RCB GROUP DESIGN & BUILD

HMO Specialist

Need a Trusted HMO Specialist? Start the Conversation.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or exploring your first shared property, RCB Group Design & Build offers the specialist insight, planning support, and full build delivery you need to create compliant, high-yield HMOs that stand out.

Thinking About an HMO? Let’s Get the Strategy Right From Day One.

At RCB Group Design & Build, we specialise in helping landlords and investors plan, structure, and execute profitable, fully compliant HMO projects — with expert guidance every step of the way.

What Makes Us HMO Specialists

✅ Deep Regulatory Knowledge

We navigate fire safety, planning rules, licensing, and building regs with complete accuracy.

✅ Investor-Focused Planning

Smart layouts to maximise rentability and long-term returns.

✅ Turnkey Service

One team handles everything — architectural design, planning, construction, compliance, and certification.

✅ Built-In Quality

Durable finishes, efficient systems, and practical solutions designed for high-occupancy properties.

✅ Fast, Reliable Delivery

On time, on budget, and with full visibility throughout the project.

Our HMO Specialist Services Include

Property assessment and HMO strategy
Space optimisation and layout planning
Full design and build project management
Planning permission and building regs
Fire safety and licensing compliance
Utility and system upgrades
Ongoing support post-handover

Our Process: HMO Projects Done Right

Consultation & Feasibility Check – We assess your goals and property potential.
Planning & Compliance Strategy – Layouts, fire safety, licensing, and permission planning.
Design & Specification – Space-maximising solutions with durable, stylish finishes.
Build & Delivery – Fully managed project, site coordination, and reporting.
Final Certification & Handover – Ready-to-let HMO with full paperwork and support.

Who We Work With

Landlords and portfolio landlords
Property developers and sourcing agents
HMO investment consultants
Letting agents managing shared properties
Build-to-rent operators

HMO stands for Houses of multiple occupancy

For a building to be considered an HMO, there must be at least three people living there, and more than one household. Multiple tenants share facilities such as bathroom or kitchen. There are several legislations that may be subject too, and also a greater tenant management and property repair work.

This is why hiring an HMO specialist will provide services that will help you in managing your properties.

The relationship with the local authorities, help with obtaining the license, building inspections to see whether the occupants are not causing damage to the building, help with letting the rooms as fast as possible.

Not all HMO landlords are required to obtain a license. These licenses are needed to ensure certain standards of safety and livability are offered to the tenants. To learn anything, you may need whether you need to obtain a license or not, or what regulations and management practices are in place, it is best to consult with an HMO specialist. This way you can avoid possible penalties or hassles, and also manage your property more effectively. A liaison with local authorities, regarding licensing, planning permissions will be much easier with the specialized knowledge of experts who do this on a daily basis.

There are certain duties that an HMO manager has, such as ensuring adequate and working water, gas and electrical supply. These need to be regularly checked and maintained at provided intervals. The house must have proper fire safety facilities and fire escapes that are kept in good order. The units must be clean and proper before letting them to tenants, and the waste disposal should be properly managed.

Avoid any problems by following all the guidelines and regulations with the expert help of HMO specialists.

FAQs for HMO Clients

Do I need planning permission to convert my house into an HMO?

Yes, in many cases you do.

If you’re converting a property into a small HMO (3–6 tenants), you may need to apply for an Article 4 Direction if your local authority has removed permitted development rights. Larger HMOs (7+ tenants) always require full planning permission. At RCB Group Design & Build, we assess each property’s planning needs and guide you through the application process, ensuring your project complies from the start.

What’s the difference between an HMO specialist and a general builder?

An HMO specialist understands more than just construction — we focus on regulations, space efficiency, tenant appeal, and investment returns. While a general builder may handle the physical work, only an HMO specialist like RCB Group Design & Build can ensure your layout, licensing, and fire safety align with legal standards and profitability goals. We act as strategic partners, not just contractors.

What’s included in your HMO turnkey service?

Our turnkey HMO consultancy includes:

Feasibility analysis and investment strategy
Space planning and layout optimisation
HMO licensing guidance and compliance review
Design advice for durable, tenant-friendly interiors
Coordination with approved architects, contractors, and specialists
End-to-end project oversight to reduce risk and ensure smooth delivery

We manage the complexity so you can focus on growth.

How long does an HMO project typically take?

Timeframes vary depending on size, property condition, and planning permissions. On average:

3–6 bed HMOs: 6–12 weeks for build + planning/licensing lead time
7+ bed HMOs: 10–16+ weeks with more approvals involved

As your HMO specialist, RCB Group Design & Build helps create realistic timelines, aligns the right professionals, and ensures progress stays on track — from day one.

Can you help with both licensing and building work?

Yes — while we do not directly build, we specialise in HMO compliance and project coordination, working with trusted partners to deliver full-service results. We ensure your project meets licensing, building regulations, and HMO-specific standards, and we oversee the process to protect your investment and peace of mind.