An interview with Neil Walton from award-winning house share management company, The HMO Guys

Greater Manchester’s rental market continues to surge as the city’s population grows, and more people choose to rent than ever before. The region has become one of the UK’s most renter-heavy areas, driven by a strong mix of students and young professionals, improved transport links, and a limited supply of quality housing. With demand consistently outpacing availability, co-living has become an increasingly attractive option for those seeking affordable, well-managed accommodation that offers both comfort and convenience.
 
Operating across Salford, Manchester, Bury, Tameside, Stockport and Macclesfield, co-living specialists The HMO Guys understand the needs of modern renters better than anyone. The award-winning house share management company currently boasts more than 670 managed rooms within its portfolio and have a further 126 rooms on the way. We spoke to their managing director and founder, Neil Walton, to find out more.
 
What services do The HMO Guys provide?
 
We let rooms for you to make home! There is nowhere more important than where we call home. A place to sleep, a place to be comfortable, a place to be yourself, and a place to relax after a long day at work. Having a safe and comfortable place to live is beneficial to wellbeing, career success and achievement of personal goals. We strive to provide tenants with well managed, well maintained, and comfortable homes. Homes that are designed with a tenant in-mind.
 
What does your average tenant journey look like?
 
First of all, give us a call and let us get looking at some rooms! We would encourage you to see rooms in person where you can – and if you are local, we will insist on this. If you are moving from further afield, we can facilitate FaceTime and WhatsApp video call viewings. Once you have decided on the room for you, let us know – you can speak to your viewer or call the office. Don’t wait around too long on this part as rooms let quickly. Rooms are usually taken within two bookings so don’t wait around as we wouldn’t like you to be disappointed.
 
To reserve a room, you will have to pay a holding deposit (usually £100) and fill out the application forms. The holding deposit goes towards your first rent once referencing is all finished. Once the referencing process is finished, our team will contact you to arrange your move in. You will pay your security deposit and first rent (which is pro-rata) the day before you move in and we will meet you at the property with keys.
 
What types of rooms do you offer?
 
We provide rooms for the young professional market such as first and second jobbers, and new graduates. Our rooms are typically en suite and newly refurbished. 
 
Should any maintenance issues arise in the property, how can you help?
 
We have a dedicated property management and maintenance team as well as a sister company who offers maintenance services.
 
The property market is always changing and grows more complex with each passing year. How have you been able to adapt to this?
 
We use a lot of automation and invest heavily in staff training and education. All of our team are ARLA qualified or studying towards their ARLA qualification. 
 
Do you have any exciting upcoming developments or future projects?
 
We currently have two 12-bed properties being developed in Stockport town centre. 

To find the perfect room in Greater Manchester, get in touch with The HMO Guys today by visiting www.thehmoguys.com.