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Deal WizardHMO · Property Analysis
Town Centre Waterside, Maidenhead SL6, 2 bed flat for sale, £375,000 - Zoopla
Address: Town Centre Waterside, Maidenhead SL6Price: £375,0002 Bedroom(s)2 Bathroom(s)Analysis Date: Apr 16, 2026
ROCE: 19.1 %Tenure Type: LEASEHOLD (999 YEARS)Property Type: FlatEPC band: BCouncil Tax Band: CSize: 0 sq ft / 55 m²Risk: MediumProject Time: 3 weeks

HMO Investment Analysis

Analysis of the Maidenhead Waterside 2-bed apartment. Note: This unit cannot be converted into a standard HMO (3+ unrelated sharers) due to its configuration as a 2-bed flat. This evaluation serves as a BTL assessment.

Executive Summary

This is a modern 2-bedroom apartment situated in Maidenhead. While the location near the Elizabeth Line is excellent for rental demand, it does not meet the criteria for a licensable HMO (3+ occupants) due to physical limitations of the flat layout. It is, however, a solid Buy-to-Let prospect for professional tenants. The project carries moderate risk due to leasehold service charges and inability to reconfigure into a high-occupancy HMO.

Acquisition Overview

Purchase Price
£375,000
Deposit (10.6%)
£40,000
Loan Amount
£335,000
Bank Fees (3%)
£11,250
Interest Rate
1%
Capital Employed
£57,750

Investment assumes first-time buyer status. Bank fees calculated at 3% of property value.

Projected Rental Income (Post-Refurb)

Room 1 Rent
£850
Room 2 Rent
£850
Monthly Total
£1,700

Market rents for modern 2-bed flats in SL6 average between £1,500 and £1,800. £1,700 is a prudent estimate for high-standard finish.

Projected Cashflow & Returns

Annual Gross Rent
£20,400
Annual Expenses
£6,000
Mortgage (Int)
£3,350
Net Annual Profit
£11,050
ROCE
19.1%
The ROCE of 19.1% is attractive for a BTL, though scaling this into an HMO is not feasible within this physical envelope.

Mortgage & Financing

Licensing & Compliance

WARNING: The property is a 2-bed flat. It is structurally unsuitable for HMO conversion. Attempting to add a 3rd bedroom would likely breach leasehold covenants and building regulations.

Property & Layout Analysis

Master Bedroom
Size: 16m²
Compliant
Bedroom 2
Size: 12m²
Compliant
Kitchen/Living
Size: 27m²
Communal

Capacity & Layout Options:

Option 1
2-Bed BTL
Valid
Option 2
3-Bed HMO
Impossible

Refurbishment Plan

Refurb Breakdown:

Full Deep Clean£400
Smart Locks Installation£300
Bedroom Furniture Sets£1,200
Kitchen Appliance Upgrade£800
Window Dressing/Blinds£500
Wall Repairs & Touch-up£400
Fire Safety Pack£600
Decorating Communal Hallway£300
Lighting Upgrades (LED)£200
TV Mount & Smart TV£500
Garden Furniture£300
Contingency Fund£1,000
Total Estimated Refurbishment Cost £6,500

Refurbishment Timeline:

Weeks: 3 || Months: 0.75

Phase 1: Procurement & Deep Clean || 1 week
Phase 2: Painting & Minor Repairs || 1 week
Phase 3: Furnishing & Snagging || 1 week

Risks & Assumptions

Negotiation Points

Service Charge History
Request the last 3 years of service charge invoices to ensure no massive hikes are pending.
Leasehold Restrictions
Check for "No sub-letting" clauses which would invalidate BTL usage.

Investment Case Summary

Short Recommendation

This is a viable BTL investment but NOT an HMO project. It offers a 19.1% ROCE at the provided lending rates. Proceed as a standard rental.

Detailed Recommendation

The Maidenhead Waterside property is in a high-demand area with great transport links (Elizabeth Line). However, the physical constraints of the apartment building make it impossible to create an HMO-compliant layout (adding a 3rd room is physically impossible). The investment metrics provided (1% interest rate, 3% fees) yield a strong ROCE, but these must be stress-tested against realistic market interest rates (likely 5%+). If you are looking for an HMO, do not buy this. If you are looking for a standard BTL, negotiate hard on the service charge and lease conditions.