Designing an HMO in Liverpool: Your Guide

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Attractive HMOs for Students and Professionals

Welcome to the latest blog from The Refurb Experts in Liverpool. This article we will be discussing design considerations when planning and designing an HMO in Liverpool, for students and young professionals.

Converting a property into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) presents an excellent opportunity for landlords to maximise rental yields. However, to attract long-term tenants and maintain a competitive edge, the design and layout of the property must cater to the needs and preferences of the target audience, especially in 2025 and as the HMO market gets more competitive.

This article provides landlords and investors with a comprehensive guide on creating appealing HMOs for students and professionals, balancing functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.

Understanding Your Target Tenants

The first step in designing an attractive HMO is understanding your tenants’ needs:

Students:

  • Require affordable and functional spaces.
  • Seek proximity to universities, public transport, and social amenities.
  • Value communal areas for social interaction.

Professionals:

  • Look for comfortable and stylish living environments.
  • Prefer locations near workplaces, transport links, and leisure facilities.
  • Appreciate privacy and high-quality finishes.

We’ve got over 20 years of experience in the Liverpool property market and can help you with your HMO investment. We believe that by tailoring your HMO design to these preferences, you can ensure higher occupancy rates and happy tenants.

Designing The HMO Layout

Maximising space while maintaining comfort is critical:

Bedrooms:

  • Each room should meet the minimum size requirements (e.g., 6.51m² for single occupants).
  • Provide built-in storage solutions like wardrobes and under-bed compartments.
  • Ensure adequate natural light and ventilation.

Communal Areas:

  • Include spacious living rooms with comfortable seating and entertainment options.
  • Design kitchens with sufficient cooking and storage facilities to accommodate multiple tenants.
  • If possible, add a dining area so tenants can socialise and entertain friends.

Bathrooms:

  • Consider en-suite bathrooms as standard.
  • Use durable and easy-to-clean materials to ensure long-term functionality.
  • Ensure the ratio of bathrooms to tenants meets regulatory requirements.

Features, Soundproofing and Utilities Are Vital

Tenants prioritise practicality, so consider the following:

Smart Tech, Features and Utilities:

  • Install high-speed internet and Wi-Fi boosters to cover the entire property are an absolute must.
  • Ensure energy-efficient appliances and lighting to reduce utility costs.
  • Consider smart features such as lighting and plugs in communal areas

Smart Storage Solutions:

  • Use modular furniture that doubles as storage.
  • Optimise vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and hooks.

Soundproofing:

  • Use thick carpets, acoustic panels, and insulated walls to minimise noise.
  • This is particularly appealing to professionals seeking a peaceful environment.

Create a Modern and Stylish Design For Your HMO

Curb appeal plays a significant role in attracting new tenants, so we suggest you follow these tips to create a great place for people to live, which will give you a good advantage over your competitors (competing landlords!):

Décor, Furnishings and Neutral Colour Palette

  • Use minimalist decor that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
  • Include practical furniture like desks and ergonomic chairs for students.
  • Use soft and neutral tones for walls and furniture to create a sense of space and calm.
  • Add pops of colour with accessories like cushions, rugs, or artwork.

Durable Materials and Lighting

  • Choose high-quality and durable materials for floors, countertops, and furniture to withstand wear and tear.
  • Combine natural light with layered lighting (e.g., overhead, task, and ambient lighting).
  • Install energy-efficient LED lights to save costs.

Enhancing Comfort and Convenience of your HMO

Comfort is key to tenant retention. Here’s how to ensure a pleasant living experience:

Climate Control

  • Install efficient heating systems, such as central heating or underfloor heating.
  • Liverpool doesn’t have a tropical climate but if your budget allows, built in climate control and AC could help differentiate your property from the rest.

Laundry & Utility Room Facilities

  • Consider installing a utility room, but if space doesn’t allow this then provide a washer and dryer as standard
  • Provide a drying area and ensure sufficient ventilation

Outdoor Space

  • If space allows, create a small garden or patio with seating.
  • This is particularly attractive to professionals seeking relaxation spaces.

Prioritising Safety and Compliance

Meeting safety standards is not only a legal requirement but also a tenant expectation. You must install smoke alarms, install fire doors, provide locks for bedrooms and security lighting, as well as ensure the property meets all licensing requirements, including space standards and occupancy limits.

Budgeting and Return on Investment

As with any property development and investment, balancing your budget with quality is essential. Allocate a portion of your budget to high-impact areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Consider investing in durable materials and energy-efficient solutions to reduce long-term maintenance costs. Always calculate your potential rental yields to determine the profitability of your investment before proceeding.

We have over 20 years of experience in the Liverpool property refurbishment market and are landlords ourselves, so contact us today and we would be pleased to discuss designing an HMO in Liverpool with you in some more detail.

We Hope This HMO Guide Was Useful

We hope you enjoyed our latest HMO guide and have presented some useful ideas to consider when designing an HMO for students and/or young professionals.

Designing an HMO in Liverpool for students and professionals requires a careful balance of functionality, style, and compliance. By understanding your target audience, planning the layout effectively, and incorporating modern features, you can create a property that appeals to tenants and maximises rental income.

With the right investment and attention to detail, your HMO can stand out in a competitive market, ensuring your investments long-term success.

If you have any questions about Liverpool HMO’s, contact us by phone or email, we’re Liverpool based HMO experts.

Read more about our range of HMO construction services.

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