Student HMO refurbishment across Greater London

In short: A student HMO refurbishment upgrades a shared house let to students, using hard-wearing finishes and planned around the academic year so the work is finished before the next tenancy starts. In Greater London we survey first, price each item separately and hand over the certificates and photos a council asks for.

Nation: England
Pricing region: London
Postcode areas: W, E, SW, SE
Main towns: London, Brent, Islington, City of Westminster, Bexley

What does student HMO refurbishment in Greater London involve?

Broadband and electrics upgrades
Fire safety checks and upgrades
Summer works programme agreed in spring
Extra bathroom or ensuites
Hard-wearing kitchens and worktops
Study space and sockets in every room

Which rules apply in Greater London?

Licences last up to 5 years and carry conditions on gas and electrical safety, alarms, room sizes and waste.
Council standards often step up at 5 and 6 sharers, for example a separate WC at 5 and a second bathroom from 6.
Smoke alarms on every storey with living accommodation and CO alarms by fixed combustion appliances (other than gas cookers) are required by law.
Electrical installations must be inspected and tested at least every 5 years; remedial work is due within 28 days, or sooner if the report says so.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, civil penalties reach £40,000 for offences such as running an unlicensed HMO.

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 does student HMO refurbishment cost in Greater London?

Regional adjustment for London. Planning budgets: see our prices page.
Item	UK typical	Local guide	Per
Full refurbishment per letting room, with a share of communal areas (excludes kitchens, bathrooms and fire systems; our estimate)	£4,000 – £9,000	£5,100 – £11,500	letting room
Communal HMO kitchen with extra cooking and sink capacity (our estimate from domestic ranges)	£8,000 – £18,000	£10,250 – £23,050	kitchen
Shared bathroom refit	£5,500 – £9,000	£7,050 – £11,500	bathroom
Interlinked mains alarm system (Grade D type), small HMO (our estimate from installer guides)	£800 – £2,000	£1,000 – £2,550	house
Full rewire, 4–5 bedroom house	£6,000 – £12,000	£7,700 – £15,350	house

Typical time on site: 2–8 weeks over summer. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.

Student HMO refurbishment by town in Greater London

Questions about student HMO refurbishment in Greater London

When should I book a summer student refurbishment?

By spring if you can. The window between tenancies is short and contractors in university towns book up quickly.

What finishes last best in student houses?

Commercial-grade vinyl or laminate, quartz-effect laminate worktops, wipe-clean paint and good extraction to keep condensation down.

Do you carry out student HMO refurbishment across Greater London?

Yes, across the whole of Greater London, including London, Brent, Islington.

Who licenses HMOs in Greater London?

HMOs in Greater London are licensed by the local council for the address. Where an area has several councils, each runs its own licensing and planning policies.