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 Greater London, the work is planned around England’s HMO rules and the standards the local council publishes.
- Nation
- England
- Pricing region
- London
- Postcode areas
- W, E, SW, SE
- Main towns
- London, Brent, Islington, City of Westminster, Bexley
What does commercial and above-shop to HMO in Greater London involve?
- Survey of structure, services and access
- New electrics, heating and ventilation
- Sound insulation to floors and party walls
- Fire separation between the commercial unit and the homes above
- Coordination with planning and building control
- Separate entrance and protected escape route
Which rules apply in Greater London?
- Mandatory HMO licence for 5 or more people in 2 or more households (since October 2018); councils can add additional licensing for smaller HMOs.
- 3–6 unrelated sharers is use class C4; changing from a family house is usually permitted development unless an Article 4 direction applies.
- A conversion can be a material change of use under the building regulations, so confirm with building control before work starts.
- Fire precautions follow a risk assessment; the LACORS Housing – Fire Safety guide (2008) is guidance, not law, but many councils base their standards on it.
- 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 does commercial and above-shop to HMO cost in Greater London?
| 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 | £4,500 – £8,300 | letting room |
| Panel alarm system (Grade A type), larger HMO | £1,750 – £4,500 | £2,250 – £5,750 | house |
| Acoustic ceiling or floor upgrade, 12–15 m² | £800 – £2,700 | £1,000 – £3,450 | room |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £10,250 – £23,050 | kitchen |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £5,100 – £12,800 | 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 Greater London
- London
- Brent
- Islington
- City of Westminster
- Bexley
- Barking
- Archway
- Sutton
- Croydon
- Ilford
- Enfield Town
- Harrow
- Tottenham
- Walthamstow
- Dagenham
- Becontree
- Romford
- Hayes
- Wembley
- Fulham
- Edmonton
- Southall
- Putney
- Battersea
- Canary Wharf
- Purley
- Peckham
- Chingford
- Uxbridge
- Wimbledon
- Stamford Hill
- Brixton
- Hounslow
- Finchley
- Cricklewood
- Mitcham
- Feltham
- Acton
- Beckenham
- Chelsea
- Streatham
- South Croydon
- Leytonstone
- Eltham
- Morden
- Carshalton
- Catford
- Willesden
- Canning Town
- Holloway
- Welling
- Shepherds Bush
- Surbiton
- Greenford
- Heston
- Stratford
- Chiswick
- Thamesmead
- Ruislip
- Greenwich
- Barnet
- Kilburn
- Wood Green
- Muswell Hill
- Bow
- Highbury
- Camden Town
- Northolt
- Coulsdon
- Hornchurch
- Blackheath
- Isleworth
- Chalk Farm
- New Malden
- Hanworth
- Woodford Green
- Hadley Wood
- Richmond
- Barnes
- Notting Hill
- Wallington
- Pimlico
- Hampton
Questions about commercial and above-shop to HMO in Greater London
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.
Is building control needed?
Yes. Changing commercial space to residential use is a material change of use and needs building regulations approval.
Do you carry out commercial and above-shop to HMO across Greater London?
Yes, across the whole of Greater London, including London, Brent, Islington.
Who licenses HMOs in Greater London?
HMOs in Greater London are licensed by the local council for the address. Where an area has several councils, each runs its own licensing and planning policies.
Other HMO services in Greater London
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Greater London
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Greater London
- Sound insulation in Greater London
- EPC and energy upgrades in Greater London
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Greater London
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Greater London
- Damp, mould and HHSRS repairs in Greater London
- Fire doors in Greater London