When your company needs professional accommodation in Bicester, whether for a project team, relocating employees, or extended business travel, the default choice is usually a hotel or Airb&b. However, there is a more efficient solution gaining traction: corporate housing in Bicester that actually feels like home.

At B-Hive Living, we offer a superior alternative. Our self-living spaces provide everything a professional needs for an extended stay, combining the privacy of a private flat with the flexibility that modern businesses require.

The Limitations of Traditional Business Travel

Hotels are adequate for a night or two. But when searching for serviced apartments in Bicester for weeks or months, hotel limitations become a drain on resources. You often pay premium rates for cramped rooms, eat every meal out, and work from a desk squeezed next to a bed.

For employees, “living out of a suitcase” takes a mental toll. Productivity and morale often drop when there is no space to settle in. From a finance perspective, the hidden costs of room service and laundry fees add up faster than most departments would like.

A Superior Alternative: Living, Not Just Staying

B-Hive Living offers fully furnished studios and private flats designed to change the equation. Unlike a standard room, our business accommodation in Bicester includes:

• Private En-suite Bathrooms: Total privacy for every resident.
• Fully Equipped Kitchens: The ability to cook healthy, home-made meals.
• Dedicated Workspaces: Room for video calls without sitting on the bed.
• On-site Laundry: Maintain a routine without hotel service charges.
• Access to a curated international vetted community and a regular calendar of events.

It’s the difference between existing somewhere temporarily and actually living there.

Professional Standards vs. Managed-by-Owner Uncertainty

While platforms like Airbnb are often the next stop after hotels, they frequently fall short for long-term corporate needs. For stays of a month or more, Airbnb’s “service fees” and cleaning charges can inflate the nightly rate to a point that exceeds even luxury hotels. 

Beyond the cost, there is the issue of consistency; a private host’s idea of “high-speed Wi-Fi” or “laptop-friendly workspace” often falls short of professional standards. B-Hive Living eliminates the unpredictability of the gig economy. We provide a managed, professional environment with transparent corporate billing, reliable infrastructure, and a consistent quality of service that an individual host simply cannot guarantee.

Flexible Housing Built for Modern Business

We understand that corporate needs are fluid. Timelines shift, and projects extend. Our approach to corporate rentals in Oxfordshire is built around this reality. Whether you are housing a project team for three months, providing a base for a relocating manager, or covering an extended training programme, B-Hive Living fits your situation perfectly.

Your team shouldn’t have to compromise on their well-being while delivering important work. If you are looking for corporate housing in Bicester that genuinely supports your business and your people, let’s talk.

Apply to live with us here 

About B-Hive Living: B-Hive Living is a multi-award-winning coliving brand, operator, and asset manager with a strong focus on wellness-driven design and tech-enhanced operations. Our mission is to empower professional renters to lead a more connected, healthy, and fulfilling life. This relentless focus on our residents’ well-being ensures sustained demand wherever we operate. For more information, visit www.b-hiveliving.com or contact info@b-hiveliving.com.

Searching for rooms for couples for rent in Bicester? You’ve probably noticed the rental market here is surprisingly competitive. As Bicester grows, thanks to Bicester Village, strong transport links and steady job opportunities, quality accommodation for couples has become increasingly hard to find.

Piyush and Rachel, a couple living at B-Hive Living, put it perfectly: “One of the biggest hurdles has been finding spaces that cater to the specific needs of couples. Many places either don’t fit our needs or come at an exorbitant cost.”

This tension, between wanting independence and affordability, privacy and community, is something a growing number of couples in Bicester are navigating.

Why Finding Rooms for Couples for Rent Is So Difficult

Most rental rooms in Bicester are designated for single occupancy only. Landlord preferences and licensing restrictions mean couple-friendly rooms are genuinely rare, leaving you with very few suitable choices. As one couple told us: “It often felt like the market wasn’t built with couples in mind.”

Even when you do find a room, there’s another challenge: a space designed for one person rarely works for two. Couples need more storage, more floor space, quiet zones for remote work, and better soundproofing. Without these, even a newly renovated room can feel cramped or stressful. As Piyush and Rachel shared: “Finding something economically well-suited, with space to live comfortably together, made all the difference.”

Then there’s the balancing act between privacy and community. Couples want a space that feels like their own sanctuary, but they also appreciate opportunities to socialise and feel part of something. The problem? Most shared houses don’t strike that balance well, leaving you feeling either isolated or constantly “on show.”

And finally, affordability. The few couple-friendly rooms that do exist typically cost significantly more because they’re larger, rarer, and utilities increase with two occupants. Many couples end up compromising on budget, comfort or location, none of which supports a stable home life.

What Couples Actually Need

From speaking with couples in our B-Hive Living communities, a clear picture emerges. Couples want privacy that genuinely feels like home, a retreat, not a compromise. They want community on their own terms, with social opportunities that don’t require them to be “on” all the time. They need flexibility as life evolves, whether that’s changing jobs, starting new hobbies, or growing a business.

Quality matters too. Couples want modern, well-maintained spaces without the stress of difficult landlords or noisy housemates. And they want thoughtful design: communal lounges, gardens, and coworking nooks they can enjoy when they choose, with the option to retreat into peace when they need it.

The truth is, there’s a significant gap in Bicester between single-occupancy rooms and family-sized homes, leaving couples competing in an ill-fitting market. But that’s finally changing.

A Better Solution: Purpose-Built Flats for Couples in Bicester

At B-Hive Living, we’ve designed what we call Self-Living spaces—homes that blend privacy with community, independence with connection, specifically for couples.

Our latest development, Wise Court, offers fully furnished studios and private flats designed with couples in mind. Each space includes en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, spacious layouts with clever storage, and access to peaceful shared areas and private parking. We’ve also curated an international community with regular events, so you can connect with neighbours when you want to, and enjoy your privacy when you don’t.

It’s built to give couples the space, stability and comfort to grow together—without sacrificing connection or financial clarity.

Find Your Home Together

If you’re searching for rooms or flats for couples for rent in Bicester, prioritise a space that respects your privacy, supports your ambitions, and grows with you. The right home should make life easier, not more complicated.

Wise Court opens this month—thoughtfully designed for couples from the ground up, not adapted as an afterthought. It’s where privacy, comfort and community finally exist in perfect balance.

Book your tour: anton@b-hiveliving.com

About B-Hive Living: B-Hive Living is a multi-award-winning coliving brand, operator, and asset manager with a strong focus on wellness-driven design and tech-enhanced operations. Our mission is to empower professional renters to lead a more connected, healthy, and fulfilling life. This relentless focus on our residents’ well-being ensures sustained demand wherever we operate. For more information, visit www.b-hiveliving.com or contact info@b-hiveliving.com.

Oxford – the premium market for Coliving HMO investment in the UK

Location, location, location is a popular cliché in property investment for a good reason. It’s sound advice – except for one thing: most people struggle to select the right location for their HMO investment.

Location is paramount in the world of HMO and property investment in general and in this article, we will look at a real location example – Oxford.  Few places hold as much potential as Oxford when it comes to Coliving HMO investment.

Coliving – more than an enhanced form of HMO

But before we jump into that, let us briefly explain the difference between a traditional HMO and a Coliving HMO. House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has been a popular investment strategy in which a house or flat is split into rooms and let by different tenants separately, providing investors with lower void rate and higher yield from multiple streams of income. Coliving HMO is an evolution of this strategy where progressive investors and operators layer design, services, technology and unique community experience to offer a superior product, achieving an even higher yield and pound per sqm than traditional HMOs. 

In summary, Coiving HMOs are expected to offer more than the typical HMO given their focus on design, convenience and community and achieve a better return, as a result.

Why does location matter so much?

Let’s start with the basics. When investing in Coliving HMO, you will most certainly have to alter the property in many ways, but you cannot change its location. Locations are also not static – they are constantly changing, and they may evolve to become more or less desirable affecting the rental demand for your property. 

As for the rest, it’s a simple case of supply and demand. Coliving HMOs in locations with limited supply and abundant demand usually appreciates quicker, giving you a better return on investment. That’s why location is often the single most important factor in property investment as it has a direct impact on your property’s value, rental yield and capital appreciation potential.

Choosing a place to invest in a Coliving HMO isn’t a subjective matter as when you buy a home to live in. It’s based on a fairly static set of attributes like local market trends and demand, accessibility, access to amenities, local economy and job market and more. This is particularly true for Coliving HMOs which are mainly rented by professional tenants.

What makes Oxford a great location for Coliving HMO investment? 

Oxford is a major economic hub with many world-class universities, research centres and companies able to sustain demand and ensure sustainable capital growth for your Coliving HMO investment. Here are a few reasons why Oxford is a great location to invest in.

Constrained Supply

The availability of rental properties in Oxford is relatively limited, contributing to its investment appeal. The city has enjoyed strong population and employment growth in recent years. Yet, the housing supply has failed to keep up, which has contributed to steady rental growth in Oxford with the city commanding a 15% premium over other locations in Oxfordshire.

Diverse & Abundant Tenant Base

Oxford is home to almost 5,000 businesses providing around 113,900 jobs in addition to a large student population of over 40,000. 62% of the city’s population is of working age with an average salary over £ 40K p.a. At B-Hive Living, we cater for expat professionals from a diverse range of leading industries, from engineering to biotech. This dynamic economic cluster ensures a steady flow of new renters, a consistent occupancy rate and ultimately a resilient stream of income.

Rising Rental Yields

According to a recent Aldermore report, Oxford is one of the top three cities in the UK with great potential for landlords to invest (together with Bristol and Cambridge). Rental yields for Oxford HMO properties are on an upward trajectory, making it an attractive investment option. This means investors can expect to see their returns grow over time. 

Many techniques can help you to choose the right location and strategy to invest in, yet there is no substitute for local knowledge. As an award-winning HMO coliving developer and operator in Oxfordshire, we have a decade of experience and in-depth know-how of building and managing the best properties locally and delivering the best tenant experience and rental yields in Oxford and beyond. 

Do not hesitate to get in touch. We will help you refine, develop and manage your next coliving investment.

At B-Hive Living, we’ve been at the forefront of the coliving movement since its inception having won multiple national and international awards for our innovative business model and best-in-class management practices. Whether you wish to make your first step into property investment in 2024 or have a traditional HMO or building in Oxford and surrounding areas you wish to reposition as a professionally managed coliving asset, we’re here to support you every step of the way through our know-how, technology and innovative business model. 

Williams Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of B-Hive Living – a multi-award winning coliving brand, operator and asset manager of coliving properties with a strong track record of best-in-class design, investment and management practices. Our mission is to empower professional renters to lead a more connected, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle through co-living. This relentless focus on our residents’ well-being ensures a sustained demand wherever we operate.

London, September 2024 – B-Hive Living, the trailblazing UK developer and operator of coliving spaces, has proudly received the Best User & Community Experience Award at the 2024 Coliving Awards held in Amsterdam. This prestigious accolade marks the second consecutive year that B-Hive Living has been recognized with this honour on both a global and UK level.

Celebrating Excellence in Coliving

Williams Johnson Mota, CEO and Co-Founder of B-Hive Living, accepted the award, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence. “We are deeply honoured to receive the Best User & Community Experience Award for the second year in a row,” said Johnson. 

“This recognition highlights our enduring commitment to delivering a life-enhancing rental experience and high level of service to our residents in an industry where the tenant’s wellbeing are all too often overlooked. We’re however fully devoted to our mission to foster meaningful connections among our residents and empower them to lead a more fulfilling lifestyle through our innovative community engagement strategies and technology which we see as key to the long-term sustainability and resilience of our business model” 

 

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Leading the Charge in Coliving Innovation

As coliving continues to gain momentum among millennial and GenZ professional renters in the UK who are now the largest consumers of rental housing in the country, B-Hive Living ethos and standards continue to set them apart based on their strong focus on community engagement, wellness led interior design and technological integration. In a market where housing standards and service quality often fall short of tenant’s expectations, B-Hive Living’s exceptional commitment to elevating the quality of life of their residents and meeting their evolving needs continues to place them on a league of their own in the UK and the international build-to-rent market.

B-Hive Living’s award-winning properties, located primarily in Oxfordshire in the UK, are designed to enhance residents’ quality of life, health, and well-being. These recent accolades reinforce B-Hive Living’s status as a leader in the coliving sector, celebrating their innovative approach to creating high-quality living environments and thriving communities.

B-Hive Living’s spacious shared spaces encourage socialising, making connections, and productive work. Technology is used to boost connections within the community and enable efficient communication.

A Commitment to Excellence in Customer ExperienB-Hive Living Crowned Best Global Coliving Community: A Winning Experience

Since its inception in Bicester, Oxfordshire, B-Hive Living has grown into an international leader in coliving. Despite challenges in the UK’s private rental sector, the company continues to set itself apart with rental units that exceed national spatial standards and offer a range of benefits to residents.

Lodewijk van Grootel, Chief Judge of the Coliving Awards, commended B-Hive Living’s distinctive approach, stating: 

“The presentation highlighted a great variety of activities both within the communities and focusing on the local environment and the world. I was very impressed by the innovative methods used to measure community activation and resident engagement. These methods while advanced maintained a personal approach which is important for an activated community. The mission to bring the right people together has resulted in a very well thought out vetting process. The impressive result of 93% of residents feeling connected within the community is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach. Their OKR (Objectives and Key Results) system showcases real dedication to creating seamless resident experiences and ensuring operational excellence. The focus on team member satisfaction and development is clearly reflected in the positive experiences of the residents. This alignment between team well-being and resident satisfaction is a critical factor in the overall success of the community.”

Looking Ahead

As a multi-award-winning company, B-Hive Living has previously been recognized as the UK Winner for Best Community Experience at the HMO Awards for 2022/2023/2024, and as the global leader in User & Community Experience at the Coliving Awards 2023. The company’s future plans include expanding both domestically and internationally. B-Hive Living is actively seeking private and institutional partners to extend their innovative coliving model to a broader audience and new locations.

For more information, please contact:
Email: info@b-hiveliving.com

For press inquiries, please reach out to:
B-Hive Living Marketing Team
Email: marketing@b-hiveliving.com

About B-Hive Living: B-Hive Living is a multi-award-winning coliving brand, operator, and asset manager with a strong focus on wellness-driven design and tech-enhanced operation. Our mission is to empower professional renters to lead a more connected, healthy, and fulfilling life. This relentless focus on our residents’ well-being ensures sustained demand wherever we operate. For more information, visit www.b-hiveliving.com or contact marketing@b-hiveliving.com.

As we head into 2025, coliving is evolving rapidly to meet the changing needs of today’s renters. From the rise of remote work to the increasing role of technology in everyday life, here are our top 6 coliving trends shaping the future of shared living in 2025.

1. Hybrid Coliving for Remote Workers

Remote work is here to stay, and coliving spaces are adapting to this shift. In 2025, expect to see even more hybrid coliving models that combine affordable housing with the convenience of workspaces. These spaces will feature high-speed internet, private offices, and collaboration areas, catering to remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads. Events and networking opportunities will be built into these communities to foster both productivity and social interaction.

2. Coliving as cost-effective way to reuse office buildings

Reports shows that some big cities have been grappling with high office vacancy rates in their central business districts after businesses cut costs and remote work took hold post pandemic. While a number of large downtown office buildings aren’t well-suited to be transformed economically into conventional apartments because of poorly located plumbing for bathrooms and kitchens, microunits with bathrooms smaller than the average studio apartment along former office perimeters with centrally located kitchens, laundry and other common areas could be a lower-cost approach.

3. AI-Driven Personalization

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in coliving spaces. In 2025, AI will be used to further personalise the living experience by analysing resident preferences and behaviours. From recommending events based on interests to optimising energy consumption through smart systems, AI will enhance convenience, sustainability, and resident satisfaction. AI chatbots will provide customers with personalised assistance and enhanced experience by fostering better communication and convenience. AI tools will also improve operational efficiencies with administrative duties like managing bookings and payments to community-related activities such as event planning and resident support services.

4. Wellness-Centred Living

As mental and physical health become top priorities, wellness-focused coliving spaces will take centre stage in 2025. These spaces will include on-site fitness centres, yoga studios, and meditation rooms, as well as access to mental health resources. Communal kitchens will cater to healthy eating, and outdoor spaces will provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Coliving will be as much about holistic wellbeing as it is about affordability and community. If you are curious about mental health and coliving you can download this free e-book here.

5. Flexible Leases and Room Customization

Flexibility is the name of the game in 2025. Modular leasing will become the norm, allowing residents to adjust their stays as their needs change, whether for a few weeks or several months. Room customization options will also be a big trend, with residents able to personalise their spaces with flexible furniture or decor. This will cater to the growing desire for both autonomy and community in shared living environments.

6. Sustainable and Smart Living

With the UK committed to reaching net zero by 2050, sustainability will continue to be a top priority in coliving spaces, with smart technologies designed to reduce energy consumption and promote eco-friendly living. In 2025, we can expect solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving systems to be standard in most coliving developments. Smart home features like app-controlled lighting, climate control, and security will make shared living more convenient and sustainable, aligning with the growing demand for greener lifestyles.

As we move into 2025, the coliving sector will evolve in exciting ways. Hybrid workspaces, re-purposed office building, AI-driven personalization, wellness-focused designs, flexible leasing options, and sustainability will define the future of shared living. For residents, this means more convenience, better experiences, and a stronger sense of community. 

These coliving trends demonstrate the adaptability and innovation at the heart of coliving, offering a glimpse into a future where shared spaces are tailored to meet diverse needs and lifestyles.

At B-Hive Living, we’ve been at the forefront of the coliving movement since its inception having won multiple national and international awards for our innovative business model and best-in-class management practices. Whether you wish to make your first step into property investment in 2025 or have a traditional HMO or building you wish to reposition as a professionally managed coliving asset, we’re here to support you every step of the way through our know-how, technology and innovative business model. Get in touch today!

Technology as a Catalyst for HMO Management Excellence

At B-Hive Living, we’ve built our reputation as a multi-award-winning company that sets new benchmarks in the HMO management and coliving sectors. As the only company to hold both the UK and global Community Experience Awards, including the prestigious 2024 Coliving Award for Best User and Community Experience, we’ve demonstrated that a relentless focus on tenant wellbeing and customer experience drives real success. Central to this achievement is our strategic use of technology to enhance the tenant experience and build vibrant communities.

Streamlined Communication and Support through Our Dedicated App

As one of the leading names in HMO management, we understand that clear, efficient communication is key to a positive tenant experience. Our award-winning B-Hive Living app is designed to simplify communication between tenants and our management team. Whether tenants need to report a maintenance issue, book extra services, or ask a question, our app allows for real-time communication, reducing delays and stress.

For us, this streamlined, tech-driven support system isn’t just about solving problems quickly—it’s about creating a seamless living experience that makes tenants feel cared for. This level of service, powered by technology, is one of the reasons why we’ve been recognised for providing the best community experience in both the UK and globally.

The B-Hive app activates everyone in our Hive spaces, fostering real-time relationships and brand loyalty.

Fostering Community Connections

At B-Hive Living, we know that a strong sense of community is essential in HMO management, and our app is specifically designed to facilitate meaningful connections. Before even moving in, tenants can browse profiles of their future housemates, learning about their professional backgrounds, hobbies, and interests. This feature makes the transition to a new home smoother, helping tenants feel welcomed and reducing feelings of isolation—particularly for those relocating to new areas for work.

Our app also functions as a social platform, enabling tenants to sign up for our regular community events or resident-led activities. This fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which directly impacts tenant happiness and retention.

Personalised Living Spaces with Smart Technology

Comfort and convenience are paramount in our approach to HMO management. Our app-based heating system, for example, allows tenants to control the temperature of their individual rooms remotely, tailoring their living spaces to suit their lifestyle and routines. This feature not only adds a level of comfort but also supports sustainability by optimising energy use—an important factor for our environmentally conscious residents.

Beyond heating, simple yet impactful features like dimmable lighting and personalised room settings further enhance the living experience. By integrating smart home technology, we ensure our tenants have greater control over their environment, creating a living space that feels uniquely theirs.

Supporting Local Engagement through Digital Perks

Building strong, vibrant communities goes beyond the home—it extends into the surrounding neighbourhood. Through our app, we partner with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts on services such as cafes, gyms, and transportation. This initiative not only benefits tenants by making them feel more connected to their local area but also supports local independent businesses, creating a win-win situation for both parties.

Our use of technology to strengthen ties between our residents and local retailers has been a key factor in our success and recognition in HMO management. Tenants appreciate the added value, and this community integration is a big reason why 80% of our residents report feeling more connected since moving into our properties.

Data-Driven Decision Making for Continuous Improvement

In today’s fast-paced rental market, staying competitive means continuously improving the tenant experience. Our app provides valuable insights into tenant behaviour, preferences, and needs, allowing us to make data-driven decisions. From monitoring how often shared spaces are used to understanding common maintenance requests, this data helps us fine-tune our offerings and ensure we’re meeting tenant expectations.

This focus on using data to improve service delivery has not only enhanced tenant satisfaction but also contributed to the operational efficiency of our HMO management. By anticipating needs and addressing issues before they escalate, we maintain higher retention rates and fewer vacancies, solidifying our leadership position in the market.

Williams Johnson, co-founder and director of B-Hive Living, collecting the award for the world’s best User and Community Experience at the global Coliving Awards 2024 in Amsterdam for a second consecutive year.

Future-Proofing HMO Management through Innovation

Our success in HMO and coliving management has been driven by our commitment to innovation. As we look ahead, we continue to explore new ways to use technology to improve the tenant experience. From virtual property tours to automated lease renewals, we’re continuously enhancing our service to stay ahead of the curve.

This relentless pursuit of innovation is why B-Hive Living remains the only company to hold both UK and global Community Experience Awards. By embracing new technologies, we not only improve the tenant experience but also ensure our properties remain at the forefront of the rental market.

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Conclusion: Technology as a Catalyst for HMO Management Excellence

At B-Hive Living, our status as a multi-award-winning company, recognised globally for our commitment to community experience, is proof that technology plays a pivotal role in modern HMO management. From streamlined communication and personalised smart living to fostering connections and supporting local businesses, technology enables us to offer an unrivalled living experience.

If you’re managing an HMO or looking to elevate your rental properties, adopting technology is key to staying competitive. By integrating smart solutions, fostering community engagement, and continuously improving through data, you can not only enhance tenant satisfaction but also boost your business’s profitability and long-term success.

Get in touch today and discover how we can help you achieve hassle-free success with your HMO investment!

About the author: Williams Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of B-Hive Living – a multi-award winning coliving brand, operator and asset manager of coliving properties with a strong track record of best-in-class design, investment and management practices. Our mission is to empower professional renters to lead a more connected, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle through co-living. This relentless focus on our residents’ well-being ensures a sustained demand wherever we operate.

The Labour Party has won a landslide victory in the 2024 general election, securing more than half of the votes and 400 seats in parliament. After 14 years of Conservative rule, the Labour Party will take control of the country with their largest majority in 200 years and it surely begs the question, “What does this mean for property HMO investment and the UK rental market?”.

Over the past decade, the UK property market has demonstrated resilience in the face of political and economic challenges. A perfect example of that was the COVID-19 pandemic when coliving and HMO investors and managers had to adapt overnight to the furlough scheme and many other regulatory changes to contain the pandemic, and as the economy recovered they were again well placed to leverage the opportunities of a rising rental market.

Yet, political party shifts have always proven to significantly influence the property investment landscape and coliving and HMO investors and managers are right to be cautious as each and every new government brings new challenges and opportunities through new political developments, economic policies, and regulatory changes. So, the critical question every property investor is gripping with right now is – will this Labour government be beneficial for HMO investment or will it hamper the coliving rental market?

Looking ahead, while it’s too early to understand what the new Labour government will actually do in practice till they unveil their first set of policy decisions and budget, we’ve done our utmost to look at what has been said and the Labour’s party’s manifesto to give you 5 key areas the new Labour government will most likely impact the HMO investment and the rental market in Oxfordshire going forward.

More houses, More opportunities

 

The new Labour government pledges to build 1.5 million houses within the next parliament to address the current housing shortage issue.  While this may sound ambitious, it’s nothing more than the same 300,000 new homes a year target relabelled. Previous governments have all miserably failed to achieve this target, yet Labour have a pretty comprehensive set of new policies including – setting local housing targets, fast tracking brownfield projects and allowing development on disused green belt areas such as wasteland or obsolete car parks, which may give them a chance to succeed.

Our Opinion: Property investors should welcome this drive to build more homes as this will certainly unlock more opportunities within the current and the new housing stock and make the UK property market even more attractive to both UK and overseas investors. A recent survey conducted by a company specialising in real estate investment have already revealed that 3 in 5 Hight Net Worth (HNW) investors plan to increase their property HMO investment in the UK market within the next 12 months and mature and stable buy-to-let markets with a demand/supply imbalance such as Oxford will be a key target. 

Planning 2.0 is coming 

 

To achieve their 1.5 million new homes pledge, Labour will have to deliver 50% more than the previous government managed over the same period so Labour has already made clear that a reform of the planning system will be essential to make planning decisions faster. Labour also plans to hire 300 new planning officers to expedite the approval process to such effect. 

Our Opinion: A comprehensive review of the National Planning Framework is long overdue and extra capacity to help to streamline planning decisions is surely a positive step forward for property HMO investment. Whether 300 officers will be enough and Labour can source and train those professionals within this tight timeframe is to be seen.

At the moment, coliving lacks its own use-class.

Green belt review

 

Labour plans to ask councils to review green belt land and seek to identify low-quality green belt land that could be used for potential development. For those unfamiliar with the term, Green belts are large stretches of land set aside to protect the countryside from urban sprawl. Oxford is the only major urban area in Oxfordshire that has a designated Green Belt, which has a 50 mile (80 km) circular walk and 591 km of public rights of way in total. 

Our Opinion: Oxford is a highly dense town with a fair amount of the land with potential for development owned by the colleges, making it very difficult to secure land for institutional grade build-to-rent projects like the ones found in other major regional centres like Bristol. While it’s important to protect our beautiful Oxfordshire countryside balance, Oxford has no large scale coliving or build-to-rent project being built or undergoing planning able to ease the large demand/ supply imbalance that makes renting in the city so expensive for working families and professionals so such a review may open up a historic opportunity to balance new housing needs with environmental concerns. 

Section 21 will become history

 

Section 21 allows a landlord to evict a tenant without providing a specific reason – hence being dubbed “no-fault” evictions. According to the Labour Party’s manifesto, they will “immediately abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, prevent private renters being exploited and discriminated against”. The Party’s manifesto stated its commitment to raise standards within private rented homes by extending the Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector. 

 

Our Opinion: The need to use specific legal grounds for eviction will certainly drive more professionalism in the rental sector, encouraging  landlords to maintain higher property standards and addressing issues promptly. Over the years, Oxford has seen some landlords giving a bad name to the industry by maintaining their properties poorly taking advantage of limited supply available to tenants. While the reduced flexibility to manage your property will be a challenge, the hope is that this  triggers a new era of better relationships between tenants and landlords  where tenants who feel more secure will likely become more cooperative, leading to longer tenancies and reduced turnover, ensuring a steady rental income and reducing the costs and efforts associated with finding new tenants.

Interest Rates & Stamp Duty

 

Labour has vowed to reduce inflation and cut interest rates, which will naturally affect mortgage rates even if there is no detail on this will work in practice. They also pledged to stamp Duty exemption to £300,000 at the start of the next fiscal year in April 2025 to help first time buyers. 

Our opinion: While mortgage rates have been slightly reduced in the past few months, overall they have been on a standstill. Specialist HMO mortgage products are around 6% on the 2-year fixed rate and about 6.5% for 5-year fixed rate on top of 3-5% product fees that lenders have become used to charge. As Labour plans are set in motion we expect further drops. But, we still recommend investors to apply 6% on their appraisals and use figures as high as 9% to stress test their numbers. Stamp Duty relief for first time buyers is welcomed but what will make a real difference to the UK property investment is what rules will be applicable to foreign investors looking to purchase property in the UK. Let’s wait and see.

 

Conclusion

 

All of the above means two things – uncertainty and opportunity. This means investors will need to stay informed and adaptable to navigate this evolving landscape. Compared to recent political instability, Labour policies to boost housing supply underpinned by its various reforms will certainly make the UK property market more dynamic and attractive to both UK and overseas investors, and encourage the professionalisation of the rental sector which is much needed and welcomed. 

Yet, the focus on supporting first-time home buyers to be balanced with support for those renting is a more attractive choice and lifestyle. Millennials and Gen Z are now the largest consumers of rental housing in the UK and those new generations prefer access to a product than ownership and this is no different for them in relation to housing. Today single household renting is the largest segment of the rental market with more than 8 million people renting alone in the UK and the new Labour government must create incentives and policies that unlock the type of  housing supply that matches the lifestyle and housing aspirations of this generation.

As usual, it will take a few months for coliving and HMO investments and managers to fully grasp the impact of this Labour government in real terms as the new government will certainly look for quick wins elsewhere. Before any permanent changes are made, we encourage property investors to cash in and secure some deals. At B-hive Living, we support both private and institutional investors to take advantage of the growth of the UK rental market through our multi award winning coliving model.

Meet The Writer:

Williams Johnson is the co-founder and CEO of B-Hive Living – a multi-award winning coliving brand, operator and asset manager of coliving properties with a strong track record of best-in-class design, investment and management practices. Our mission is to empower professional renters to lead a more connected, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle through co-living. This relentless focus on our residents’ well-being ensures a sustained demand wherever we operate.

B-Hive Living Celebrates Double Victory at HMO Awards 2024 Winning Best Community Experience Award and Manager of the Year – Tenants’ Choice Commendation

PRESS RELEASE London, June 2024 – B-Hive Living, the pioneering British brand known for its remarkable coliving spaces and rental experience, is thrilled to announce its exceptional achievement of winning both the HMO Best Community Experience Award and the Manager of the Year – Tenants’ Choice Commendation at the prestigious HMO Awards 2024 ceremony. 

These accolades reflect B-Hive Living’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, fostering vibrant and positive communities and providing an across-the-board exceptional housing experience, which is redefining the service standards in the UK rental sector.

Coliving is gaining momentum in the UK as the preferred housing solution for millennial and Generation Z professionals, who are now the largest demographic in the rental market. B-Hive Living’s wellness-led rental experience, community life, and tech-oriented services are highly appealing to this new generation of renters due to their exceptional quality, flexibility, and superior service compared to other traditional options.

B-Hive Living’s model is a step apart from the typical House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) offering, which we’ve seen over the years. The properties are specifically designed and built for shared-living and include a vast array of amenities and technologies like vetted tenants, dedicated app, social events, large green spaces, access to exclusive discounts and much more, making it a great fit for the lifestyle of this new generation of renters. 

As a result of that, the company has been previously recognized as the UK’s and world’s best in user and community living experiences and built a reputation for creating high-quality environments that foster positive communities, and elevate the quality of life, health, and holistic well-being of its residents.

 

Honoring Excellence in Community Building and HMO Management

 

The HMO Best Community Experience Award recognizes those who excel in creating thriving, welcoming communities and delivering outstanding customer experiences within their HMO portfolio. This accolade acknowledges B-Hive Living’s remarkable efforts in fostering a sense of community within its properties and extending this spirit to the wider network.

The HMO Manager of the Year – Tenants’ Choice Commendation honors managers who are highly regarded by their tenants, showcasing excellence in all aspects of HMO management. B-Hive Living’s application was supported by current and past tenants, highlighting the significant positive impact the company has made on their lives.

 

Celebrating Success and Commitment

 

Williams Johnson Mota, CEO & Co-Founder of B-Hive Living, accepted both awards from Helen Chorley at the HMO Awards ceremony in Stowe House in Buckinghamshire on May 31st, 2024. 

He expressed:  “Winning the Best Community Experience Award and receiving the HMO Manager of the Year – Tenants’ Choice Commendation is an incredible honor and a significant milestone for B-Hive Living. It’s always been our view that tenants have been too often overlooked in the UK rental sector and winning this accolade two years in a row is a testament to our unwavering efforts to place our tenant’s wellbeing at the heart of all we do and redefine the UK rental sector through our unique approach to housing and community living.”

 

Holistic Approach to Community Building and Resident Wellbeing

 

B-Hive Living has distinguished itself in the rental sector through its holistic approach to community building and resident wellbeing. By offering purpose-built spaces, personalized community engagement strategies, and tech-enhanced communication tools, the company has successfully created vibrant, supportive communities that enhance residents’ lifestyles and their well-being.

Both judges, Emma Stubbings and Leah Ziliak, praised B-Hive Living’s achievements, noting the company’s dedication to excellence in both management and community experience.

 

Continued Dedication to Addressing Housing Challenges

 

Since its inception in 2017, B-Hive Living has been dedicated to addressing the pressing issues in the UK’s private rented sector, particularly poor housing and service standards. By developing rental units that exceed national spatial standards and offering an unmatched range of amenities and services including green spaces, a rich calendar of social events and app for connection and service requests, the brand has significantly improved the living conditions and well-being of its residents.

 

Continued Leadership and Expansion

 

As a multi-award-winning coliving company, B-Hive Living has previously been recognized as the UK Winner in Best Community Experience at the HMO Awards 2022 and won the global User and Community Experience category at the Coliving Awards 2023. These recent honors further solidify their position as a leader in the coliving sector. With ambitious plans to expand both domestically and internationally, the company is actively seeking private and institutional partners to bring its innovative coliving experience to a broader audience.

For more information, contact: Email: silvia@b-hiveliving.com
For press inquiries, please contact: B-Hive Living Marketing Team
Email: marketing@b-hiveliving.com