- Nation
- England
- Pricing region
- South West
- Postcode areas
- EX, TQ, PL, DT
- Main towns
- Plymouth, Exeter, Paignton, Torquay, Newton Abbot
What do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Devon involve?
- Emergency lighting where the escape route needs it
- Feasibility review and measured survey
- Protected stair and landing with fire doors and fire stopping
- Sound insulation between rooms and floors
- Second kitchen or extra kitchen capacity
- Fire alarm and detection system sized for the building
Which rules apply in Devon?
- Licences last up to 5 years and carry conditions on gas and electrical safety, alarms, room sizes and waste.
- Floor area under a ceiling lower than 1.5 m does not count towards the room size, and many councils set larger sizes.
- Council standards often step up at 5 and 6 sharers, for example a separate WC at 5 and a second bathroom from 6.
- 3–6 unrelated sharers is use class C4; changing from a family house is usually permitted development unless an Article 4 direction applies.
- Building regulations cover structural changes, new partitions, ensuite drainage, fire-resisting construction and notifiable electrical work.
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 do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) cost in Devon?
| 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 | £3,650 – £6,750 | letting room |
| Panel alarm system (Grade A type), larger HMO | £1,750 – £4,500 | £1,800 – £4,700 | house |
| Protected route upgrades: fire-resisting linings, fire stopping, lighting (three-storey house, our estimate) | £2,000 – £6,000 | £2,100 – £6,250 | house |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £4,150 – £10,400 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £8,300 – £18,700 | 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 Devon
Questions about large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in Devon
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.
Can you work with my architect?
Yes. We often build from an architect’s drawings, or we can recommend a designer to prepare them.
Do you carry out large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) across Devon?
Yes, across the whole of Devon, including Plymouth, Exeter, Paignton.
Who licenses HMOs in Devon?
HMOs in Devon 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 Devon
- House to HMO conversion in Devon
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in Devon
- Fire alarm and detection systems in Devon
- Sound insulation in Devon
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in Devon
- Extensions for extra rooms in Devon
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in Devon
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in Devon