In short: we carry out HMO conversions, refurbishments, fire safety and licence works across Essex, priced against the rules for England and the council’s own standards.
- Nation
- England
- Region for pricing
- East of England
- Postcode areas
- CM, CO, SS, CB
- Towns on our list
- 22
What HMO rules apply in Essex?
- Mandatory licence for 5 or more people in 2 or more households; councils can add additional licensing for smaller HMOs.
- Planning: 3–6 sharers is use class C4, usually permitted development from a family house unless an Article 4 direction applies; 7 or more normally needs permission.
- Licensed HMOs must meet national minimum bedroom sizes: 6.51 m² for one person aged 10 or over, 10.22 m² for two.
- Electrical inspection at least every 5 years, with remedial work within 28 days.
- Smoke alarms on every storey with living accommodation and CO alarms by fixed combustion appliances (not gas cookers).
Towns we cover in Essex
- Southend-on-Sea
- Basildon
- Colchester
- Chelmsford
- Harlow
- Grays
- Braintree
- Brentwood
- Clacton-on-Sea
- South Benfleet
- Bishops Stortford
- Canvey Island
- Billericay
- Rayleigh
- Stanford-le-Hope
- Wickford
- Witham
- Pitsea
- Maldon
- Waltham Abbey
- South Ockendon
- Harwich
HMO services in Essex
HMO conversions
- House to HMO conversion in Essex
- Small HMO conversions (3–6 sharers) in Essex
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Essex
- Commercial and above-shop to HMO in Essex
HMO refurbishment
- Full HMO refurbishment in Essex
- Void and between-tenancy refurbs in Essex
- Bedroom upgrades and room refits in Essex
- Student HMO refurbishment in Essex
- Professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Essex
Kitchens and bathrooms
- Ensuite installation in Essex
- Communal kitchen refits in Essex
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Essex
Fire safety works
- HMO fire safety upgrades in Essex
- Fire alarm and detection systems in Essex
- Fire doors in Essex
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Essex
Licence and compliance works
- Licence condition and schedule-of-works in Essex
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Essex
- Sound insulation in Essex
- EPC and energy upgrades in Essex
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Essex
Extra rooms and layouts
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Essex
- Extensions for extra rooms in Essex
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Essex
Guide prices in Essex
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conversion works per letting room (walls, linings, electrics, decoration; excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate) | £3,500 – £6,500 | £3,700 – £6,900 | letting room |
| Full refurbishment per letting room, with a share of communal areas (excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate) | £4,000 – £9,000 | £4,250 – £9,550 | letting room |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £4,250 – £10,600 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £8,500 – £19,100 | kitchen |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £850 – £2,100 | house |
| FD30S fire door leaf into an existing frame, with seals, closer and hinges, fitted | £300 – £600 | £320 – £640 | door |
Questions
Do you carry out HMO works in Essex?
Yes. We cover the whole of Essex, including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester, Chelmsford.
Who licenses HMOs in Essex?
HMOs in Essex are licensed by the local council for the address. Where an area has several councils, each runs its own licensing and planning policies.
Is HMO work more expensive in Essex?
Our guide prices for Essex use the East of England adjustment of +6% against the UK average. Your fixed price follows a site visit.