16 questions and 16 answers for social housing for rent in Istanbul: Who is eligible, what are the application requirements?

Applications begin today for the rental social housing project in Istanbul, which aims to increase access to affordable housing for low-income citizens. Under the project carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, a total of 15,000 housing units will be rented out through a system being implemented for the first time in Turkey.

While 1,071 units are planned to be delivered in the first phase in October, applications can be made free of charge between September 14 and 25 via the e-Government portal through TOKİ's "Housing / Workplace Application" service. Monthly rent payments will start at 10,000 liras, and the allocation period will be 3 years.

Only married citizens who reside in Istanbul, do not own any independent housing registered in their name, and have a monthly average net household income not exceeding 100,000 liras will be able to apply for the project. The first phase of housing units will be located in various districts of Istanbul.

16 questions and 16 answers on the rental social housing project

According to reports from Sabah, 16 frequently asked questions regarding the application requirements, number of units, rent prices, and allocation period for the rental social housing project to be implemented in Istanbul have been answered.

1. How many housing units will be built under the rental social housing project?

Under the Social Housing Allocation Project, it is planned to deliver 1,071 units in the first phase in October 2026. A total of 15,000 units will be offered for rent throughout the entire project.

2. In which districts and how many units will be allocated in the first phase?

The 1,071 units to be rented out in the first phase will be distributed across Istanbul's districts in four groups.

360 units will be allocated in Başakşehir, Gaziosmanpaşa, Beyoğlu, and Güngören; 330 in Maltepe, Tuzla, and Kartal; 291 in Ataşehir, Sancaktepe, Ümraniye, and Üsküdar; and 90 in Arnavutköy.

3. Which families will be given what size housing?

1+1 or 2+1 housing options will be offered to young married families. For families with two or more children, 2+1, 3+1, or 4+1 sized units will be allocated.

4. What are the application requirements for the project?

To apply, one must be a citizen of the Republic of Turkey and have reached the age of 18 by the date of application.

Candidates are required to be married and have resided in Istanbul continuously for at least one year. Additionally, they must not own any independent housing registered in the land registry within the borders of Turkey, must not have previously signed a housing contract with TOKİ, and their average monthly net household income must not exceed 100,000 liras.

5. Will those living outside of Istanbul be able to apply?

Only citizens residing within the provincial borders of Istanbul will be able to apply for the project.

6. Do applicants need to reside in the districts where the units will be allocated?

No. Citizens residing in Istanbul will be able to apply for any of the districts announced.

7. Can those who own a housing title deed apply?

Individuals who have a housing title deed registered in their name will not be able to apply for the project.

8. Can those who have bought and sold a house before apply?

Individuals who have purchased or sold a property with the status of an independent residence within the last five years will not be able to apply.

9. Will a person who wins the right to rental housing be evicted if they buy a house later?

Yes. If a house is purchased while the allocation period is ongoing, the allocated rental housing must be vacated.

10. What types of housing are included in the project?

There will be four different housing types in the rental social housing project: 1+1, 2+1, 3+1, and 4+1.

11. Will there be an annual increase in rents?

There will be no increase in rent prices for the first 12 months starting from the date notified by the administration for housing delivery.

Following the completion of the 12-month period, a rent increase at the CPI (Consumer Price Index) rate will be applied in the first January thereafter.

12. When will rent payments begin?

Payment of allocation fees will begin on the 20th of the month following the housing delivery.

13. Can those who currently hold active rights in Social Housing or First Home Land projects apply?

Individuals who hold active rights as a primary or substitute beneficiary in Social Housing or First Home Land projects will not be able to apply for this project.

14. When and how will applications be made?

Applications for the rental social housing project will be accepted via e-Government between September 14 and 25.

Citizens will be able to track whether their applications have been accepted and their application status through the "Housing/Workplace Application" menu located among TOKİ services.

15. Can the allocation period be extended after three years?

No. The allocation period for rental housing will be limited to three years and will not be extended.

16. How much will the rent prices be?

Initial rent prices for rental social housing will vary according to the housing type.

1+1 units: 10,000 liras

2+1 units: 12,000 liras

3+1 units: 15,000 liras

4+1 units: 18,000 liras