Young buyers are still unable to afford a home, so the demand for affordable rented accommodation is high. You can check the local listings sites (Gumtree and Zoopla) to see how strong the demand is from prospective tenants.
Lenders can accept evidence of a HMO license application in lieu the actual licence. This can take more time and it is not always practical. Accordingly, you could be deemed "fit and proper" to run an HMO under the condition of having the license. However, it is best to have your licence available so that the underwriting process can be expedited at the application stage.
A House in Multiple Occupation is a property that's let to more than three tenants. The tenants share some rooms but have their own bedrooms. The kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. Flat share or house share is an HMO.
HMO mortgages tend to be restricted to experienced landlords. For example, some lenders won't consider applications from someone who has been a landlord for more than 2 years and/or has experience in HMO-letting. Lenders might have additional requirements. It is possible to apply for an HMO mortgage but it may be difficult to obtain approval if you are not a landlord.
These higher potential returns come with greater risks. There is a greater chance of having a higher turnover rate than with traditional buy-to-let. Every additional tenant is an unknown factor (e.g. Will they pay rent? They will cause damage. They could cause disputes. A specialist mortgage is also required.
HMOs can be considered higher-risk than standard BTLs. HMO tenants move around more quickly than standard BTL tenants, and there is a greater risk of voids. They can be less committed as tenants to their property as their home. This could mean that they are less responsible for its care and maintenance. Additionally, it can be difficult to identify any issues or damage with a specific tenant.
Students can get their rent guaranteed, often by their parents. They also have a natural limit on the length of their tenancy.