A new report proposes that the Government should consider a more efficient system of financial aid, in an effort to incentivise individuals and housing organisations to renovate empty properties located above shops. By specifically focusing on these properties, a new supply of homes could be rapidly discovered, aiding in the solution of the housing shortage and rejuvenating urban sites whilst preserving historical buildings. This is the primary finding from the ‘Opportunities and Challenges of Vacant “Above the Shop” Units (VATSUs) for Residential Use in Ireland’ report, a collaborative effort by the Dublin Simon Community and Dublin City University’s Dr Kathleen Stokes.
The Housing Agency funded this investigation, which looks into the possibilities and complexities of transforming vacant upper-retail units into residential housing, specifically aimed at social housing
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon stated that the over 13,000 homeless people was a horrifying statistic, and highlighted the discrepancy between the size of the homelessness and housing crisis and the extent of vacancy in Ireland. Kenny suggested that by utilising the empty properties above shops, not only would it revitalise urban landscapes and preserve historical structures, but on a larger scale, it would provide the much-needed housing for the population.
Though Kenny conceded that the renovation of these properties could be more costly than building new ones, she emphasised the environmental and social advantages of investing to bring these vacant properties into use. She underscored the need for novel approaches to solving the housing crisis, even in the face of significant challenges in terms of financing, deadlines and viability.
The Croí Cónaithe scheme presently provides grants up to €50,000 for a vacant property’s refurbishment, and €70,000 for those classified as derelict. The report, however, suggests additional financial aid is needed. Recommendations include new grants for those evaluating vacant units for home conversion, and tax relief for those refurbishing units into social or affordable housing in high-demand areas.
Moreover, the study proposes that owners of a number of vacant above-shop units, especially those spread over numerous buildings, should collaborate to consider ways to renovate simultaneously, in order to boost cost-effectiveness and improve the standard of the residential units.
The report advocates for setting up collaborations between the government and non-profit housing organisations. The objective of this is to put refurbished VATSU units into circulation as an amalgamation of cost-rental housing, co-operative living and social accommodation.
“Through constructive dialogue with parties involved and comprehensive case study analyses, we’ve been able to pinpoint actionable plans and policy proposals to assist in transforming these deserted spaces into lived-in, dynamic residential areas,” articulated Dr Stokes.