Converting vacant offices into housing: A solution to the housing crisis?

Converting vacant office buildings into housing is seen as a potential solution to the housing crisis in many cities. While this idea has gained popularity, there are several challenges and complexities involved in such conversions. One major obstacle is the mismatch between office floor plates and the requirements for residential spaces, which often lead to extensive renovations. Additionally, strict regulations, such as cutoff years and building codes, can hinder the conversion process. The cost of these conversions, combined with the lack of incentives for affordable housing, makes it unlikely that office-to-housing conversions will solve the affordable housing crisis. However, proponents still believe that these conversions can contribute positively to the housing market by adding new supply and repurposing underutilized buildings.