Living Over the Shop: Dublin Couple’s Camden Street Housing Project

Camden Street Conversion: A Case Study in Dublin’s Above-Shop Housing Push

Dublin’s housing crisis continues to fuel exploration of unconventional solutions and converting spaces above commercial properties is frequently cited as a potential avenue for increasing supply. But the practicalities of such projects can be complex. A recent renovation on Camden Street, detailed in an article in the Irish Times, offers a detailed look at one successful, though challenging, example. Jas Rait and his wife, Tanya Comber, undertook a significant project to transform their premises – housing both their cloud computing business, Right Cloud, and a retail shop, Right Click – into three modern apartments.

The building, over 200 years traditional, presented a number of hurdles. Beyond the inherent difficulties of working with older structures, the property lacked rear access, was hemmed in by neighboring buildings, and the existing upstairs apartment was in a state of disrepair. Despite these constraints, the couple successfully created three energy-efficient apartments, each with outdoor space. The project, which began in October 2024 and completed in February 2026, involved adding a four-story extension to the rear and a new floor to the existing structure.

A Long-Term Investment, Not a Quick Flip

Rait and Comber’s journey began in 2001 when they first rented the Camden Street property for Right Click. They purchased the building a decade later, and as their business expanded to include Right Cloud, the need for improved office and retail space became apparent. This prompted them to tackle the residential component as well. The scale of the undertaking quickly became clear. “We had architects, quantity surveyors, fire safety consultants, engineers, steel consultants – you have to have those people on board if you wish to do a project like this,” Comber explained to the Irish Times. The need for specialized expertise underscores the complexity of these conversions.

The initial condition of the upstairs apartment was particularly problematic. It contained four bedrooms, but the layout was inefficient, with one room being too small to be truly usable. The building suffered from significant structural issues, including a leaky roof and poor insulation. The lack of insulation resulted in high heating costs and a very low, likely unmeasurable, Building Energy Rating (BER). The couple ultimately achieved a B1 rating after extensive renovations.

The completed development now comprises a spacious 3,000 sq ft three-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom penthouse with city views, and a two-bedroom duplex. The design prioritized quality and livability, with a focus on outdoor space – a feature the owners felt was essential. “When we designed these apartments, we agreed that we wouldn’t want to build anything that we wouldn’t be prepared to live in ourselves. We wanted outdoor space and decent rooms,” Comber stated.

Navigating the Financial Realities of Above-Shop Housing

Whereas the Rait and Comber project demonstrates the potential of converting above-shop spaces, it also highlights the financial challenges involved. The couple benefited from Ireland’s Living City initiative, which provides tax breaks for buildings undergoing renovation in designated regeneration areas. They received a €200,000 tax break, the maximum available at the time of the project’s inception, but acknowledge that this covered only a fraction of the total costs. The maximum tax relief was subsequently increased to €300,000 in October 2025’s budget.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers additional financial assistance, providing grants of up to €140,000 depending on the number of units created. However, any grant received must be deducted from qualifying expenditure when claiming tax relief under the Living City initiative. This interplay of schemes adds complexity to the financial planning process.

Rait cautions that the project would likely not be economically viable if undertaken today, given the rising costs of materials and labor. “We’ve been here for so long that for us to stay here and invest for the next few decades is fine. But if you’re an investor and you’ve got 8 per cent [interest] on commercial finance, and you’re looking to do this to flip it, then it doesn’t make sense.” This underscores the need for long-term commitment and a focus on sustainable value creation, rather than short-term profit.

Beyond the Build: Design Choices and Local Sourcing

The renovation wasn’t solely about structural improvements; aesthetic considerations were also paramount. The owners deliberately avoided bland kitchen designs, opting for a more “funky” approach befitting the Camden Street location. They sourced tiles from XO Tile, a local supplier, and flooring from Brooks, a builders’ merchant in Bluebell. Comber advocates for utilizing builders’ merchants, noting the potential for significant value. “A lot of residential people are afraid to go to the builders’ merchants, and actually, you get really, really good value,” she said.

Despite the bustling street outside, the apartments are remarkably quiet, described as “Zen” by Comber. This was achieved through careful design and construction techniques, prioritizing soundproofing and insulation. The couple also opted against installing a heat pump due to space constraints, reasoning that the improved insulation would minimize heating demand.

The Future of Above-Shop Living in Dublin

Rait and Comber’s experience suggests that while converting above-shop spaces into homes is feasible, it requires significant investment, careful planning, and a long-term perspective. They believe that greater incentives are needed to encourage more property owners to undertake similar projects. “Unfortunately, the sums don’t add up,” Rait concludes. “There are a lot of people sitting on would-be brilliant projects because it doesn’t make financial sense.”

Despite the financial hurdles, the couple remains committed to Camden Street and optimistic about the future of their development. They see their project as a contribution to easing Dublin’s housing shortage and securing the long-term viability of their building. “We are here for good and we are not going anywhere,” Comber affirmed. “There is still a great sense of community here on the street and we know so many people. We love this place.”