Property types you'll be offered
UK contractor accommodation typically covers four product types: serviced apartments, contractor houses (whole-house exclusive use), workforce lodges (purpose-built rooms with shared amenities) and hotels or aparthotels on corporate rates. Each has a place — the mistake is treating them as interchangeable.
For programmes of a week or more with two to eight crew, whole-house exclusive use is almost always the right answer on cost, welfare and admin.
Exclusive use vs HMO — the line that matters
An exclusive-use booking gives your crew the whole property. An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) means you're renting rooms in a house that other, unrelated occupants also live in. For contractor programmes we consider HMO-style arrangements unsuitable — welfare, security, quiet enjoyment and simple lock-up are all compromised.
When you brief a supplier, be explicit: exclusive use only, no room-by-room letting, no shared occupancy with third parties.
Pricing conventions
Contractor accommodation in the UK is usually quoted per property per week (whole-house) or per bed per week (lodges). Utilities, Wi-Fi and council tax are almost always included; cleaning schedules vary and should be specified.
Expect weekly rates to fall as duration extends — 4-week, 12-week and 6-month bands are common. Ask for the banded rate card before you commit.
Invoicing and VAT
Whole-house contractor accommodation is normally invoiced monthly against a PO, in your company name, with full VAT breakdown. That's a hard requirement — never accept 'pay per stay, per contractor' billing on a programme, it destroys reconciliation.
How to brief a supplier
Give the supplier five things: number of crew, dates (with rotation pattern if any), site postcode, budget per week per property, and any non-negotiables (parking, ground-floor sleeping, drying facilities). Everything else can be handled by a good supplier.