A new trade body is being set up which describes itself as a national network of property managers, specialising in the management of HMOs. 

It’s associated with the invitation-only Federation of Independent Agents and is being launched with 10 founder members.

It’s been set up by Neil Baldock, director at Essex-based agency group Charles David Casson. 

“For years HMO management has been seen as the poor end of the industry with poor quality properties and a lack of respect for agents managing these types of property” says Baldock.

“However this is a very outdated view and with the rise in demand for co-living and shared accommodation the quality of accommodation on offer is superb amongst our agents and this is a highly profitable area of business if done well.” 

He continues: “Having managed HMO property for the last 11 years now I saw a gap in the market where landlords could often not find an agent willing to manage their HMO’s or one with the right level of experience. 

“The HMO Network has been formed to build a network of quality and vetted agents that landlords can trust with their property management needs. We have already started generating leads from landlords asking us to find them an agent in a particular area”. 

A statement from the new group says: “Independent agents are invited to join the network by application only and must prove they have the right credentials and insurances in place to ensure a high quality network of agents that landlords and property investors can trust.” 

Current members are in Chelmsford, Colchester, Canterbury, Ashford, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Cambridge, Peterborough, Leeds, Hull, Selby & Goole and Liverpool.

Baldock says more details are available from [email protected]