- Nation
- England
- Pricing region
- South West
- Postcode areas
- DT, BH, SP, BA
- Main towns
- Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Christchurch
What do professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Dorset involve?
- High-quality fire doors and finishes
- Kitchenettes in rooms where the layout allows
- Sound insulation between rooms
- Ensuite to every room where space allows
- Bike and bin storage
- Interior design and furnishing coordination
Which rules apply in Dorset?
- Under the Renters’ Rights Act, civil penalties reach £40,000 for offences such as running an unlicensed HMO.
- Floor area under a ceiling lower than 1.5 m does not count towards the room size, and many councils set larger sizes.
- Council standards often step up at 5 and 6 sharers, for example a separate WC at 5 and a second bathroom from 6.
- The Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to the common parts of HMOs, enforced by the fire and rescue authority.
- Where the building regulations apply to a conversion, Part E sound requirements can apply between rooms and floors.
Councils in England can add additional licensing and Article 4 directions on top of the national rules. Check the council’s website for the exact address before you buy or start work.
How much do professional and co-living HMO refurbs cost in Dorset?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full refurbishment per letting room, with a share of communal areas (excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate) | £4,000 – £9,000 | £4,150 – £9,350 | letting room |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £4,150 – £10,400 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £8,300 – £18,700 | kitchen |
| Acoustic upgrade to a party or partition wall | £900 – £2,000 | £940 – £2,100 | wall |
Typical time on site: 8–16 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Professional and co-living HMO refurbs by town in Dorset
Questions about professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Dorset
Is co-living treated differently from an HMO?
If unrelated people share facilities, it is normally an HMO, whatever it is called. Larger schemes can also raise planning questions.
Do kitchenettes in rooms change the fire requirements?
Often, yes. Cooking in bedrooms usually means a heat detector in the room and a higher standard of fire separation. We plan it with the fire risk assessment and council standards.
Do you carry out professional and co-living HMO refurbs across Dorset?
Yes, across the whole of Dorset, including Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth.
Who licenses HMOs in Dorset?
HMOs in Dorset are licensed by the local council for the address. Where an area has several councils, each runs its own licensing and planning policies.