Why Is HMO Interior Design Important?

What Is HMO Interior Design?

HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) interior design refers to the planning, styling, and specification of shared living spaces tailored to the needs of multiple tenants. Unlike single-family homes, HMOs demand careful consideration of functionality, privacy, durability, and appeal, all within a shared environment.

At Waterhouse Widdop, we specialise in HMO interior design that combines creativity with commercial awareness, helping investors and landlords maximise their rental returns and stand out in a competitive rental market.

Why Is Interior Design Crucial for HMOs?

1. Attracts the Right Tenants - First impressions count. A well-designed HMO instantly appeals to quality tenants, often professionals or students looking for a comfortable and stylish place to call home. Good design creates an emotional connection and that drives demand.

2. Reduces Void Periods - Thoughtful interiors can make your property more desirable, which means rooms are filled faster and stay occupied longer. Less downtime between tenants = more consistent cash flow.

3. Increases Rental Value - High-quality finishes, private en-suites, clever space planning, and lifestyle-focused styling allow landlords to charge higher rents. Many of our HMO clients have seen 10–30% increases in room rates after upgrading interiors.

4. Boosts Valuation & Refinancing Opportunities - Design-led HMOs often command higher valuations, crucial for investors looking to refinance and pull capital out. One of our recent projects increased in value by 83% within six months due to strategic interior improvements.

5. Supports Long-Term Maintenance - HMO interior design isn’t just about looks. It’s about selecting durable, wipeable, and low-maintenance finishes that stand the test of time and tenants.

6. Builds Your Brand as a Landlord or Developer - A consistent, stylish aesthetic across your properties builds brand recognition and trust. Whether you’re scaling your portfolio or preparing to sell, design matters.

Our Approach to HMO Interior Design

At Waterhouse Widdop, we take a commercial approach to every design decision. We:

• Define the target tenant and design accordingly

• Optimise floor plans to include en-suites, open-plan living, and storage

• Deliver full interior specifications, mood boards, and room-by-room styling

• Offer 3D CGI visuals for pre-marketing or investor funding

• Provide onsite support to ensure execution matches the vision

Final Thoughts

If you're investing in HMO properties, don’t overlook the power of interior design. The right design can:

• Help you rent rooms faster

• Justify higher rates

• Increase long-term asset value\

Ready to Elevate Your HMO?

Whether you're flipping, refinancing, or scaling your portfolio, our HMO interior design services are built to support your success.

Book a discovery call today and let’s design your next high-performing HMO.