Two property developers operating houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the North West have stated that direct management and quality standards are necessary to address negative perceptions of the sector.
Ray Guy and Geoff Knight, who operate approximately 40 HMOs primarily in Liverpool, have converted the former Park View Hotel in Grange Park, St Helens, into a 16-room HMO. The property overlooks Taylor Park and features rooms with sitting areas and bedroom spaces, serviced by three shared kitchens.
Guy told the St. Helens Star that the developers manage their properties directly, including tenant vetting and maintenance. “HMOs must be managed well. We have 40 in total, and we found early on in sorting them that the only way forward is to review and manage them ourselves,” he said.
Community concerns
The developers acknowledged encountering local opposition to HMO conversions. Guy stated that while the community initially supported the hotel takeover, concerns emerged when the HMO plans were disclosed.
According to Guy, HMOs provide accommodation options for young professionals and single occupants at rates below standard flat rentals when maintained to higher standards.
The conversion represents the developers’ approach to addressing sector reputation through property quality and management oversight. HMOs in St Helens are subject to local authority standards and enforcement regulations.
The property sector has seen increased scrutiny of HMO standards in recent years, with local authorities implementing licensing schemes and quality requirements across various UK regions.
