Thinking of buying or converting a rental property in Wigan this year?
You’ll want to take a closer look at the borough’s newly expanded Article 4 directions, which came into effect in early 2026.
These changes remove permitted development rights for small HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) across key parts of the borough – and that means landlords can no longer convert family homes into shared lets without full planning permission.
For many, this feels like a roadblock. But with the right knowledge, the shift in policy actually creates new opportunities, especially for those offering high-quality, compliant family and professional lets.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- What Wigan Council’s Article 4 direction means in practice
- How it fits with wider landlord compliance in Wigan for 2026
- What landlords need to do differently when buying or converting
- Why professional lets in WN3 and beyond still offer strong potential
What is Article 4 – and why has Wigan introduced it?
Under national planning rules, landlords can typically convert a family home (C3 use) into a small HMO (C4 use) – meaning a shared house with 3–6 unrelated tenants – without needing full planning permission.
This is called “permitted development”.
But when a council believes an area has too many shared homes, or that local infrastructure is under pressure, they can issue an Article 4 direction to remove those rights.
That’s what Wigan Council has now done – following a formal consultation and review of neighbourhoods affected by:
- Anti-social behaviour
- Parking stress
- Changing community dynamics
Where do the new Article 4 rules apply in Wigan?
As of January 2026, the Article 4 restrictions apply to specific wards, including:
- Wigan Central
- Douglas
- Swinley
- Parts of WN3 and WN5, including Scholes and Poolstock
If you own (or plan to buy) a property in one of these areas, you now need planning permission to convert it into a small HMO – even if it meets all space and safety standards.
Without permission, the conversion is unlawful, and enforcement action may follow.
What this means for landlords in 2026
Let’s look at how these changes impact both existing and prospective landlords.
1. Existing HMOs are still allowed (but must be compliant)
If your property was already operating as a small HMO before the Article 4 direction took effect – and you have evidence (e.g. tenancy agreements, council tax records) – you can continue to let it as an HMO.
However:
- You must still meet licensing, fire safety and amenity standards
- You should gather documentation now in case you’re asked to prove “established use”
2. New conversions now require planning permission
From 2026, any landlord who wants to convert a standard house into a small HMO must submit a full planning application – and there’s no guarantee it will be approved.
Applications will be judged on:
- Concentration of HMOs in the area
- Impact on parking and character of the street
- Size and layout of the property
3. Family homes and single lets now have scarcity value
With new conversions restricted, existing C3 homes – especially those with long-term tenants or potential as professional lets – are becoming more valuable to investors.
Why?
- Less competition from new HMO conversions
- Lower regulatory risk
- Strong tenant demand for 2–4 bed family homes
What’s the opportunity in Wigan’s 2026 market?
While some landlords are concerned, others are adapting quickly – and reaping the rewards.
Buy-to-let in Wigan: key numbers
- Average house price in WN3: £154,000
- 2-bed terrace rents: ~£675 pcm
- 3-bed semis: ~£875–£950 pcm
- Gross yields for compliant family lets: 6–7.5%
Professional lets in central areas continue to perform well, especially with:
- Private parking
- Energy efficiency (EPC C+)
- Good access to Wigan North Western or Wallgate stations
Why professional lets work in 2026
With mortgage rates stabilising and rental demand at a 10-year high, professional tenants are:
- Staying longer (average tenancy now 21 months)
- Paying higher rents for quality and location
- Avoiding shared homes when possible
In short: fewer HMOs = more demand for self-contained rental homes.
How does this tie into the Renters’ Rights Act 2026?
The national Renters’ Rights Act, also rolling out this year, brings its own compliance pressures, including:
- End of fixed-term tenancies
- Stricter eviction rules (Section 21 abolished)
- Tenant rights to request pets
- Mandatory digital property registration
For landlords managing HMOs, this adds another layer of complexity. But for those focused on single lets or small portfolios of well-managed family homes, the transition is smoother – and potentially more profitable.
Landlord compliance Wigan 2026: your five-point checklist
Whether you’re expanding your portfolio or reviewing what you own, here’s how to stay compliant and ahead.
1. Know your property’s planning status
Ask yourself:
- Is my property in an Article 4 area?
- Do I have permission (or proof of prior use) to let it as an HMO?
- If not, can I operate it as a single-family let instead?
Need help checking your ward or planning status? Belvoir Wigan can assist: https://www.belvoir.co.uk/offices/wigan/
2. Avoid risky conversions
It may be tempting to convert without planning and “see what happens” – but councils are actively monitoring, and enforcement notices can lead to:
- Fines
- Rent repayment orders
- Forced reversion of property use
Stick to well-located, compliant buy-to-lets, or explore commercial-to-resi options outside the Article 4 zones.
3. Consider family-focused upgrades
Single lets can be made more appealing with:
- Extra bathrooms
- Home office space
- Modernised kitchens and heating systems
- Gardens or outdoor space
These are features tenants will pay more for – especially in Wigan’s outer zones (e.g. Hawkley Hall, Marus Bridge, Springfield).
4. Stay on top of HMO licensing (where applicable)
If you do operate a licensable HMO (5+ tenants or within designated zones), make sure:
- Your licence is current
- Fire doors, escape routes and alarms are up to standard
- You retain evidence of inspections and repairs
Belvoir Wigan can manage all licensing and safety documentation on your behalf.
5. Use a fully managed service
The fastest-growing group of landlords in 2026?
Those switching to professional management to avoid:
- Missed compliance deadlines
- Legal issues around the Renters’ Rights Act
- Tenant disputes or maintenance headaches
Our property management team in Wigan handles:
- Legal paperwork
- Maintenance
- Rent collection and arrears
- Regular inspections
- Full compliance recordkeeping
Explore property management in WN3:
Buying smart in Wigan under Article 4: our advice
Here’s what we recommend to landlords looking to expand:
Focus on 2–4 bed homes
Particularly near:
- Schools
- Train stations
- Business parks (e.g. Martland Mill, Wigan Pier redevelopment zone)
Check for existing use
If buying a property being sold as an HMO, ask for:
- Planning documentation
- Licence details (if applicable)
- Evidence of historical use
Prioritise EPC C or better
The direction of regulation is clear: energy efficiency matters. Homes with a C rating or better will command higher rents and meet future compliance with fewer upgrades.
Speak to local planning officers
Belvoir Wigan can help liaise with Wigan Council planning to assess:
- Whether a property is likely to get conversion approval
- What changes may be needed to comply
Final thoughts: compliance creates opportunity
Yes, Wigan Council’s Article 4 direction limits permitted development – but it also:
- Reduces low-quality conversions
- Protects long-term community character
- Creates scarcity and value in well-managed lets
For landlords willing to adjust, the message is clear:
Don’t go bigger. Go better.
At Belvoir Wigan, we support landlords with strategic sourcing, hands-on management and full legal compliance – so you can build a portfolio that works today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.
Because property is personal. And compliance is just smart business.
