Investing in property while living overseas isn't something you find in most strategy playbooks. It’s challenging, it’s layered, and it forces you to rethink what control looks like. But for us as expats looking to build something meaningful and scalable from a distance. HMO creation offered the right kind of complexity.
This post isn’t about overnight success or polished case studies. It’s about why we chose the HMO model, the honest time challenges that come with it, and the long-term rewards that are emerging as we build momentum.
Why HMOs Made Sense for Us
We explored several investment routes, single lets, flips, off-plan developments. But none of them offered the combination of cash flow, value creation, and repeatability that we saw in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
When managed correctly, HMOs allow you to:
- Maximise rental income through multiple tenancies
- Spread risk across several occupants
- Add value through creative design and efficient refurbishment
- Generate stronger returns from a single asset
But it wasn’t just about the numbers.
It was about choosing a strategy that aligned with our circumstances as expats, not living in the UK full-time, juggling family and a demanding professional role, and wanting to build something long-term.
The Challenge of Doing It From Abroad
In the beginning, the learning curve was steep.
Coordinating builders, brokers, and solicitors from a different time zone was no small feat. Progress felt slow, and the margin for error was tight. There were moments when we questioned if this strategy was right for us, especially during those early phone calls where we didn’t understand half the acronyms or knew who to trust on the ground.
But that discomfort became part of the learning process.
We found partners we could trust. We created systems that worked despite the distance. And most importantly, we stayed focused on building a repeatable, sustainable model.
Following a Process - Not Just a Passion
One of the turning points for us was realising that HMOs aren’t just a strategy—they’re a business model. And like any business, success depends on systems.
Our process now looks something like this:
- Source the right property with strong rental potential
- Plan and design the layout to maximise use and compliance
- Execute the build with reliable, accountable contractors
- Tenant and manage through trusted lettings partners
- Refinance or return capital based on the exit plan
Every stage has checks and templates. Nothing is left to chance. This structure is what gives us, and our investors, confidence.
It Still Takes Time, but That’s the Point
The biggest misunderstanding about HMO investing is that it’s quick. It’s not.
It takes time to find the right deals. It takes time to build the team. And it takes time to develop a reputation for quality.
But that’s exactly why we chose it.
We’re not chasing quick flips. We’re building a brand, a pipeline, and a repeatable investment strategy that works for us—and the investors who want to come with us on the journey.
The Investor Perspective
If you’re an expat—or even UK-based, but time-poor, HMOs might seem intimidating. But in the right hands, they can become a powerful, passive investment model.
We’ve built this business to make the process easier, safer, and more transparent.
Whether you’re looking for fixed returns, a JV structure, or just want to learn what’s possible, our goal is to offer clarity, structure, and results.
Final Thoughts
Choosing HMOs wasn’t the easiest path. But it was the right one.
It’s taught us discipline, forced us to grow our network, and given us a clear strategy we can execute repeatedly from abroad.
If you’re an expat wondering where to start—or a busy professional looking for hands-off investment opportunities, our advice is simple:
Pick a strategy. Follow a process. Play the long game.
That’s what we’re doing. And it’s working.
Interested in learning more or working with us?
We work with investors looking for fixed returns or JV opportunities in UK-based HMO projects.
Drop me a line at jd@mudpiper.com or give is a call or WhatsApp on +44 7984 885543 if you wish to know more.
Why We Chose HMOs as Expats - And Why the Long Game Matters