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Deal WizardHMO · Property Analysis
Lee Chapel Lane, Basildon SS16, 6 bed detached house for sale, £850,000 - Zoopla
Address: Lee Chapel Lane, Basildon SS16Price: £850,0006 Bedroom(s)2 Bathroom(s)Analysis Date: Apr 16, 2026
ROCE: 35.3 %Tenure Type: FREEHOLDProperty Type: DetachedEPC band: CCouncil Tax Band: GSize: 2500 sq ft / 232.3 m²Risk: Medium-HighProject Time: 12 weeks

HMO Investment Analysis: Lee Chapel Lane

An substantial 2500 sq ft detached home in Basildon, offering significant potential to scale into a high-yielding 7-bed HMO. Currently a large family home, it requires strategic reconfiguration and licensing compliance.

Executive Summary

This property represents a high-potential HMO conversion project. With a large 2,500 sq ft footprint, it is prime for converting into a 7-bed HMO. The current setup is a 6-bed family home. By converting the ground floor study/playroom into a 7th bedroom and optimizing the bathrooms, this deal can significantly outperform a standard buy-to-let yield. Key risks include securing HMO licensing in Basildon and the need for significant fire safety upgrades (FD30 doors, alarms). The financials assume a low entry deposit as per investor criteria, necessitating strong cashflow management.

Acquisition Overview

Purchase Price
£850,000
Deposit (Specified)
£40,000
Bank Fee
3%
Interest Rate
1%
Est. Refurb
£65,000
Buyer Type
First-time Buyer

Note: The low deposit input of £40k on an £850k purchase implies a very high LTV or non-traditional financing. Please confirm mortgage availability for a BTL/HMO product with these specific inputs.

Projected Rental Income (Post-Refurb)

Total Rooms
7
Avg Rent/Room
£850
Gross Monthly
£5,950

Income projection based on 7 rooms at £850 pcm. Basildon comparable data supports £750-£950 for high-spec en-suite rooms.

Projected Cashflow & Returns

Gross Annual
£71,400
Annual Net
£45,600
ROCE
35.3%
Gross Yield
8.4%
Net Yield
4.9%
Cash flow is strong, but capital efficiency is dependent on the refinance valuation. High yield driven by room count density.

Mortgage & Financing

With such a low starting deposit, your cash buffer for the refurbishment phase is critical. Ensure your brokerage understands this is a commercial/HMO project, not standard BTL.

Refurbishment Plan

Scope & Standard:

Standard: High-end professional house share.

Refurb Breakdown:

Fire Safety (FD30s, Alarm)£8,000
En-suite Installation x 3£12,000
Kitchen/Utility Upgrade£8,000
Bedroom 7 Conversion (Study)£4,000
Flooring & Decor (Full)£10,000
Furniture Package (7 rooms)£7,000
General Maintenance/Electrical£5,000
Contingency£11,000
Total Estimated Refurbishment Cost £65,000

Refurbishment Timeline:

Weeks: 12 || Months: 3

Phase 1: Strip out & Fire Safety || 2 weeks
Phase 2: En-suites & Partition Walls || 4 weeks
Phase 3: Decor, Flooring & Kitchen || 4 weeks
Phase 4: Snagging & Furnishing || 2 weeks

Licensing & Compliance

Status: Licensing is mandatory. Plan for higher utility bills and specialized HMO building insurance. Ensure fire risk assessment is completed by a professional.

Risks & Assumptions

Negotiation Points

High initial purchase price vs. current bathroom count
The property requires significant investment to bring bathrooms up to HMO standard for 7 occupants.
Kitchen/utility condition
Images show wear and tear in kitchen areas requiring replacement cabinetry.
Market conditions
Use the "high level of required work" to negotiate the guide price down to £800k.

Market Value & Demand Analysis

Basildon/Laindon is a high-demand area for professional house shares, driven by its connectivity to London Fenchurch Street (under 40 mins) and significant local employment at Ford Dunton and the hospital. This specific area, Westley Heights/Langdon Hills, is highly desirable. Renting rooms at £850 is competitive for high-spec en-suite accommodation. The local comps consistently show strong demand for "modern, refurbished" shared housing. The property's detached nature and parking (essential in Basildon) provide a competitive advantage over converted flats or terraced houses.

Investment Case Summary

Short Recommendation

Proceed with a lower offer (£800k). The property has the footprint, parking, and location to become a top-tier HMO asset in Basildon. Focus on getting the 7th room and additional en-suites.

Detailed Recommendation

This is a compelling project because of the 2,500 sq ft size. The primary goal is to convert the ground floor study/playroom into a bedroom and add en-suites to the existing bedrooms that lack them. The current 2-bathroom setup is inadequate for 6-7 sharers. If you successfully negotiate the price down by £50k, the project becomes very attractive. Ensure you factor in the cost of fire safety works immediately, as Basildon council is strict on HMO regulations. The ROCE and yield metrics are strong, assuming you can secure a professional-grade HMO mortgage.