In short: we carry out HMO conversions, refurbishments, fire safety and licence works across Scottish Borders, working to the HMO rules for Scotland. Scottish Borders is also the name of the local council, which licenses HMOs here.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Region for pricing
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- TD, EH, ML
- Towns on our list
- 1
What HMO rules apply in Scottish Borders?
- Every HMO needs a council licence: 3 or more people not from one or two families, sharing a toilet, washing or cooking facilities.
- Licences last up to 3 years; physical standards are set by councils under the 2012 statutory guidance.
- No C4 use class: up to 5 residents can fall within Class 9 (houses), and HMO planning policy is set by each council.
- Interlinked smoke and heat alarms under the tolerable standard; EICR before the first let and at least every 5 years.
- Awaab’s Law applies to most private tenancies from 6 October 2026, with set timescales for damp and mould.
Towns we cover in Scottish Borders
HMO services in Scottish Borders
HMO conversions
- House to HMO conversion in Scottish Borders
- Small HMO conversions (3–6 sharers) in Scottish Borders
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Scottish Borders
- Commercial and above-shop to HMO in Scottish Borders
HMO refurbishment
- Full HMO refurbishment in Scottish Borders
- Void and between-tenancy refurbs in Scottish Borders
- Bedroom upgrades and room refits in Scottish Borders
- Student HMO refurbishment in Scottish Borders
- Professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Scottish Borders
Kitchens and bathrooms
- Ensuite installation in Scottish Borders
- Communal kitchen refits in Scottish Borders
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Scottish Borders
Fire safety works
- HMO fire safety upgrades in Scottish Borders
- Fire alarm and detection systems in Scottish Borders
- Fire doors in Scottish Borders
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Scottish Borders
Licence and compliance works
- Licence condition and schedule-of-works in Scottish Borders
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Scottish Borders
- Sound insulation in Scottish Borders
- EPC and energy upgrades in Scottish Borders
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Scottish Borders
Extra rooms and layouts
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Scottish Borders
- Extensions for extra rooms in Scottish Borders
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Scottish Borders
Guide prices in Scottish Borders
| 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 | £3,300 – £6,200 | 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 | £3,800 – £8,550 | letting room |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £3,800 – £9,500 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £7,600 – £17,100 | kitchen |
| Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides) | £800 – £2,000 | £760 – £1,900 | house |
| FD30S fire door leaf into an existing frame, with seals, closer and hinges, fitted | £300 – £600 | £280 – £570 | door |
Questions
Do you carry out HMO works in Scottish Borders?
Yes. We cover the whole of Scottish Borders, including Hawick.
Who licenses HMOs in Scottish Borders?
Scottish Borders council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Is HMO work more expensive in Scottish Borders?
Our guide prices for Scottish Borders use the Scotland adjustment of -5% against the UK average. Your fixed price follows a site visit.