As the demand for affordable housing continues to rise within the UK, the popularity of people choosing to live in HMOs is also on the rise.
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And, as the HMO market grows, so too does the need for more innovative and sustainable design solutions that cater to the growing demands and needs of tenants.

Whilst we like to think that within our community we are already at the forefront of creating top-quality co-living spaces – with so many of our members and friends working tirelessly to improve the standards of the rental market – we believe that there's always, always room for improvement, and that as landlords (and ladies) we should always strive to create the best product on the market.

So, to make sure we stay at the top, we've been keeping up-to-date with the emerging trends in HMO design – looking for inspiration to use in our own projects, and thinking about what the future of this market might soon look like.

Here are a few things you might want to prioritise in your next HMO property:

Flexible Spaces

We have always encouraged prioritising the design of communal areas within an HMO, and unsurprisingly, one of the biggest trends in HMO design at the moment is the move towards more flexible spaces.

This means designing spaces that can adapt to the changing needs of tenants. For example, a communal living space that could be transformed into a study area during the day and a social space in the evening. By designing these spaces that can be easily reconfigured, we as landlords can cater to the needs of a wider range of tenants, make a tenant's experience in our space more enjoyable and practical, and increase the value of our properties.

Here are some more tips you could use to create multi-functional spaces:

• Invest in multi-functional furniture – such as an extendable dining table, or a coffee table with hidden storage. This will allow tenants to easily transform the space to suit their needs.

• Make sure there's dedicated space for your tenants to work, relax, and socialise in a space – and make sure to get the balance right!

• Use movable partitions if suitable – instead of fixed walls, consider using movable partitions that can be easily repositioned to create different spaces. This will allow tenants to create private areas when needed, or open up the space for social gatherings.

• Consider the flow of the space – when designing a flexible space, it's important to think about how people will move through it. Make sure there is enough room for people to move around comfortably, and that there are clear pathways between different areas.

• Incorporate technology – technology can be a great way to make a space more flexible. For example, smart lighting systems can be programmed to change the mood of a room at different times of day, while sound systems can be used to create different atmospheres.

• Get feedback from tenants – if you want to go the extra mile and really create a space that works for its users, think about getting feedback from your tenants (our your target audience) about what they need from the space. This will help you to make informed decisions about how to design the space to meet their needs, and ensure that you are creating a space that is truly flexible and adaptable.

Smart Homes

Now, we know a fair few of you might shy away from this one (🙈), but another trend to watch out for is the integration of smart home technology in HMOs.

You may already have some of these things in place, but smart home features such as keyless entry, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances not only make life easier for tenants but also help landlords to save money on maintenance and energy costs.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more smart home features being integrated into HMO designs.

Here are some more examples of tech that we could integrate into our HMOs:

• Voice-activated assistants – devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home can be used to control smart home features with voice commands. This can be particularly useful for tenants with disabilities or mobility issues.

• Smart lighting – these lighting systems can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, or to change color and brightness depending on the time of day or the activity taking place in the room.

• Security cameras – as a landlord, you more than likely are already familiar with using security cameras to monitor your property remotely. Investing in a good-quality security camera with handy features like notifications can provide an extra layer of security for tenants and allow you or your team to keep an eye on the property when they're not there.

• Smart locks – we have mentioned the importance of keyless entry systems before here in The Hive, but digital or mechanical locks that use either a smartphone app or a code to unlock can be particularly useful for short-term rentals or for tenants who frequently lose their keys. They are a much safer, reliable, and convenient option for landlords, and it'll also save your lettings/management team from being called out everytime someone gets locked out!

• Smart appliances – energy-efficient appliances like smart thermostats, smart ovens, and smart washing machines can be used to save energy and reduce maintenance costs.

‍Sustainability

As well as being a major talking point in the interior design world at the moment, sustainability is also becoming an increasingly important consideration in the HMO world too.

Tenants are becoming much more environmentally conscious and are looking for properties that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. So, landlords who invest in those sustainable design features are sure to attract tenants who are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly properties – and they'll be saving on things like maintenance and energy costs too.

Here are some tips on how to integrate sustainability into your HMOs:

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances – like LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.

• Install renewable energy sources – such as solar panels to generate electricity for the property. This can help to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower utility bills.

• Use sustainable building materials – when renovating or building an HMO, consider using sustainable building materials like bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, or reclaimed wood. This can help to reduce the environmental impact of the property and create a unique, eco-friendly aesthetic.

• Encourage recycling – make it easy for tenants to recycle by providing clearly labeled recycling bins and educating them on what can and cannot be recycled. This can help to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

• Consider water conservation – install low-flow toilets and faucets to reduce water consumption, and consider using drought-resistant landscaping to reduce the amount of water needed for outdoor maintenance.

Cohousing

Cohousing is another trend that is gaining popularity in the co-living and rental market – especially in European countries like Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany.

Cohousing communities are designed to foster a sense of community among tenants. This is achieved by designing communal spaces such as gardens, kitchens, and living areas where tenants can socialise and interact with each other – and by also creating external community-building activities to form friendships and connections.

Although we might first think of students when we think about creating communities within rental spaces, cohousing is actually particularly popular among older tenants who are looking for a sense of community and companionship.

Here are some tips and advice for landlords looking to create cohousing communities:

• Look for a property that has enough space to accommodate communal areas. Ideally, the property should be located in a neighbourhood with good access to public transportation, community facilities, and amenities.

• Encourage tenants to socialise and interact with each other by hosting events like meals, game nights, and movie screenings. This can help to build a sense of community and create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Design communal spaces that are comfortable and inviting, with plenty of seating and areas for socialising. Consider incorporating features like shared gardens, rooftop terraces, or communal kitchens to encourage tenants to spend time together.

• Establish guidelines for how the community will operate, including rules for using communal spaces, resolving conflicts, and managing shared expenses. This can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the community runs smoothly.

• Depending on the scale of your community, consider hiring a community manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the community, including managing shared expenses, organising events, and resolving conflicts. This can help to ensure that the community runs smoothly and that tenants feel supported.

By creating a cohousing community, landlords can offer tenants a unique living experience that fosters a sense of community and companionship. 

‍Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating natural elements such as plants, water features, and natural light into building design. This trend is becoming increasingly popular in HMO design as landlords begin to recognise the benefits of creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have a positive impact on tenants' mental and physical health. Biophilic design can help to reduce stress levels, improve air quality, and increase productivity.

If you're looking to achieve this within your HMOs, it doesn't have to break the bank!

• Incorporate real plants in your space – or encourage your tenants to work on their green thumb

• Design your space with natural light as a priority – using skylights, glass doors, and large windows if you're doing building works, and positioning furniture and rooms around these well-lit areas

• Consider investing in a suitable and relaxing garden area, that offers your tenant outdoor space to relax

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In conclusion, the future of HMO design is exciting and full of possibilities!

By embracing emerging trends such as flexible spaces, smart homes, sustainability, cohousing, and biophilic design, we can create properties that are not only attractive to tenants but also environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically sustainable.

As the HMO market continues to grow, we should definitely expect to see more innovative and creative design solutions that cater to the changing needs of tenants. So watch this space!

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