Between 2018 and 2023, local authorities received over 1,100 notifications for converting commercial buildings into housing, potentially resulting in more than 2,700 new homes nationwide, according to the Department of Housing.

Planning exemptions introduced in 2018 removed the requirement for planning permission to convert certain vacant commercial properties into residential units. In 2022, these exemptions were extended to include vacant pubs. During 2022 and 2023, 92 notifications were submitted with the aim of converting pubs into 295 homes.

In total, local authorities received 267 notifications in 2023 alone, potentially creating 650 new homes. Of these, 39 notifications involved pubs, which could result in 136 new homes.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien emphasized that converting empty buildings into “forever homes” is a central element of the Government’s Housing for All program.

“These figures demonstrate that policies easing the planning process for converting vacant commercial spaces, including pubs, into residential use are contributing to increased housing supply, reducing vacancy, and revitalizing urban areas,” O’Brien said. “I’ve visited counties and seen first-hand how converting a vacant pub into five or six apartments can make a significant difference. It makes sense to provide these exemptions and simplify the conversion of commercial buildings into high-quality homes.”