Unused properties across England could unlock over 5,000 new homes through conversion into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), according to claims from a management platform.

Their analysis of government data reveals there are 264,884 long-term vacant dwellings across the country — a 1.3% increase compared to last year.

 Regional Snapshot:

• North West: 38,894 empty homes

• London: 38,386

• South East: 35,869

• East of England: Biggest annual rise at 8.2%, totalling 28,103

The company says tapping into these vacant homes could be a game-changer in tackling the housing shortage, especially for shared accommodation seekers.

As the Labour government targets an ambitious 370,000 new homes each year, attention is turning to the growing number of long-term empty properties across England. The company says these vacant homes could play a key role in relieving housing pressures — especially if converted into HMOs.

Currently, HMOs make up about 1.8% of England’s housing stock. If that same share were applied to the 264,884 long-term empty homes on record, it could generate nearly 4,889 new HMOs.

Regional Potential for HMO Conversions:

• London: With a higher HMO density at 3.8%, up to 1,473 new HMOs could be added from vacant properties.

• Yorkshire & Humber: 591 possible new HMOs

• South East: 568

• North West: 526

• South West: 450

• West Midlands: 446

It argues this is a quick and affordable fix that could help meet urgent housing needs, especially for renters looking for more flexible and affordable living arrangements.

The management platform says the real opportunity could go far beyond current estimates, the figures so far assume today’s modest share of HMOs in the housing market — but there’s no reason to stick to the status quo.

Because each HMO creates several tenancies within one property, converting empty homes into shared housing could be a high-impact, low-cost solution to boosting supply fast. By focusing efforts here instead of relying solely on new construction, England could see a dramatic expansion in available housing — without laying a single new brick.

A company spokesperson says: “This analysis highlights a clear opportunity for local councils and planning authorities to rethink how we utilise the existing housing stock, particularly the tens of thousands of long-term vacant properties that sit completely unused across the country. At a time when demand for affordable housing is at an all-time high, not least in densely populated cities where development space is limited, unlocking these homes as HMOs could provide a powerful and immediate boost to supply.

“This is particularly true when considering how the perception of HMOs is changing. In recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift in both the quality of HMO accommodation and the demographics they attract. More and more, we’re seeing young professionals come to the HMO – or Shared Living – market seeking high-quality homes in vibrant, well-connected areas, places where they can live with like-minded housemates in a fun, social environment.”