Property Scout

Article 4 directions for HMO investors

Article 4 directions remove permitted development rights for change of use from C3 dwelling to C4 small HMO. Where one applies, a new HMO needs full planning permission.

What an Article 4 direction does

Many UK councils have introduced Article 4 directions covering parts of their area to control HMO concentration. Inside the Article 4 boundary, the permitted-development right for C3→C4 is withdrawn, so a planning application is required.

How Property Scout flags Article 4

Every Property Scout postcode page shows the Article 4 status drawn from the regulatory dataset: Applies, Partially applies, May apply, Does not apply, or Unknown. Coverage is screening-grade and should always be verified at street level with the council.

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See the lowest regulation-risk postcodes ranking and best HMO postcodes.

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