In the print dialog choose “Save as PDF” as the destination.
Deal WizardHMO · Property Analysis
The Common, Mellis, Eye IP23, 6 bed detached bungalow for sale, £775,000 - Zoopla
Address: The Common, Mellis, Eye IP23Price: £775,0006 Bedroom(s)4 Bathroom(s)Analysis Date: Apr 24, 2026
ROCE: 32.6 %Tenure Type: FREEHOLDProperty Type: DetachedEPC band: DCouncil Tax Band: ESize: 2943 sq ft / 273.4 m²Risk: Low to MediumProject Time: 6 weeks

HMO Investment Analysis: Mellis, Eye

A high-spec, detached 6-bed property presenting a unique opportunity for corporate/contractor HMO in a rural location. Success depends on capitalizing on nearby energy infrastructure demand.

Executive Summary

This opportunity involves a 2,900 sqft detached residence with a separate annex, totaling 6 potential bedrooms. Located in Mellis, IP23, this is a premium, spacious property. The rural location limits standard student/young professional demand, making a "Contractor HMO" strategy (targeting workers for the Sizewell energy projects) the primary driver for high yield. The property is currently in excellent condition, significantly reducing immediate capital expenditure. Mandatory licensing is triggered (6 bedrooms). The project is low-risk regarding construction but requires a robust marketing strategy to attract the right tenant profile.

Acquisition Overview

Purchase Price
£775,000
Down Payment
£40,000
Bank Fee (3%)
£23,250
Interest Rate
1%
Property Type
Detached
Buyer Status
First-time

Projected Rental Income (Post-Refurb)

Est. Monthly Rent per Room
£600
Occupancy (6 Rooms)
£3,600
Annual Gross Rent
£43,200

Rent is justified based on premium contractor demand in the Suffolk region, where fully-serviced ensuite rooms command higher rates than traditional housing.

Projected Cashflow & Returns

ROCE
32.6%
Gross Yield (%)
5.6%
Monthly Cash Flow
£1,787.50
Annual Cash Flow
£21,450.00

Licensing & Compliance

Compliance Action: Install interlinked A1/LD1 fire alarm system, FD30 fire doors throughout, and emergency lighting in escape routes.

Amenity Standards Check:

Property & Layout Analysis

Main House Bed 1-4
All meet national minimum size. 2 are En-suite.
Pass
Annex Bed 1-2
Generous doubles. Annex has own facilities.
Pass

Max Compliant Occupant Count: 6 Adults. Recommended Layout: 6-Bed All En-suite (or shared bathroom for two) to maximize rental yield.

Refurbishment Plan

Scope:

Given the high current standard, the focus is on "HMO-ification": fire safety, secure locks, and professional furnishing.

Refurb Breakdown:

Fire Safety (Alarms/Doors/Signage)£8,000
Furniture Packages (6 Rooms)£6,000
Decorating & Touch-ups£3,000
Smart Security/Locking£2,000
Contingency£6,000
Total Estimated Refurbishment Cost £25,000

Timeline:

Weeks: 6 || Months: 1.5

Negotiation Points

Rundown/Condition (Garage/Outbuildings)

The outbuildings are currently specialized (Butchery/Smokehouse). Cost to convert or clear adds complexity.

Probability: 75

Rural Location

Property is not in a high-density HMO zone. Use this to argue the risk of longer void periods.

Probability: 65

Investment Case Summary

This is a low-risk, high-reward project *if* the tenant strategy is executed correctly. Do not treat this as a city-center student house. Market this to the high-income contractor market, utilizing the generous parking and high-spec finish to attract professional tenants who value space and rural quiet over proximity to city center nightlife. Financing is extremely attractive at 1% interest.