How to Create a High-End HMO That Attracts Premium Tenants

A high-end HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is more than just a shared house – It’s a premium living space with the opportunity to create a little community for your tenants. Going for a high end finish to your HMO can help you sell your rooms quicker and attract better, longer staying tenants.

To achieve this, you need to go beyond the basics and focus on maximising your layouts, creating communal areas that work hard for your tenants with features that go beyond the competition. Here’s how to create a market leading HMO, that stands out from the competition.

1. Start by Understanding Your Tenants

Before making any design decisions, it’s important to know who your ideal tenants are. The features and style of your high-end HMO should match their lifestyle and expectations.

Young professionals – They look for modern interiors, co-working spaces, and superfast Wi-Fi.
Student tenants – They prefer space to socialise, brighter communal spaces and in room work space.
Postgraduates & mature students – They prefer quiet study areas and high-quality furnishings.

By tailoring your HMO to the right audience, you can charge higher rents and keep tenants for longer.

2. Upgrade Communal Spaces

A high-end HMO should offer more than just a kitchen and a sofa in the lounge. Well-designed communal spaces create a sense of community and add value to the property.

Kitchen & dining area – Focus on a lovely looking kitchen with plenty of storage and facilities for your tenants. Function is just as important as how it looks here so focus on getting in plenty of practical space, great quality appliances (think about things like airfryers, coffee machines too) and consider creating a proper dining space with feature bench seating and lighting.
Inviting lounge – Whether it’s a part of the open plan living space or it’s own nook, a cosy lounge space gives the tenants a place to chill. Choose a comfy sofa, smart TV, mood lighting and great artwork to bring it together.
Outdoor areas – A landscaped garden or patio with seating can make your HMO even more appealing. Think about how they might use this space in the summer, could you include a BBQ even?

Well-thought-out communal areas make your property feel like a home, not just a rental.

3. Create stand out spaces within your high end HMO

With more competition in the rental market, your high-end HMO needs to offer something special. Adding premium features can make a big difference.

Co-working spaces – Many professionals work from home, so a dedicated workspace with desks and fast Wi-Fi is a huge selling point. You can really create a feature with these too, think hotel bar kind of vibes and you have a winner.
Cinema or media room – A cosy space with a projector, comfortable seating, and surround sound creates a luxury experience that you don’t get any many HMO’s. Think about creating experiences for your tenants.
Gym or wellness area – Even a small fitness space with exercise equipment or a yoga area can attract tenants. They’ll love being able to workout at home and save money on their gym membership.

Any of these on a smaller scale are still great, a nook with some multi-use furniture can work great to create a desk area by day and chill out space by night. These features not only add value but also make your property stand out from standard HMOs.

4. Design Stylish & Comfortable Bedrooms

Since tenants spend most of their time in their rooms, bedrooms in a high-end HMO should feel comfortable, stylish, and well-designed. This one might sound obvious, but stick with us:

Double beds – These give the tenants more space to sleep and tend to be preferred.
Fitted storage – Built-in wardrobes and under-bed storage, all help to keep the house tidy and useable.
Hotel-style touches – Feature walls, lovely artwork and modern lighting create a premium feel.
Ensuite bathrooms – If possible, ensuite rooms add great value and are highly desirable. You might even consider creating some studio rooms.

A well-designed bedroom is really the minimum needed in any HMO, these small touches can make a huge difference to how desirable your HMO is to tenants.

5. Choose High-Quality Finishes That Last

To maintain a high-end HMO, it’s essential to invest in durable and stylish materials. High-quality finishes not only look better but also reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Luxury build materials – Spending a little more on things like tiles, flooring and doors/handles can make a home feel much more luxurious without having to spend on every little detail.
Statement lighting – Don’t miss an opportunity to add a feature with your lighting. Consider wall lights, pendant lights and LED strip lights to highlight areas within your HMO.
Modern Artwork – Go for artwork that suits your HMO interior. You could use this as a way to add a pop of colour or a spot of personality within your HMO.

Always pair your brighter features with a good set of neutrals to bring your whole scheme together.

6. Integrate Smart Technology & Security

Tenants in a high-end HMO expect modern technology that enhances convenience and security. Adding smart features can set your property apart.

Superfast broadband – Essential for professionals who work from home.
Smart locks & intercoms – These provide secure and hassle-free access.
App-controlled heating & lighting – Tenants can adjust settings remotely for added comfort and it even gives you more control as a landlord too.

These upgrades make your HMO more attractive and future-proof your investment.

7. Improve Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is becoming more important for tenants and landlords alike. A well-insulated, cost-effective high-end HMO not only reduces bills but also appeals to eco-conscious renters.

Smart heating systems – Reduce energy waste and lower costs.
LED lighting – More energy-efficient than traditional bulbs.
Double glazing & insulation – Keeps the property warm and reduces heating expenses.

By making your HMO more sustainable, you create a win-win situation for both you and your tenants.

A high-end HMO is more than just a shared house—it’s a premium living space that offers comfort, convenience, and style. By understanding your tenants, upgrading communal areas, and adding luxury features, you can attract professionals who are willing to pay higher rents.

At Aben Interiors, we specialise in designing stylish, high-yield HMOs that stand out in the market. Get in touch today to transform your investment property into a high-end rental.

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