Accommodation Construction
Purpose-built student accommodation, HMOs, residential blocks, and supported living, designed for comfort, compliance, and return on investment.
At a Glance: Accommodation Construction
- Typical project value: £250,000 to £20 million+
- Typical timeline: 3 to 24 months
- Planning permission: Usually required (including Article 4 areas for HMOs)
- Areas covered: Stockport, Manchester, Cheshire
- Free site survey: Yes
Multi-Occupancy Living Spaces
From student halls to HMO conversions to supported living, we build accommodation that meets stringent fire safety, acoustic, and accessibility standards while maximising the number of quality units per development.
We work with developers, landlords, and housing associations to deliver high-density accommodation that's compliant, comfortable, and built to withstand heavy tenant turnover year after year.
Accommodation Types
PBSA & Student Housing
Purpose-built student accommodation with cluster flats, studio rooms, communal lounges, and laundry facilities. Designed for high-density living with fire safety at the core.
HMO Conversions
Converting houses and commercial buildings into licensed HMOs. Ensuite rooms, shared kitchens, fire alarm systems, and full compliance with HMO licensing standards.
Apartment Blocks
New-build and conversion apartment developments with private and communal amenities. From affordable housing to luxury penthouse specifications.
Supported Living
Accessible accommodation for elderly, disabled, or vulnerable residents. Wet rooms, wide corridors, assisted technology, and communal care spaces.
Unit Specifications
Every unit is built to deliver safe, comfortable, and durable living:
Investment Considerations
We understand the development side of accommodation, and build to maximise your return on investment.
Density Optimisation
We design layouts that maximise the number of compliant units per floor while maintaining comfortable living standards and meeting planning requirements.
Lifecycle Durability
Hard-wearing finishes, commercial-grade kitchens, and anti-vandal hardware that reduce maintenance costs and turnover refurbishment expenses.
Planning & Licensing
We guide you through HMO licensing, PBSA planning requirements, and building control approvals to ensure a smooth development process.
Accommodation FAQs
What are the fire safety requirements for HMOs?
HMOs require an LD1 fire alarm system (detection in every room), fire doors with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals, protected escape routes, emergency lighting, and fire-rated compartmentation between units. Requirements vary by property size and licensing category.
How many rooms can I get from my property?
This depends on the building's floor area and layout. We can carry out a feasibility study including room count analysis, planning check, and outline cost estimate before you commit to a project. We maximise rooms while ensuring every unit meets minimum room size standards.
Do you handle HMO licence applications?
We build to HMO licensing standards and can provide the technical documentation needed for your application. We recommend working with a specialist HMO licensing consultant who can manage the application process alongside our construction work.
Can you convert commercial buildings into apartments?
Yes. We regularly convert offices, shops, and industrial units into residential accommodation. Many commercial-to-residential conversions benefit from Permitted Development rights (Class MA), which can avoid the need for full planning permission.
Accommodation Construction: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does accommodation construction cost in Manchester and Stockport?
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) typically costs £80,000 to £120,000 per bed. HMO conversions run £40,000 to £80,000 per room depending on layout. Residential blocks vary by spec; we provide fixed prices after design.
How long does an accommodation build take?
HMO conversions take 3 to 6 months. Mid-rise residential blocks and student accommodation typically take 12 to 24 months including planning and groundworks.
Do we need planning permission or change of use for an HMO or block?
Yes for new builds and most HMO conversions (Sui Generis for large HMOs). Article 4 directions in Manchester require planning for any HMO. We manage planning and licensing applications.
Are you insured for residential accommodation work?
Yes. We carry £10 million public liability, employers' liability and contract works insurance, and operate as CDM 2015 Principal Contractor with NHBC or LABC warranty options.
Can you work out-of-hours on occupied or live sites?
Yes. Refurbishments to occupied HMOs and student blocks are phased around vacation periods, with out-of-hours working and secure hoarding to keep residents undisturbed.