- Nation
- Northern Ireland
- Pricing region
- Northern Ireland
- Postcode areas
- BT
- Main towns
- Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Castlereagh, Carrickfergus, Ballymena
What do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in County Antrim involve?
- Protected stair and landing with fire doors and fire stopping
- Emergency lighting where the escape route needs it
- Feasibility review and measured survey
- Ensuites or extra bathrooms
- Fire alarm and detection system sized for the building
- Second kitchen or extra kitchen capacity
Which rules apply in County Antrim?
- 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.
In Northern Ireland, licensing is run centrally by the NI HMO Unit, and all new HMOs need planning permission and building control approval from the local council.
How much do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) cost in County Antrim?
| 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 County Antrim
Questions about large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in County Antrim
Do you handle building control?
Yes. The building work in a large HMO conversion (partitions, fire separation, drainage, electrics) needs to meet the building regulations, and the conversion can also count as a material change of use. We confirm the route with building control, coordinate inspections and give you the completion paperwork.
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 County Antrim?
Yes, across the whole of County Antrim, including Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Castlereagh.
Who licenses HMOs in County Antrim?
HMO licensing in County Antrim, 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 County Antrim
- House to HMO conversion in County Antrim
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in County Antrim
- Fire alarm and detection systems in County Antrim
- Sound insulation in County Antrim
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in County Antrim
- Extensions for extra rooms in County Antrim
- Bedroom upgrades and room refits in County Antrim
- Communal kitchen refits in County Antrim