The number of licensed Houses of Multiple Occupation in Derry and Strabane spiked by 33 per cent to 250 over the past two years.

In 2023-24 there were 188 in the city and district. But last year, Department of Communities records show this number had climbed to 250 – an increase of 62 properties.

There was a small increase (14 per cent) in the number of unlicensed HMOS from seven to eight during the same period.

The figures were provided to Foyle MLA Mark H. Durkan by housing minister Gordon Lyons in response to an Assembly Question.

The number of licensed of Houses of Multiple Occupation in Derry and Strabane has increased by 33 per cent to 250 over the past two years.

placeholder image — The number of licensed of Houses of Multiple Occupation in Derry and Strabane has increased by 33 per cent to 250 over the past two years.

Derry City and Strabane District Council recently launched a consultation on its plans to lower the maximum proportion of HMOs in streets in the city.

The council is proposing to lower the HMO limit from a 30 per cent cap to 10 per cent, however, a 30 per cent limit may still be allowed in to-be-defined HMO Management areas in some parts of the city centre.

This will require a revision of the Local Development Plan (LDP) Planning Strategy (PS), which was adopted in July 2025.

A proposed options paper is currently out for consultation until Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The paper acknowledges strong opposition to the proliferation of HMOS in the streets close to the Magee College campus.

It notes: “There is perceived to be a high level of pressure for HMOs as a speculative investment in Derry, partially fuelled by the introduction of tighter Planning restrictions in Belfast since adoption of its LDP policies in 2023 (to restrict to 20 per cent HMOs plus flats).

"Generally, there is perceived/actual demand/pressure in Derry City’s residential streets for several other forms of accommodation / uses, at the expense of traditional single-family dwellings.

"Consequently, the Council now believes that these changed circumstances justify this proposed PS-R in order to prevent further over-concentrations of HMOs causing harm.”

The options paper will be available to view at www.derrystrabane.com/ldp or by appointment only, at the Council’s offices at 98 Strand Road Derry BT48 7NN, or at the Strabane office.

The consultation will close on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Responses should be sent by email to [email protected] or to Planning LDP Team, Derry City and Strabane District Council, 98 Strand Road Derry BT48 7NN.