Bournemouth is a popular seaside town on the South Coast of England, known for its sandy beaches, tourism economy, and vibrant student population. With a population of around 190,000 people, it offers a mix of coastal lifestyle and urban convenience, making it an appealing choice for HMO investment.
Why invest in HMOs in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth has long attracted property investors thanks to its strong rental demand from students, young professionals, and seasonal workers. The town is home to Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, drawing in thousands of students each year. Its thriving hospitality, digital, and care sectors also provide a steady demand from working professionals.
Bournemouth has an Article 4 direction in place, which means planning permission is required to convert family homes into small HMOs in certain areas. While this adds a layer of complexity, it also creates a level of scarcity, making compliant HMOs more valuable and protected from oversaturation. More on this below.
Universities
Universities are a cornerstone of HMO demand, and Bournemouth has two major institutions:
These universities attract both domestic and international students, with many continuing to live and work in the town after graduation which fuels ongoing demand for affordable shared accommodation.
The student letting season typically kicks off in January and February, with a second wave between July and September when late arrivals and international students search for housing.
Economic Activity
Beyond its student population, Bournemouth supports a growing workforce in sectors like tech, care work, digital media, and hospitality. The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and Royal Bournemouth Hospital are major employers, while the Silicon South cluster continues to grow Bournemouth’s reputation in digital industries.
Many professionals opt for HMOs as a more affordable and social living option, particularly in areas close to work or transport hubs.
Transport Links
Bournemouth benefits from strong transport infrastructure:
A central railway station with direct trains to London Waterloo in under 2 hours
Good road access via the A338 and A31, linking to the M27 and M3
In BCP Council’s FAQs on why the Article 4 direction is in place, it states the following:
“The Council, along with others across the country, have been aware of tensions surrounding the concentration of HMO properties. Commonly university and coastal towns experience higher rates of HMOs and consequently higher rates of associated negative impacts on the amenities of local residents and on the character of the area.[…] The provision of HMO’s does however make a contribution to the stock of affordable and private rented sector housing.”
The council assesses HMO applications against local planning policies and looks closely at the concentration of HMOs in the surrounding area, particularly within a 50-metre radius. A high density of existing HMOs may lead to refusals under community balance guidelines.
Despite the Article 4 direction, the HMO Checker HMO Planning Permission Tool shows that there are many instances where C4 to C4 or Sui Generis applications have been granted:
BCP Council is still approving new HMO conversions within Article 4 areas, provided the applications meet their criteria. Their policy states that a change of use from a dwellinghouse to a use class C4 HMO will only be permitted where no more than 10% of dwellings in the area within 100 metres of the application property are within a use class C4 or sui generis HMO. Tools like HMO Checker can be used to review HMO density for your elected investment property against this criteria, as in the screenshot below.
HMO Licensing in Bournemouth
In line with national rules, all HMOs with 5 or more occupants from more than one household sharing amenities must have a mandatory HMO licence.
In Bournemouth, there is no additional licensing scheme currently in place for smaller HMOs (3-4 tenants), unlike in some other towns and cities. However, this is subject to change, so it’s important to check the BCP Council website regularly for any updates.
The first stage is related to the fee required when the application is made, and the second stage is in line with the notice of intention to grant a licence.
The council also carries out inspections and expects licensed HMOs to meet specific standards in terms of fire safety, amenities, and property management.
Bournemouth HMO Rental Yields
Thanks to strong demand and a constrained housing supply in many areas, Bournemouth HMOs can achieve yields of between 7% and 12%, depending on location, tenant type, and property condition. Standard buy-to-let yields are at around 4.6% according to property data.
Yields for professional HMOs tend to be higher than student HMOs in the central zones, especially where high-spec finishes and en-suites are provided.
Best Areas to Invest In
Winton & Charminster
Best for: Student HMOs
These areas are close to the main university campuses and benefit from excellent bus routes and local amenities. Winton High Street has supermarkets, takeaways, and pubs that cater well to the student population.
Boscombe & Springbourne
Best for: Mixed student and professional HMOs
These areas are slightly more affordable than Winton and still offer good access to both the beach and central Bournemouth. Boscombe in particular is seeing regeneration investment, which may boost future capital growth.
Lansdowne & East Cliff
Best for: Young professional HMOs
Centrally located, close to the train station and beach, these neighbourhoods attract professionals working in digital and hospitality sectors. Higher property prices but also higher achievable rents.
Kinson & Ensbury Park
Best for: Budget HMOs
Located slightly further from the town centre, these areas offer better entry prices for investors. Transport links are still strong and there’s steady demand from working tenants.
Finding the Best HMO Investment Property in Bournemouth
If you’re researching HMO opportunities in Bournemouth, your due diligence should include:
Checking if the property falls within an Article 4 area
Reviewing recent planning approvals or refusals nearby
Understanding the local HMO density
Estimating achievable rent vs purchase and refurb costs
We recommend using HMO Checker, a tool that lets you enter a specific property address and get an overview of planning risks, density stats, estimated yields, and approval likelihood—all without needing to contact the council directly.
New users get 2 free credits to try it out(no credit card required!). Go there now >
Final Takeaways from HMO Investment in Bournemouth
To summarise, Bournemouth is a strong contender for HMO investment thanks to a blend of high rental demand, a stable economy, and relatively high yields.
Key takeaways:
High demand from students and professionals ensures consistent occupancy
Article 4 restrictions limit supply, boosting the value of compliant HMOs
Planning approval is still possible in Article 4 zones, but care is needed
Licensing is straightforward for larger HMOs, with fewer restrictions on smaller ones
Proximity to universities, transport, and local amenities is crucial for tenant demand
If you’re exploring HMO opportunities in Bournemouth, feel free to reach out for expert support. We’ve helped many investors navigate local rules and grow successful HMO portfolios.
