In short: A large HMO is a shared house for seven or more people. We carry this out across Belfast, priced against the HMO rules for Northern Ireland and the council’s own standards.
- Nation
- Northern Ireland
- Pricing region
- Northern Ireland
- Postcode areas
- BT
- Main towns
- Belfast, Newtownards, Dundonald
What do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Belfast involve?
- Ensuites or extra bathrooms
- Fire alarm and detection system sized for the building
- Feasibility review and measured survey
- Protected stair and landing with fire doors and fire stopping
- Emergency lighting where the escape route needs it
- Sound insulation between rooms and floors
Which rules apply in Belfast?
- Licences usually last 5 years, and landlords must also register with the NI landlord registration scheme.
- Space and amenity standards come from the HMO (Living Accommodation Standard) Regulations (NI) 2019 and the licence conditions.
- Kitchens, bathrooms and WCs must meet the 2019 living accommodation standard regulations and licence conditions.
- All new HMOs need planning permission; councils such as Belfast apply HMO policy areas and limits on concentration.
- New HMOs need building control approval as well as planning permission.
How much do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) cost in Belfast?
| 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 | £3,150 – £5,850 | letting room |
| Panel alarm system (Grade A type), larger HMO | £1,750 – £4,500 | £1,600 – £4,050 | house |
| Protected route upgrades: fire-resisting linings, fire stopping, lighting (three-storey house, our estimate) | £2,000 – £6,000 | £1,800 – £5,400 | house |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £3,600 – £9,000 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £7,200 – £16,200 | kitchen |
Typical time on site: 10–20 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) by town in Belfast
Questions about large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Belfast
Can you work with my architect?
Yes. We often build from an architect’s drawings, or we can recommend a designer to prepare them.
What fire alarm does a large HMO need?
The fire risk assessment and the council decide; alarm grades come from guidance, not statute. For larger HMOs, council guides and the NI fire service guide commonly point to a Grade A panel system covering escape routes and rooms. We fit to the specification set, and give you the commissioning certificate.
Do you carry out large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) across Belfast?
Yes, across the whole of Belfast, including Belfast, Newtownards, Dundonald.
Who licenses HMOs in Belfast?
HMO licensing in Belfast, as everywhere in Northern Ireland, is run by the NI HMO Unit at Belfast City Council. Planning and building control are handled by the local council.
Other HMO services in Belfast
- House to HMO conversion in Belfast
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Belfast
- Fire alarm and detection systems in Belfast
- Sound insulation in Belfast
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Belfast
- Extensions for extra rooms in Belfast
- Communal kitchen refits in Belfast
- Ensuite installation in Belfast