Transforming HMO Interior Design in Yorkshire: A Case Study

The Brief

Our client approached us with a clear vision: to elevate an outdated property in Yorkshire into a premium HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) that would appeal to young professionals, maximise rental yield, and significantly boost the property’s value for refinance. With a six-month turnaround, multiple trades on-site, and a clear ROI target, this was a high-pressure, high-reward development.

This project called for more than good taste, it needed expert strategy, seamless coordination, and bold, market-focused design.

Our Approach to HMO Interior Design in Yorkshire

At Waterhouse Widdop, we take a developer-minded approach to every project. For this HMO development in Yorkshire, we provided full-service HMO interior design, balancing style with practicality and design flair with commercial returns.

Key steps in our approach included:

Demographic Insight: Understanding the target tenant’s lifestyle helped shape interiors that felt aspirational yet attainable.
Space Planning: We reimagined the floor plan to maximise flow, privacy and functionality, introducing five en-suites to drive up rental income.
Design-Led Identity: We wove the developer’s brand subtly into the visual language of the interiors, creating a professional yet homely feel that set this HMO apart.

Our Interior Design Services Delivered

We handled the full spectrum of HMO design needs:

Feasibility & Floorplan Optimisation: We made the most of every square foot to increase lettable space and improve M&E placement.
Concept Design: Mood boards and brand-led styling helped set the tone for a youthful, design-conscious tenant.
Specification Pack: A complete room-by-room design, with detailed product lists and cost-efficient sourcing.
Kitchen Design: A charcoal kitchen with pops of colour and marble-effect finishes brought modern appeal.
Bathrooms: Five compact but beautifully appointed en-suites boosted value and tenant appeal.
Finishes & Furnishings: LVT flooring in communal spaces for durability, plush bedroom carpets, and creative joinery for added texture.
Colour & Paint Strategy: Bold colour-blocking added wow factor on a budget and made every room unique.
Lighting Design: Ambient and task lighting throughout added depth and functionality.
Onsite Coordination: Key site visits ensured designs were delivered exactly as intended.
Staging & Marketing: We styled the property to sell the lifestyle, then produced a 360° virtual tour and professional photography to support fast, effective marketing.

The Results

The transformation delivered beyond expectations:

67% uplift in property value within 6 months
20% above ceiling price on refinance valuation
30% higher rental income than other HMOs in the area
Full occupancy within weeks of launch

Why It Matters

This project proves what’s possible when developers invest in strategic HMO interior design in Yorkshire. Great design doesn’t just make a space look better, it makes it work better, rent faster, and sell higher.

Ready to Elevate Your HMO?

Whether you're planning your first HMO or scaling your portfolio, our interior design service for developers helps you unlock value, attract your ideal tenants, and stay ahead of the competition.

Let’s reimagine what your property could be. Join our client waiting list today.