As the remote work trend is the new norm, HMO landlords in England are finding that adapting properties to meet the needs of remote-working tenants can significantly boost occupancy and attract a steady stream of high-quality renters.
At The HMO Network a leading HMO property management company in England we know that remote workers prioritise features like reliable internet, dedicated workspaces, and comfortable communal areas.
In this article, we’ll share practical ways to adapt your HMO properties in England to create a remote worker friendly environment that appeals to the growing work-from-home demographic.
1. Ensure A Fast and Reliable Internet Connection
Reliable, high-speed internet is non-negotiable for remote workers. Many rely on video conferencing and large file transfers, so it’s worth investing in a broadband package that can handle multiple users. To ensure all tenants have a stable connection, consider installing Wi-Fi boosters throughout the property. These boosters can help extend the signal range, ensuring that even rooms farther from the router have strong, reliable internet access. If tenants have particularly high data needs, you might even offer Ethernet connections in individual rooms. Offering a direct, wired connection to the internet can be a big advantage. Ethernet connections tend to be faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, as they aren’t affected by walls, distance, or interference from other devices.
At The HMO Network we’ve seen that providing tenants with high-speed, reliable internet boosts tenant satisfaction and increases lease renewal rates. Plus, having a property with excellent connectivity makes it more appealing to potential renters who work from home.
2. Create Dedicated Workspaces in Each Room
For remote workers, having a comfortable and private workspace is essential. Equip each room with a small desk, a chair, and sufficient lighting to create a dedicated workstation. If space allows, consider positioning the desk near a window, as natural light has been shown to improve focus and productivity. Including workspaces in each room can also prevent tenants from needing to work in communal areas, allowing these shared spaces to remain social zones.
If you’re working with limited space, wall-mounted desks and foldable chairs are excellent options that provide a work area without taking up too much room. Dedicated workspaces are a key feature that HMO landlords in England can use to appeal to the growing number of tenants working remotely.
3. Soundproofing for a Quiet Working Environment
Noise can be a big distraction for remote workers, so soundproofing can be a valuable addition to your HMO property in England. Even simple steps like adding thick rugs or wall panels can help. For HMOs or rental properties where privacy is important, adding door sweeps can help reduce noise that travels through the small gap under doors. For rooms on shared walls, you might consider thicker insulation.
Creating a quieter environment can be a real selling point, especially in busy areas of England, where outside noise may also be more prevalent. Tenants who work from home will appreciate having a peaceful, distraction-free workspace, and this feature could be a deciding factor when they choose between HMO properties.
4. Offer Flexible Communal Work Areas
While in-room workspaces are essential, providing a secondary option for co-working in communal areas can add great appeal. A shared workspace in the living room or kitchen can encourage socialisation, which many remote workers miss. Equip these areas with communal tables, charging stations, and comfortable seating to create a co-working vibe.
At The HMO Network we find that communal workspaces in HMOs are popular among tenants who enjoy the flexibility to move between private and shared work environments. It also adds to the sense of community within the property, which can be a big draw for remote workers.
5. Upgrade Lighting for Optimal Productivity
Good lighting is essential for a productive work environment. Bright, adjustable lighting can make a huge difference in a workspace, especially in properties with limited natural light. LED desk lamps with adjustable brightness are ideal, as they allow tenants to customise their lighting based on the time of day. In dingy communal areas, consider adding daylight bulbs that mimic natural light and help improve focus.
Enhancing the lighting throughout your HMO property will make it a more attractive option for tenants looking for a space to live and work.
6. Provide Comfortable and Ergonomic Furniture
Investing in ergonomic furniture can be a valuable way to attract remote workers. Remote working tenants may spend hours at their desks, so having a chair that offers good back support, or an adjustable desk can significantly improve their experience. Ergonomic upgrades might seem minor, but they can make your property stand out in the competitive HMO market in England.
7. Create Storage Solutions for Home Office Essentials
Remote workers often require additional storage for work-related items, like files, notebooks, and equipment. Adding extra cupboards, drawers, or shelves in each room can be a thoughtful touch that remote working tenants will appreciate. Even small adjustments can make your property more functional and appealing.
8. Emphasise Reliable HMO Property Management
Reliable, responsive HMO property management in England is a key consideration for remote workers who need a stable environment to work effectively. By partnering with a HMO property management company like The HMO Network you can ensure support and provide peace of mind for tenants.
Promoting dependable property management will appeal to tenants looking for a well-maintained living environment that supports their professional lifestyle.
9. Market the Property as Remote Worker-Friendly
Finally, highlighting your HMO property’s remote work features in listings can make all the difference to attracting the right tenants. Ensure upgrades such as dedicated workspaces, high-speed internet, and soundproofing are mentioned in your description. This will help you stand out in a competitive HMO rental market and attract remote working professionals specifically looking for these features.
Adapting your HMO properties to meet the needs of remote workers can set you apart from other landlords in England From high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces to soundproofing and ergonomic furniture, these modifications create an ideal environment for remote working tenants. These upgrades can also increase tenant satisfaction, reduce turnover, and boost the long-term profitability of your HMO in England.
For expert guidance on transforming your property to attract remote working tenants, contact The HMO Network. Call us on 01245 835859 or email us at neil@charlesdavidcasson.co.uk to learn more about our comprehensive HMO property management services in England. Let’s work together to make your property the first choice for remote workers!