properties of this type.

However, a buy to let mortgages holder from Leeds thinks that any move to isolate HMO properties and transfer them to their own unique areas will limit the flexibility of housing markets to adjust to individual local circumstances.

Landlord Chris Town suggested that the size of HMOs - they are residences accommodating six or more unrelated people - makes it difficult to transform them into new flats or family housing.

Therefore, any government clampdown on the sector will lead to "decreased investment in local communities and increased blight", he said.

Why not take a look at our best Buy to Let mortgages and make an enquiry online now.