The solution to this problem is converting those office buildings into apartments. This would save a lot of downtowns. However, city zoning rules and real estat

The solution to this problem is converting those office buildings into apartments. This would save a lot of downtowns. However, city zoning rules and real estate investors absolutely do not want this because it lowers the cost of their housing. If you look into why this isn't happening there are some ridicuous rules requiring all units to be able to open out to the outside. I'm of the belief that affordable units are affordable because they don't have amenities like an outward facing window. In places like NYC, people want places to sleep that are affordable. Oh well, these are all self inflicted wounds which will lead to an inevitable collapse in CRE.