Should You Go HMO in Stoke? What the Numbers Say in 2025

If you’re a landlord looking to maximise rental income in 2025, chances are you’ve considered HMOs — and Stoke-on-Trent has probably popped up on your radar.

Known for its affordability, large working population, and high rental demand, Stoke has long been a hotspot for HMO investors. But with interest rates, compliance costs and the Renters Reform Bill changing the landscape — is it still worth going HMO in Stoke?

At NUVO Lettings, we manage our own portfolio across Cheshire and Staffordshire, including multiple HMOs in Stoke. Here’s what we’re seeing on the ground — and what the data says in 2025.

HMO Room Demand in Stoke is Still Strong — But More Selective

In Q1 and Q2 2025, we’ve seen consistent demand for:

• En-suite and well-presented rooms near Royal Stoke Hospital

• Affordable rooms in Shelton (student and professional overlap)

• Modern house shares in Hartshill, Basford and Festival Park

• Proximity to bus routes, parking and decent broadband = key decision drivers

Tenants are still looking — but they’re more discerning. Outdated rooms, poor-quality photos, or slow response times will get ignored.

Room Rates in Stoke (2025 Averages We’re Seeing):

• Basic single room: £350–£395

• Standard double: £400–£450

• En-suite double: £475–£525+

• Premium/studio-style en-suites: £550+

In some cases, a 4-bed HMO is grossing £1,800–£2,000/month, depending on spec and location — often double the income of a single let in the same area.

Typical HMO Setup Costs in Stoke

If you’re starting from scratch, budget for:

• Cosmetic refurb & furnishing: £8,000–£12,000

• Fire safety compliance (alarms, doors, extinguishers): £3,000–£6,000

• Licensing (if 5+ tenants): approx. £500–£900

• Legals, planning (if needed), and setup costs: varies

So yes — there’s upfront investment. But if done properly, your break-even point often hits within 18–24 months.

Biggest Mistakes We See First-Time HMO Landlords Make in Stoke

• Overpaying for unsuitable properties (wrong layout or licensing issues)

• Underestimating compliance work

• Choosing the wrong agent or trying to self-manage without systems

• Not budgeting for ongoing maintenance or furniture replacements

• Trying to run “luxury” HMOs without enough demand for the area

We’ve seen landlords lose money not because the HMO model is broken — but because they approached it without strategy or support.

When Does an HMO Make Sense in Stoke?

✅ You already own a house in the right location (e.g. ST1–ST4)

✅ You’re willing to invest in a quality refurb

✅ You want to increase monthly cash flow instead of capital growth

✅ You’ve got a plan for management (yourself or a proper letting agent)

If those boxes are ticked — Stoke can still be an excellent HMO market.

When Might a Single Let Be Safer?

If you:

❌ Want minimal involvement

❌ Have no appetite for refurbs or ongoing maintenance

❌ Don’t want to navigate licensing and compliance

❌ Aren’t based locally and don’t want to manage remotely

In that case, a single let may suit you better — or you might want to partner with a letting agent who can deliver full HMO management for you.

Our Verdict: HMOs in Stoke Still Stack — With the Right Strategy

At NUVO Lettings, we still invest in and manage HMOs in Stoke because they work. But we also say no to setups that don’t make sense.

We’re not here to sell the dream. We’re here to run the numbers.

Thinking About an HMO in Stoke? Let’s Run the Maths

📞 Book a free viability call

📧 Or email us a property link and we’ll tell you — yes or no

Because sometimes the best investment isn’t another property — it’s a smarter plan.