There is nothing Belfast City Council can do to to stop property developers and landlords bulk-buying houses and converting them into HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupation).

This information was relayed during a grim but fascinating exchange at a council committee last week.

DUP councillor Ruth Brooks pointed out that individual family homes in her east Belfast constituency are being purchased as a portfolio - six or seven properties in different locations, for example - then put onto the rental market as HMOs.

Many are bought with cash, elbowing out ordinary buyers and leaving families with nowhere to rent or buy.

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The profits to be made from HMOs are driving up prices and rents for everyone.

As Cllr Brooks explained, a terraced house in Belfast that would have rented for £950 a month will make £2,600 if the roof space is converted and four rooms are rented separately for £650 each.

Officials replied that the council’s only power over this process is the licensing of HMOs, a function Belfast City Council administers for all councils in Northern Ireland.

To obtain a licence, HMOs must meet certain standards and not exceed 10% of properties in most areas, or 20% in designated high-density........

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