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. In Scottish Borders we survey first, price each item separately and hand over the certificates and photos a council asks for.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Pricing region
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- TD, EH, ML
- Main towns
- Hawick
What does commercial and above-shop to HMO in Scottish Borders involve?
- Windows and thermal upgrades
- Coordination with planning and building control
- New kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites
- Fire separation between the commercial unit and the homes above
- New electrics, heating and ventilation
- Separate entrance and protected escape route
Which rules apply in Scottish Borders?
- 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.
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 Scottish Borders?
| 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 Scottish Borders
Questions about commercial and above-shop to HMO in Scottish Borders
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.
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 Scottish Borders?
Yes, across the whole of Scottish Borders, including Hawick.
Who licenses HMOs in Scottish Borders?
Scottish Borders council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Other HMO services in Scottish Borders
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Scottish Borders
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Scottish Borders
- Sound insulation in Scottish Borders
- EPC and energy upgrades in Scottish Borders
- Rewires and EICR remedials in Scottish Borders
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Scottish Borders
- Extensions for extra rooms in Scottish Borders
- Fire doors in Scottish Borders