What article 4 areas mean for HMO investors

September 15, 2025

Article 4 applies in areas where the local council enforces stricter planning rules to control the conversion of houses into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Normally, you can convert a house into a small HMO without planning permission under permitted development rights. Article 4 removes those rights, so you must apply for planning permission even for small HMOs.

What this means for investors and developers

Article 4 brings both opportunities and challenges. If you already own an HMO that existed before Article 4 came into effect, you can keep operating it. This reduces competition from new HMOs and increases tenant demand because fewer properties qualify as HMOs in the area.

If you plan to develop a new HMO, you need to submit a planning application and the council will decide whether to approve or refuse it.

Why Article 4 areas attract investors

These restrictions often create strong investment opportunities. We currently offer one HMO investment for sale in an Article 4 area. Since no one has developed new HMOs nearby for some time, demand far exceeds supply.

The property sits near central Doncaster, comes fully tenanted, and includes full management. You can view it by clicking here.