Central London Property Network

Unlocking the Future of HMOs: Innovation, Investment & Insight
An Evening for UK Property Investors, Landlords & Developers

Since 2010, this well-established UK property networking event has brought together the brightest minds in the industry. This month, we're diving deep into the world of HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)—exploring how cutting-edge technology, smart finance, and market data are reshaping the co-living landscape.

🔹 Headline Panel: The Future of HMOs

Chaired by Vann Vogstad — a three-time tech marketplace disruptor and founder of COHO and the HMO Awards —

Panellists:

Matt Baker – Founder of Aura Property Ventures Ltd

Vicky Leung – Head of Lettings at Medshare UK Ltd

Lee Dumbarton- Managing Director of Urban Homes.

Vann is a well-known name in the shared living sector. He’s a UK entrepreneur with two successful startup exits, and the founder & CEO of COHO, a shared living management platform serving over 45,000 tenants. He also created The HMO Summit, the UK’s leading event for the industry. Known for connecting landlords, agents, and investors, Vann is passionate about raising standards and driving innovation.

Matt Baker – Founder of Aura Property Ventures Ltd. With over a decade in property investment and development, Matt focuses on commercial-to-residential conversions, co-living spaces, and new-build homes. He previously co-founded Scott Baker Properties, winning multiple awards including Best Co-living Deal of the Year in 2022. Now, through Aura Ventures, he’s rapidly expanding with investor-backed projects at speed and scale.

Vicky Leung – Head of Lettings at Medshare UK Ltd. Vicky combines over ten years’ experience in mental health care and property management. She uses her insight into people’s needs to boost occupancy, tenant retention, and landlord satisfaction. She leads on project management, marketing, and leasing, delivering modern, safe, and profitable housing while building strong communities.

Lee Dumbarton- Managing Director of Urban Homes.

Lee Dumbarton: Elevating Shared Living & Property Investment

An award-winning specialist in the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) sector, Lee Dumbarton is the co-founder of UrbanShare, a leading provider of high-quality, professionally managed houseshares in London. His work is driven by a commitment to transforming shared living from a last resort into a first-class housing solution for a diverse community of tenants, from young professionals to blue light and key workers.

Lee's innovative approach and dedication to raising industry standards were recently recognised when UrbanShare was named "Best HMO Agency" at the prestigious HMO Awards & Summit. This accolade is a testament to his  and his team's expertise in compliance, property maintenance, and creating a positive, tenant-centric living environment.

Beyond UrbanShare, Lee is a director of Create Property Investments, where he brings his deep market knowledge to sourcing and developing profitable property assets. His dual perspective, combining on-the-ground management experience with strategic investment insight, provides a unique and comprehensive understanding of the entire property lifecycle.

With a passion for demystifying the HMO sector and a proven track record of success and many learnings, Lee is uniquely positioned to share insights on the future of shared living, compliance, management and strategic property investment.

🔹 Funding Update: Saam Lowni, Merryoaks

Understand the latest funding trends, investment strategies, and lending options for HMO projects, shared by an experienced property finance specialist.

🔹 Local Market Update: James Fox

Backed by powerful insights from Property Filter, James will deliver a -local market breakdown to help you stay ahead of shifting demand and supply trends.

Who Should Attend?
This event is ideal for:

• HMO landlords and co-living operators
• Property investors (new and experienced)
• Letting agents and property managers
• Rent-to-rent operators
• PropTech founders and startup teams

Whether you're building your first HMO or scaling a nationwide portfolio, this is your opportunity to connect, learn, and gain an edge in one of the UK’s most dynamic property sectors.

6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Arrival & Informal Networking

• Meet landlords, investors, developers, and property professionals

7:00 pm – 7:05 pm
Welcome & Sponsor Acknowledgements

• Event host opens the evening
• Thanks to event sponsors and supporters

7:05 pm – 7:08 pm
Local Market Snapshot – James Fox, Property Filter (3 mins)

• Quick data-led insights into demand, supply, and emerging HMO hotspots

7:08 pm – 7:15 pm
Funding Update – Saam Lowni, Merryoaks (5 mins)

• Latest lending trends and finance strategies for HMO and co-living projects

7.15pm-7.20pm-

Lenders Perspective

7.20-7.25pm-

Shout Outs

7:25 pm – 8.05 pm
Networking Break

• Build connections and explore collaborations over drinks

8.05-8.50 pm
Panel Introduction

• Overview of topics and panel format

Headline Panel: The Future of HMOs

• Chaired by Vann Vogstad — Founder & CEO, COHO; Creator, HMO Summit
• Panelists:
• • Matt Baker – Founder, Aura Property Ventures
  • Vicky Leung – Head of Lettings, Medshare UK Ltd
  • Lee Dumbarton – Managing Director, Urban Homes
• Discussion on innovation, market shifts, tenant demand, and the role of technology in co-living

8.50-9.00OPM

Final words

• Agenda is subjet to change