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. We carry this out across Argyll and Bute, priced against the HMO rules for Scotland and the council’s own standards.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Pricing region
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- PA, G, FK
- Main towns
- Helensburgh
What does commercial and above-shop to HMO in Argyll and Bute involve?
- Separate entrance and protected escape route
- New electrics, heating and ventilation
- Sound insulation to floors and party walls
- Fire separation between the commercial unit and the homes above
- Survey of structure, services and access
- New kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites
Which rules apply in Argyll and Bute?
- 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.
Scottish councils set their own HMO licence standards and planning policies. Every HMO needs a licence, so check the council’s standards before you design the layout.
How much does commercial and above-shop to HMO cost in Argyll and Bute?
| 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 Argyll and Bute
Questions about commercial and above-shop to HMO in Argyll and Bute
Is building control needed?
Yes. Changing commercial space to residential use is a material change of use and needs building regulations approval.
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 Argyll and Bute?
Yes, across the whole of Argyll and Bute, including Helensburgh.
Who licenses HMOs in Argyll and Bute?
Argyll and Bute council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Other HMO services in Argyll and Bute
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Argyll and Bute
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Argyll and Bute
- Sound insulation in Argyll and Bute
- EPC and energy upgrades in Argyll and Bute
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Argyll and Bute
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Argyll and Bute
- Void and between-tenancy refurbs in Argyll and Bute
- Professional and co-living HMO refurbs in Argyll and Bute