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 Dundee City, the work is planned around Scotland’s HMO rules and the standards the local council publishes.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Pricing region
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- DD
- Main towns
- Dundee
What does commercial and above-shop to HMO in Dundee City involve?
- Coordination with planning and building control
- Fire separation between the commercial unit and the homes above
- New electrics, heating and ventilation
- Survey of structure, services and access
- Windows and thermal upgrades
- Sound insulation to floors and party walls
Which rules apply in Dundee 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.
- Councils set HMO fire standards through licence conditions, often including emergency lighting in larger HMOs.
- 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 Dundee 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 Dundee City
Questions about commercial and above-shop to HMO in Dundee City
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 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.
Do you carry out commercial and above-shop to HMO across Dundee City?
Yes, across the whole of Dundee City, including Dundee.
Who licenses HMOs in Dundee City?
Dundee City council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Other HMO services in Dundee City
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Dundee City
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Dundee City
- Sound insulation in Dundee City
- EPC and energy upgrades in Dundee City
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Dundee City
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Dundee City
- Licence condition and schedule-of-works in Dundee City
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Dundee City