HMO Designs

HMO Designs operates as a specialist firm within the Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) sector, offering a comprehensive suite of services from initial design and planning through to construction and property management. The company positions itself as a nationwide team of industry professionals dedicated to guiding clients through the often intricate HMO process. With a foundation built on direct experience, the firm's team members have lived in HMOs, designed hundreds of such properties, and actively engage in property investment themselves, accumulating industry knowledge to support client property goals. HMO Designs aims to elevate the standard of HMO properties through professional advice and thoughtful design, focusing on maximising client returns while enhancing the experience for end-users.

The firm provides a structured five-step process for HMO development, encompassing feasibility, design, planning, technical design, and construction stages. Services begin with existing surveys and research, where a team of surveyors accurately measures properties and prepares existing drawings, alongside conducting location-specific research to ensure proposals comply with local design guidance. Following this, HMO Designs creates proposed sketch schemes, optimising properties for efficient space utilisation through an iterative design process. 5% approval rate for HMO planning applications, and handles building regulations, technical stage five processes, and oversees the construction phase, often working closely with chosen contractors.

Beyond design and construction, HMO Designs extends its services to include hands-on investment strategies and property management. The company offers varied sourcing and funding options, complemented by an optional management facility designed to assist clients in building and maintaining their property portfolios. Based in the North of the UK, the firm leverages lower property prices and high demand for single-room occupancy across the North West and North East regions, which it identifies as providing a solid platform for income and growth. HMO Designs indicates that its multi-let investment option can demonstrate returns of approximately 15% to 20%.

A significant area of specialisation for HMO Designs is student accommodation conversions. The firm identifies itself as a prominent independent student accommodation conversion company in the North West. In university village areas within the North West, HMO Designs can source, design, project manage, and fully tenant student rooms. These units, often refurbished terraced houses, typically feature three to five bedrooms, a communal living area, and a shared kitchen.

The company states that the yield for these student accommodation units can exceed 20% per annum, with accommodation fees starting around £120 per week per room, inclusive of utilities. These properties are built to high standards, including amenities such as WiFi, fire doors, smoke alarms, and furniture, along with necessary guarantees and licenses. HMO Designs is committed to ensuring that properties are fully let and licensed to both local and government standards, adhering to regulatory compliance. The company's approach to interior design for HMOs focuses on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, aiming to attract quality tenants and maximise property yields.

This includes considering factors such as ambience, natural light, and efficient layouts to enhance comfort and utility for residents. The firm's comprehensive service model aims to provide a seamless and efficient solution for clients developing HMO properties, ensuring compliance with regulations and creating appealing living spaces for tenants.