I’m sure I’m preaching to the converted here, but I truly believe shared living is one of the best solutions we have to the housing crisis. Not only is it affordable, but in a time where loneliness and the breakdown of community are on the rise, shared living offers something powerful: connection. A modern way to live with like-minded people, where community, wellbeing, and fulfilment come together.

I’ve seen this first-hand, having lived in a shared house myself. That experience shaped me, and now it’s COHO’s mission to raise awareness of just how good shared living can be.

But we still face a challenge: public and council perception. As more local authorities turn to landlords to provide Crisis HMO housing, for refugees and the homeless – there’s a real risk of further stigmatising shared living. That’s why showcasing the kind of thoughtful, well-designed properties I’ve seen through this judging process is so important.

So I want to thank all of you in this room for the passion and hard work you put into creating not just homes, but opportunities – for community, for memories, and for better living.

By coming here, you’re demonstrating that you’re not just happy being stagnant, but you’re learning, growing, and pushing this sector forward. That’s why shared living is becoming more professional, more powerful, and more respected year after year.

Vann Vogstad, Founder & CEO of COHO

Award winners 2025

Best Service Supplier

Winner:
HMO Architects

Highly Commended:
Elite Dwellings
Beam Virtual Property Support

Best Content Provider

Winner:
The Co-Living Revolution Book

Highly Commended:
loc8me

Best Technology Provider

Winner:
Help Me Fix

Highly Commended:
Nestflo

Best Financial Services Supplier

Winner:
VIBE Finance

Highly Commended:
Baya Financial Ltd

Best Mentor or Training Program

Winner:
The HMO Platform

Highly Commended:
Property Investors Network

Best Rent to Rent Business

Winner:
Cosi Living

Highly Commended:
Local Lets London
Ixana Property

Manager of the Year
(Tenants’ Choice)

Winner:
VCC Homes

Highly Commended:
OX Living
Medshare

Best Community Experience

Winner:
Medshare

Highly Commended:
Pure Homes
Chester Homeshare

Best Manager of Student HMOs

Winner:
Over 400 Rooms – loc8me
Under 400 Rooms – Luxome

Highly Commended:
Norwich Student Lettings

Best Manager of Professional HMOs

Winner:
OX Living

Highly Commended:
Cosi Living
Chester Homeshare

Creating a Sustainable Future

Winner:
OX Living

Highly Commended:
Taylor-Smith Property

Best Agency

Winner:
Urbanshare

Regional Winners:
The HMO Guys (North-West)
Loc8me (Midlands)
Joint Living (South-West)
Freedom Homes (East of England)

Best Shared Living Design

Winner:
Chester Homeshare

Highly Commended:
ELM Property
Aben Interiors and Projects

Best Residential to HMO Conversion

Winner:
Medshare

Highly Commended:
OX Living
KoMo Properties

Best Commercial to HMO Conversion

Winner:
Passive Property

Highly Commended:
ELM Property

Best HMO Investor

Winner:
Pineapple Investment

Highly Commended:
Medshare

Regional Winners:
OX Living (Oxfordshire)
Saltbox Property Group (Yorkshire)
Allstoreys (North West)
Lucy Reah (West Midlands)
Moneyrow Properties (East Midlands)