For HMO landlords in England, getting the most out of every room can make a real difference to the property’s earning potential. With the right room configurations, not only can you maximise occupancy, but you’ll also boost rental income and attract long-term tenants who value comfort and privacy.
At The HMO Network, we specialise in HMO property management in England, and we’ve seen first-hand how good design choices can create more desirable living spaces and improve your property’s returns.
In this article, we’ll share our best tips for optimising room configurations that you might not have thought of before!
- Prioritise Flexible Room Layouts
When it comes to shared properties, flexibility is key. Designing a layout that can be easily adjusted between tenants or even for different types of tenants (such as students or young professionals) adds huge value. Consider investing in modular furniture, like wardrobes on wheels, foldable desks, and stackable storage units. This way, tenants can adapt the space to their needs without permanent changes. Not only does this improve tenant satisfaction, but it also allows you to adjust your rooms to fit different tenant profiles and occupancy needs.
- Use Multi-Functional Furniture to Save Space
Space-saving, multi-functional furniture is ideal for HMOs, where every square foot counts. For example, bed frames with built-in storage help to declutter rooms and allow tenants to store their belongings without requiring additional furniture. High-Rise beds with desk space underneath can turn small rooms into multifunctional spaces perfect for students or remote workers. And at The HMO Network we often recommend sofa beds in smaller communal areas; this offers additional sleeping space for guests without taking up extra room.
- Invest in High-Quality Soundproofing for Privacy
Privacy can be a top concern for HMO tenants, particularly in properties with thin walls. Adding soundproofing features, such as insulation panels, can make a huge difference to tenant experience. Even simple changes like thicker carpeting, padded wall panels, or upgraded doors can drastically reduce noise levels, creating a more comfortable living environment. This investment not only attracts high-quality tenants but can also help to maintain higher occupancy rates since tenants are more likely to stay in a quiet, private setting.
- Design Efficient Storage Solutions in Communal Spaces
In shared properties, clutter can quickly become a problem. Effective storage in communal areas can be just as important as in individual rooms. Built-in shelving, wall-mounted hooks, and cabinets in communal areas like the kitchen, living room and hallway help to reduce mess and keep these shared spaces tidy. Encouraging tenants to keep communal areas organised enhances the property’s appeal and ensures that rooms are better maintained.
- Focus on En-Suite Rooms Where Possible
For HMO landlords in England en-suite rooms can significantly increase rental yields. Tenants are often willing to pay a premium for private bathrooms, and en-suite options also reduce the need for multiple shared bathrooms in one property, maximising floor space. If full en-suite renovations aren’t feasible, consider offering partial en-suite facilities like private sinks within rooms. This can still add a level of exclusivity and increase your property’s value to potential tenants.
- Use Neutral, High-Quality Materials for Durability and Appeal
Using neutral colours and durable materials throughout the property not only appeals to a wider range of tenants but also helps to reduce wear and tear. A light, neutral palette brightens rooms and creates an illusion of space, while durable materials mean fewer repairs over time. For example, laminate flooring is a cost-effective option that withstands high foot traffic and is easy to clean, making it perfect for HMOs.
- Maximise Natural Light in Each Room
Natural light is an often-overlooked aspect of room configuration, but it’s a powerful draw for tenants. Consider installing larger windows or skylights to increase light exposure in rooms that feel dim. Mirrors are another affordable way to reflect light and make rooms feel larger. Bright, airy rooms tend to photograph better for listings, attracting more potential tenants to view the property.
- Add Individual Climate Control Options
Temperature preferences vary widely, so allowing each tenant to control their room temperature can increase tenant satisfaction. Simple adjustments, such as installing radiator thermostats or ceiling fans, enable tenants to customise their comfort level without affecting others in the property. This added feature can attract tenants who might otherwise shy away from HMO living due to the perceived lack of control over their environment.
- Consider Co-Living Friendly Layouts for Shared Spaces
Open-plan kitchen and dining areas are ideal for encouraging a sense of community among tenants, especially for co-living HMOs. Adding features like a large, communal dining table or a kitchen island with seating can encourage social interaction. When these areas feel inviting and spacious, it enhances the appeal of the property and may even reduce turnover, as tenants feel more at home.
- Highlight Quality Management and Support Services
While room layouts are vital, tenants also value attentive and professional management services. Your tenants will thank you for providing prompt maintenance, open communication, and responsive support!
At The HMO Network we pride ourselves on our commitment to tenant satisfaction, which has helped us maintain long-term tenants for our HMO clients in England.
Finally
Creating optimised room configurations is a powerful way to enhance your property’s earning potential and attract high-quality tenants. By investing in flexible layouts, soundproofing, en-suite options, and high-quality materials, HMO landlords in England. can ensure that their properties remain competitive and attractive to tenants. When done correctly, these changes can boost rental income, reduce tenant turnover. and make property management smoother.
For more expert advice on maximising your HMO returns, contact The HMO Network today. Call us on 01245 835859 or email neil@charlesdavidcasson.co.uk. Our friendly team specialises in HMO property management in England and is ready to help you make the most of your investment.