Elevating HMO Living: The Importance of Interior Design for High-End HMO Investments

Over the last couple of years, there has been a notable growing demand for high end HMOs. A report by Paragon Bank in 2022 illustrated that over 48% of HMO landlords had seen an increase in demand for high-end HMOs over the 2021-2022 period, and this is only set to increase further. This report also showed that even more tenants are looking for ensuite bedrooms, faster internet and better furnishings.

This shift in perception presents a lucrative investment opportunity for HMO investors looking to cash in on this growing demand for high-end shared accommodation. However, choosing the right property as well as hitting the mark with your interior design is imperative in marketing your HMO in a competitive space.

What Features Constitute a High-End HMO?

There are many ways in which a property can be deemed a high-end HMO, but in general it will constitute a space that offers very high quality and comfortable amenities and facilities. Most high-end HMOs tend to be larger properties that house over 6 occupants, therefore being large HMOs that sit in the C4 or Sui Generis use class.

For starters, large rooms such as bedrooms and living spaces make for a more enjoyable and higher-end living experience, and so having a spacious property can help to elevate the overall impression of the HMO. While there are minimum HMO room size requirements that are required by law, places that exceed these restrictions are likely to do better in the market. HMOs have been historically associated with small, cramped living conditions, so bright and spacious rooms can really make you stand out from other HMOs in the market.

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In addition, there are many amenities and features that have seen growing demand in recent years and, therefore, can further enhance an HMO into being classed as high end. This includes:

  • Ensuite Bedrooms: Private bathrooms for your tenants are a huge selling point for high-end HMOs as it gives tenants an extra benefit of privacy and comfort. The reality is that tenants don’t tend to enjoy sharing bathrooms with other tenants, and so the benefit of a private bathroom is a real mark of high-end HMO living.
  • Workspaces: Many young professionals and students spend their time either working or studying remotely, particularly in the last few years. Therefore, a dedicated workspace in the bedrooms of your HMO can be a great indicator that your HMO is high-end and tailored for modern day living.
  • High-Quality Furnishings: It’s no secret that some landlords can cut corners when it comes to furnshinings in rental properties as they are deemed non-essential. However, high quality and tasteful furnishings offer an overall heightened living experience which feels more high-end and therefore is attractive to tenants.
  • High-Speed Internet: Many young professionals and students spend a lot of their time on the internet, whether that be for work, studying or general leisure and browsing. High quality internet is a mark of a high-end HMO.
    Spacious & Modern Kitchens: A modern and well-equipped kitchen is a great way to make your HMO stand out. Kitting out your kitchens with large fridge freezers, modern appliances and multiple cooking facilities is a great way to demonstrate that the space you’ve created is considerate of the needs of your prospective occupants.
hmo interior design with skylight

The Importance of Good Interior Design

While all the above factors are important for high-end HMOs, the overall interior design is key to elevating your HMO investment property to market it in the high-end HMO space. It’s possible to offer spacious rooms and comfortable amenities, but if you miss the mark on the interior design it can really affect the marketability of your HMO in the high-end space.

In short, good interior design is key to making a space better suited to its intended purpose. For example, a bedroom is a room for sleeping and relaxing, so the interior design should mirror this intended purpose to create this atmosphere. It is really all about perception and if you want your prospective tenants to perceive your HMO to be high-end, the interior design should solidify this.

Below are some key considerations for interior design for high-end HMOs.

Key Interior Design Considerations for HMOs

Space

As already mentioned in the article, spacious rooms are a fabulous way to heighten the interior of your HMO. Rooms with features such as bay windows or vaulted ceilings can really create a sense of luxury. However, even with smaller rooms, an effective use of space can really elevate the interior of your accommodation.

Light

Lighting is a core element of interior design. Dark properties that lack windows or lights can feel more dingy and unappealing which is less attractive to prospective tenants looking for high-end HMOs. Using light effectively as well as utilising window space well can have a real impact on the attractiveness of your interior.

hmo interior design of bedroom

Walls & Ceilings

A well thought through use of colour and texture on the walls and ceilings of your HMO can transform the living space. When considering your interior design, ensure that you are thinking about paint, wallpaper or other textured features that are consistent with other high-end HMOs. Furthermore, the use of wall art is a great way to complete your walls and showcase attention to detail.

Complimentary Furnishings

A good understanding of how your furnishings can compliment your interior design is a great way to create a stand-out HMO. For example, ensuring that your chosen furniture is at the right proportion and scale for the room that is being furnished or ensuring that the rooms are well balanced through the use of colour, lighting and decor.

The key of course to achieving all of this is to source a good HMO investment property that will allow you to incorporate all the desirable features that prospective tenants will be looking for. Take a read of our article on sourcing good HMO properties for more information on finding the right building for your next investment.

Examples of Interior Design for High End HMOs

Below, you can see some examples of high-end HMO projects we have worked on. From the images, you can see there has been a real focus on tasteful and modern interior design which encompasses the living standards and, therefore, exhibits the level of desirability and appeal that tenants are looking for in the high-end HMO market.

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