Large HMO conversions in Harborne

We carry out large HMO conversion projects in Harborne and across the West Midlands, from the first measured survey to a house that is ready for its licence inspection.

We cover Harborne and the surrounding West Midlands postcodes, including B17.

  • Quotes itemised so you can compare
  • One team for build, compliance and lettings
  • Covering Harborne and nearby West Midlands towns

Book a survey in Harborne

Tell us about the property. We reply within one working day.

An HMO in Harborne has to work for three audiences: the council, the people who live there and the owner's figures. We design with all three in mind and price the result in writing.

We can keep a photographic record of each stage, which is useful evidence when the council inspects or a buyer's surveyor asks questions later.

HMO rules in Birmingham City Council

RuleBirmingham City Council
Mandatory HMO licence (5+ people)In force everywhere in England
Additional HMO licensingIn force
Whole city, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Selective licensingIn part of the area
25 of the city's 69 wards, 5 June 2023 to 4 June 2028
Article 4 direction for small HMOsIn force
Whole city, in force since 8 June 2020

Checked October 2026 against Birmingham City Council's HMO licensing page. Schemes change, so we confirm the position for your address before any work starts.

Birmingham City Council has an Article 4 direction across its whole area, so turning a family house in Harborne into a small HMO needs planning permission. We prepare the planning application before any conversion work starts. Seven or more occupants always needs planning permission. Birmingham City Council also runs additional licensing across its whole area (until 4 June 2028), so smaller HMOs with three or four people from two or more households need a licence too.

Large HMO conversions in Harborne: what we do

For larger houses and buildings in Harborne, we assess whether an HMO for seven or more people is realistic before any design money is spent. That means checking local planning policy, the structure, the escape routes and how many kitchens and bathrooms the occupancy would need.

If the scheme works, we prepare the planning drawings, agree the fire strategy with building control and build floor by floor. It suits bigger properties in Harborne and across the West Midlands where a six-bedroom layout would leave usable space empty.

  • Kitchens and bathrooms sized to council amenity standards
  • Feasibility check of the building, layout and planning policy
  • Planning drawings and room schedule for the application
  • Handover file prepared for the mandatory licence
  • Floor-by-floor build programme with building control inspections

Large HMO conversions near Harborne

What landlords in Harborne ask us

Can you convert part of a building above a shop in Harborne?

Often, yes. Flats above shops need extra attention to fire separation from the commercial unit, and we assess this at survey stage.

Does a converted HMO in Harborne need a licence?

Yes if five or more people from two or more households will live there, because mandatory licensing applies in every council in England. Birmingham City Council may also license smaller HMOs, which we check for the address.

What size must bedrooms be in an HMO in Harborne?

For licensed HMOs in England a room for one adult must be at least 6.51 square metres and a room for two adults at least 10.22 square metres. Birmingham City Council may set additional standards, which we design to.

Can you work on a house I haven't bought yet in Harborne?

Yes. We can survey before you buy and tell you the likely room count, the planning and licensing position and a guide cost, so you can decide with the facts in front of you.

Ready to talk about Harborne?

Call or send the form and we'll arrange a survey at a time that suits you.

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