- Nation
- England
- Pricing region
- South East
- Postcode areas
- RH, PO, BN, GU
- Main towns
- Crawley, Worthing, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Horsham
What do large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in West Sussex involve?
- Sound insulation between rooms and floors
- Protected stair and landing with fire doors and fire stopping
- Ensuites or extra bathrooms
- Feasibility review and measured survey
- Planning and building control drawings, coordinated with your designer
- Second kitchen or extra kitchen capacity
Which rules apply in West Sussex?
- Under the Renters’ Rights Act, civil penalties reach £40,000 for offences such as running an unlicensed HMO.
- 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.
- 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 West 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 West Sussex
Questions about large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in West Sussex
Does a seven-bed HMO need planning permission?
In England, normally yes: seven or more unrelated sharers is a sui generis use outside class C4. Wales and Northern Ireland require permission for new HMOs anyway, and in Scotland more than five residents falls outside the houses class. Councils also apply concentration policies, so we check the address first.
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 West Sussex?
Yes, across the whole of West Sussex, including Crawley, Worthing, Bognor Regis.
Who licenses HMOs in West Sussex?
HMOs in West 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 West Sussex
- House to HMO conversion in West Sussex
- Escape routes, emergency lighting and fire stopping in West Sussex
- Fire alarm and detection systems in West Sussex
- Sound insulation in West Sussex
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in West Sussex
- Extensions for extra rooms in West Sussex
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in West Sussex
- HMO fire safety upgrades in West Sussex