In short: A commercial to HMO conversion turns space that was never a home, such as upper floors over shops or small office buildings, into shared accommodation. Across Aberdeen City, the work is planned around Scotland’s HMO rules and the standards the local council publishes.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Pricing region
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- AB
- Main towns
- Aberdeen
What does commercial and above-shop to HMO in Aberdeen City involve?
- Separate entrance and protected escape route
- Windows and thermal upgrades
- Sound insulation to floors and party walls
- New kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites
- New electrics, heating and ventilation
- Coordination with planning and building control
Which rules apply in Aberdeen City?
- Every HMO needs a council licence: 3 or more people who are not all from one or two families, sharing basic amenities. Licences last up to 3 years.
- Scotland has no C4 use class: up to 5 residents can fall within Class 9 (houses), and HMO planning policy is set by each council, some of which require permission at lower numbers.
- A building warrant may be needed for a change of use or for installing a fire alarm system; check with the council’s building standards service.
- The tolerable standard requires interlinked smoke alarms in the main living room and circulation spaces and a heat alarm in the kitchen; licensed HMOs must meet the council’s higher standard.
- Building standards apply to new partitions and conversions, and councils may set expectations through licence conditions.
How much does commercial and above-shop to HMO cost in Aberdeen City?
| 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 |
| Panel alarm system (Grade A type), larger HMO | £1,750 – £4,500 | £1,650 – £4,300 | house |
| Acoustic ceiling or floor upgrade, 12–15 m² | £800 – £2,700 | £760 – £2,550 | room |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £7,600 – £17,100 | kitchen |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £3,800 – £9,500 | ensuite |
Typical time on site: 12–24 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Commercial and above-shop to HMO by town in Aberdeen City
Questions about commercial and above-shop to HMO in Aberdeen City
Do you work on listed or conservation area buildings?
Yes, with the right consents in place. Older high street buildings often need extra care with windows, fire upgrades and sound insulation.
What about the shop below?
The homes above must be separated from the commercial unit by fire-resisting construction, and the escape route must not pass through the shop. We design the separation as part of the building control application.
Do you carry out commercial and above-shop to HMO across Aberdeen City?
Yes, across the whole of Aberdeen City, including Aberdeen.
Who licenses HMOs in Aberdeen City?
Aberdeen City council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Other HMO services in Aberdeen City
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Aberdeen City
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Aberdeen City
- Sound insulation in Aberdeen City
- EPC and energy upgrades in Aberdeen City
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Aberdeen City
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Aberdeen City
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Aberdeen City
- Student HMO refurbishment in Aberdeen City