The number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in England has grown by 2.3% over the past year according to COHO.

COHO’s analysis of the latest government data revealed that there are an estimated 472,823 HMO properties across England, however despite this national growth there are sharp increases and dramatic declines depending on location. 

The West Midlands leads the way with an increase of 8.8% in HMO numbers, followed by London (5.4%) and the North East (3.2%) all recording above-average growth. In the East of England however, HMO numbers have fallen by 4%, while the South East reported a drop of 3.3%.

Vann Vogstad, COHO Founder and CEO, said: "We are at a time when the need for good quality, affordable, and well-managed shared housing has never been greater. But the growth in some areas and the sharp declines in others suggest that local attitudes, licensing regimes, and planning decisions are creating an uneven playing field. In too many places, regulation appears to be discouraging supply rather than improving standards. 

"We need to see more support for responsible HMO development across all regions, not just for investors, but for the people who rely on this form of housing to get by."

East Devon has seen the biggest growth, with a 523% increase in HMO numbers, while Wandsworth (381.6%), South Staffordshire (300%), Wolverhampton (233.3%) and Medway (190.1%) are among a group of eight local authorities where HMO supply has more than doubled in just one year.

However, in other parts of the country, HMO numbers have fallen, with Welwyn Hatfield recording a 72.5% fall and Watford seeing a drop of 65.6%. Other noticeable falls were in Walsall and Sefton (both 50%), Reading (37.6%), North Tyneside (37.1%) and Stevenage (36.7%).