I keep hearing that empty office buildings are an economic time bomb. I keep hearing that housing inventory is low which is why house prices are high. Why can’t we convert offices to homes?

Question

I keep hearing that empty office buildings are an economic time bomb. I keep hearing that housing inventory is low which is why house prices are high. Why can’t we convert offices to homes?

In: 4298

Answer 1

Just think about windows. Who wants to live in a place without windows?

Now where are the windows in a commercial building? On the outer edges. So who’s gonna wanna live in the middle of the building?

Or think if plumbing. Bathrooms on each floor are generally above each other along the height. But in a residential building you need plumbing to every unit. Most people don’t have a sink at their desk.

It’s possible but often it’s not worth the cost. Though there are some companies working on it.