- Nation
- England
- Pricing region
- South East
- Postcode areas
- TN, BN, RH
- Main towns
- Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Hove, Bexhill-on-Sea
What do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in East Sussex involve?
- Sound insulation between rooms and floors
- Fire alarm and detection system sized for the building
- Feasibility review and measured survey
- Protected stair and landing with fire doors and fire stopping
- Ensuites or extra bathrooms
- Emergency lighting where the escape route needs it
Which rules apply in East Sussex?
- Mandatory HMO licence for 5 or more people in 2 or more households (since October 2018); councils can add additional licensing for smaller HMOs.
- Floor area under a ceiling lower than 1.5 m does not count towards the room size, and many councils set larger sizes.
- National rules ask for an adequate number of bathrooms, WCs and basins and suitably located kitchens; numeric ratios are set by each council.
- 7 or more sharers is a sui generis large HMO and normally needs planning permission.
- A conversion can be a material change of use under the building regulations, so confirm with building control before work starts.
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 East Sussex?
| 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 | £3,900 – £7,300 | letting room |
| Panel alarm system (Grade A type), larger HMO | £1,750 – £4,500 | £1,950 – £5,050 | house |
| Protected route upgrades: fire-resisting linings, fire stopping, lighting (three-storey house, our estimate) | £2,000 – £6,000 | £2,250 – £6,700 | house |
| Ensuite shower room added to a bedroom | £4,000 – £10,000 | £4,500 – £11,200 | ensuite |
| Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges) | £8,000 – £18,000 | £8,950 – £20,150 | 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 East Sussex
Questions about large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in East Sussex
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 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.
Do you carry out large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) across East Sussex?
Yes, across the whole of East Sussex, including Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings.
Who licenses HMOs in East Sussex?
HMOs in East Sussex 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 East Sussex
- House to HMO conversion in East Sussex
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in East Sussex
- Fire alarm and detection systems in East Sussex
- Sound insulation in East Sussex
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in East Sussex
- Extensions for extra rooms in East Sussex
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in East Sussex
- HMO fire safety upgrades in East Sussex