Wow! Just, wow…
It has been a month today since attending the HMO Summit & Awards 2025 – and frankly it has taken a month to come down from the high I was on (in fact, maybe I am still on it!).
It really was an awesome day for the HMO industry, from start to finish.
Perhaps the setting itself set the tone for what we would have in store, held at the incredible Stowe House in Buckinghamshire – you just knew as soon as you arrived that the day (and night) was bound to be something special, from the expo, to mingling with so many characters from the industry, to the privilege of taking the stage myself as part of an afternoon panel of industry experts, to then of course the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony…
But let’s start at the beginning.
There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a room with so many people who do exactly what you do – sharing ideas, challenges, and discussing solutions – both real and imagined!
But of course, these aren’t just any operators – this annual event truly does bring together the people who are striving, pushing the industry forward, raising standards, and finding ever more creative ways to serve HMO tenants better.
It’s been nearly 21 years since I fell into this business – starting with one house, my own house, and a couple of lodgers. Even back then, what I offered was already well ahead of the standard.
But my goodness, how things have moved on! Today’s renters want (and deserve!) beautiful – in fact, Instagrammable homes –, and that’s exactly what we aim to give them at LEA Property Solutions.
Key Takeaways from The HMO Summit 2025
The HMO Summit 2025 really has opened my eyes even further to just how far some operators are going. I’m talking rainwater harvesting, communal bikes, on-site gyms – even social nights… and in at least one case, even date nights!
This really has been a huge takeaway for me, just to know how much community creation is at the heart of what so many are doing. It’s not just about providing clean rooms in shared houses – it’s about building real, thriving communities for HMO tenants; incredible living experiences within – of course – top quality accommodation.
A particular nod goes to Cosi Living in Liverpool – from my point of view, you stood out as truly leading the way in this area.
I came away with a head bursting with new ideas – from sustainability initiatives to smarter systems, and also how AI is starting to shape our industry, changing the way we work but improving our efficiency and the way we can all operate.
Just as importantly, and no surprise, was so much discussion around the Renters’ Rights Bill, currently on its final march through the House of Lords, the unintended consequences that are potentially being thrown up, and how we as an industry can support each other and adapt to make sure our Tenants and our Landlords get the best out of it when it finally arrives.
My Own Time to Take the Stage and talk HMO Management
As well as so much mingling, I also had the absolute privilege of taking to the stage myself, speaking as part of the afternoon panel. In fact, that’s me, in the middle, up on stage, in the blog banner image above.
The topic? “From Chaos to Control: Building a Better HMO Management Business.”
Alongside a panel of other industry experts, including Neil Baldock, Sarah Evans, Alex Pattison-Apple and Russ Dyble, I felt we delivered a really insightful hour, packed with advice for our fellow agents about how to not only steady the ship in choppy waters, but to really cruise ahead – and perhaps, ahead of the competition (those that didn’t come along, at any rate…)
An Awards Night To Remember
Of course, once the day itself was over, the expo stands put away and the keynote talks and breakout sessions all finished, it was time for the gala dinner and awards in the evening – a most perfect end to the day.
I am proud to say we were finalists in four categories in the end!
Of course I would have loved to take home a trophy – who wouldn’t!?
But honestly, I don’t begrudge the winners at all. Every single one is doing such amazing work and deserves that recognition, and I feel privileged as well as humbled to have even shared that podium with so many industry greats.
I feel genuinely lucky to have been part of the day and to have shared a stage with such brilliant people. The whole experience has filled me with fresh energy and new ambition for what we’re building here at LEA Property Solutions in Ipswich.
Onwards, upwards – and here’s to always learning – Lucy.
Frequently Asked Questions…
What is the HMO Summit & Awards?
The HMO Summit & Awards is an annual event that brings together HMO landlords, agents, and operators from across the UK to share ideas, learn from each other, and celebrate excellence in the industry. It includes keynote speakers, expert panels, breakout sessions, an expo – and ends with a gala dinner and awards ceremony.
Who were the winners at the HMO Awards 2025?
You can find the full list of award winners [scroll down via link here – https://hmosummit.com/].
What was the main takeaway from this year’s Summit?
For me, the biggest insight was just how focused the industry has become on community creation. It’s not just about providing rooms anymore – it’s about helping people build real, meaningful connections in shared living environments. From communal gyms to date nights, the innovation on show was truly inspiring.