The HMO Success Podcast with Wendy Whittaker-Large

In today's podcast I'm asking some tough questions about government housing policy that many politicians seem reluctant to address directly. I originally recorded this as a YouTube video - and you can watch it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N3Fo9Ymiy8  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N3Fo9Ymiy8] On the video you can see my slides too.  With record levels of immigration putting unprecedented pressure on our housing system, the government has increasingly turned to Houses in Multiple Occupation – HMOs – as a solution for accommodating asylum seekers. What about you if you are a landlord housing asylum seekers? What led you to utilise this strategy? Is is a worthwhile investment and what concerns do you have?  These aren't just abstract policy questions. Communities across Britain are seeing the real-world impact as local housing markets are stretched and communities affected. Take Sarah Pochin, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, who made asylum seeker HMOs a central issue in her campaign. She was particularly critical of how these housing arrangements affect local communities – but why? What did she see that made this such a priority for her? Today, I'm examining whether the HMO system for asylum seekers is actually necessary, or whether it's simply a symptom of broader immigration policies that aren't working. We'll look at the numbers behind mass immigration, the real costs of this housing system, and why some MPs like Sarah Pochin have been sounding the alarm. For the organisations running the government contracts - what is the reality for landlords working with such organisations? And are they making money as is claimed?  Let's dig in to find the real statistics and uncover the reasons why Sarah Pochin made this such an issue in her campaign.

In this episode, we sit down with Angharad Trueman, Group Lettings Director for Andrews and President of ARLA Propertymark—the UK's largest agent membership body representing 18,000 members nationwide. Drawing from over 15 years in the UK rental market where she's managed tens of thousands of properties, Angharad shares her insights on the current industry landscape and the challenges ahead. As ARLA President, she's travelled extensively across the UK meeting with letting agents, giving her an unmatched perspective on the concerns and pressures facing the sector today. I discuss with her the evolving rental market, the impact of upcoming legislation including the Renters' Rights Bill, and what landlords and agents need to know to navigate 2025 successfully. Resources mentioned: Join Angharad's upcoming landlord seminar "Being a Landlord in 2025" at the University of Gloucestershire in June, featuring updates on the Renters' Rights Bill and expert panel discussions. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/being-a-landlord-in-2025-tickets-1356224527069 [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/being-a-landlord-in-2025-tickets-1356224527069] ------- For more information, guidance and support to help you invest in HMOs and create a profitable property portfolio, please head on over to my website www.hmosuccess.co.uk You'll find some free downloads to learn about HMOs as a high cashflowing strategy and how you can get started with very little money.  If you want to learn more about my amazing tips which I compiled in my book '101 Essential Tips for Running a Professional HMO' you can get your own copy FREE (Just pay postage and packing) www.101essentialtips.co.uk/ [http://www.101essentialtips.co.uk/]   For a FREE 30 minute call for any help you might need with HMOs, and to understand what I can offer you to help you progress your portfolio, please book a call here: https://calendly.com/wendy-w-large I look forward to hearing from you! Wendy Please subscribe/follow, give it a 5 star rating and review the podcast if you can. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Caroline Pattinson is the dynamic and creative founder of Chester Homeshare, a co-living brand situated in the beautiful city of Chester.  I've been trying to get her as a guest on the podcast for a while and when we finally met we had so much to discuss.  Caroline has a background in banking and commerce so she 'gets' the problem posed by increased regulation in the HMO market. She also discusses the opportunities that are available to investors when they see that changes could mean upping their game for greater rewards and easier lettings.  I think you'll find our fireside chat (well zoomside chat) eye opening and stimulating and I'm sure you'll enjoy hearing Caroline's passion come through in all that she does. She has a very touching back story and is a unique person making waves - not only in her locality but in the influence and standards that she challenges us all with now! https://www.facebook.com/ChesterHomeshare/ [https://www.facebook.com/ChesterHomeshare/]

HMO Action Group Conference: Why you should be there! https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hmoaction/1582464 Join me in my latest episode as I dive into why the upcoming HMO Action Group Conference on May 1st is a must-attend event for anyone involved in HMOs.  In this episode, I break down: * The keynote speakers and experts you'll get to meet * Why this event is not NRLA for HMOs * Networking and discussion opportunities * How this conference directly impacts policy changes we've been fighting for * All the details you need to reserve your space Early bird tickets are still available, but they're going fast!  Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to get involved, this conference offers something valuable for everyone involved in HMOs. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the movement. Secure your spot today at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hmoaction/1582464

In this episode I discuss the latest consultation [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-consultation-document-html] launched by the Government on 7th Feb 2025 on 'Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes'.  [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-2025-update/improving-the-energy-performance-of-privately-rented-homes-consultation-document-html] This is in conjunction with the previous consultation about the way EPCs are to be assessed. This is the 'Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime' [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforms-to-the-energy-performance-of-buildings-regime/reforms-to-the-energy-performance-of-buildings-regime] consultation.  It's good to see that HMOs are mentioned in each document (in other words the Government are aware that we exist)! The only problem is that it could cause huge upset again to the sector. Combining this with the Renters Rights Bill, I think we will see more landlords exit the market and others finding that the upgrades are not possible to achieve.  I'd love your opinions though!   ============================ For more information, guidance and support to help you invest in HMOs and create a profitable property portfolio, please head on over to my website www.hmosuccess.co.uk You'll find some free downloads to learn about HMOs as a high cashflowing strategy and how you can get started with very little money.  If you want to learn more about my amazing tips which I compiled in my book '101 Essential Tips for Running a Professional HMO' you can get your own copy FREE (Just pay postage and packing) www.101essentialtips.co.uk [http://www.101essentialtips.co.uk/]   For a FREE 30 minute call for any help you might need with HMOs, and to understand what I can offer you to help you progress your portfolio, please book a call here [https://calendly.com/wendy-w-large]. I look forward to hearing from you! Wendy