From a trashed flat to a fully-let HMO — investment recouped in 6 months.
A Notting Hill landlord came to us after the previous tenants left their property in a near-uninhabitable state. We took the entire job off their hands — renovation, HMO licensing, letting and ongoing management — and turned it into a high-yield, low-risk asset.
Room 01 — transformation
Room 02 — transformation
The starting point
The previous tenants had left the flat in a really bad state — damaged flooring, worn paintwork, broken fixtures. The landlord was facing a long void period and a major out-of-pocket refurbishment, with no clear plan or contractor network to handle it.
Full refurbishment, coordinated end-to-end
We brought in our trusted contractors and project-managed every part of the works — new flooring, fresh paint throughout, decorating, fixtures, soft furnishings. The landlord didn't have to source a single tradesman, chase a single quote, or visit the property once.
HMO licence — the full application handled
We identified that converting to an HMO would significantly increase the yield. We prepared and submitted the full HMO licence application with the council, made sure the property met every compliance requirement (fire safety, room sizes, amenities), and handled the inspection process from start to finish.
Three rooms let — risk spread, income up
We marketed, vetted, referenced and onboarded three quality tenants on individual contracts. The result: 40%+ more income than the previous single tenancy, and risk diversified across three separate tenants — if one moves out, two-thirds of the income keeps coming in.
Investment recouped in 6 months
The increased rental income covered the entire refurbishment investment within six months. Beyond that, the upgraded condition and HMO certification added an estimated 15% to the property's projected resale value — turning a problem flat into a high-performing asset.
The landlord did nothing.
We did everything.
From the first inspection to the monthly rent statements, the landlord didn't lift a finger. Every part of the project was managed end-to-end by City Flats.
- Full refurbishment & contractor management
- HMO licence application & compliance
- Tenant marketing, vetting & contracts
- Ongoing management & maintenance
- Weekly cleaning service for tenants
- Fibre wifi included as standard
"It feels like a brand-new home — modern, clean, and never crowded. We've got a weekly cleaner, fast wifi included, and only three of us in the flat. It's the best rental I've ever lived in."
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