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flag NYC converts office spaces to housing amid high rents and remote work, with similar efforts emerging in Australia.

flag New York City is rapidly converting vacant office buildings into housing, transforming nearly 30 million square feet over two decades and planning thousands more units, driven by remote work and high rents. flag While not a full solution, these conversions add housing in desirable areas, reduce emissions, and revitalize downtowns, though many buildings are unsuitable due to poor layouts and high retrofit costs. flag In Australia, where office vacancy hit 14.3% in mid-2025, conversions remain rare—only one major project in Sydney in two years—though initiatives like Melbourne’s “Make Room” and planning reforms signal growing momentum. flag Success requires identifying suitable buildings, clear guidelines, and streamlined approvals without sacrificing quality.

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