Details revealed for rental social housing in Istanbul: How much will the rent be, and who will be eligible to apply?

The first step for the rental social housing model, which was brought to the agenda to combat exorbitant rent increases in Istanbul, is expected to be taken in September. Within the scope of the project to be carried out by TOKİ, it is planned to put 15,000 rental social housing units into service in the city in the first phase.

In the project announced by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, beneficiaries will be determined by a lottery held in the presence of a notary. Details regarding application conditions, income limits, quota distribution, and the timeline are expected to be announced by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and TOKİ in the coming weeks.

WHO WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

The project primarily aims to benefit low-income citizens. It is anticipated that households that do not own a registered residence and meet the specified income criteria will be able to apply. Special quotas are also planned for families receiving social assistance, retirees, civil servants, individuals with disabilities, and citizens in need of housing due to urban transformation.

HOW WILL THE RENT BE DETERMINED?

According to a report by the pro-government newspaper Sabah, the goal is to set rent prices for social housing units below the market rate in the region where the housing is located. Based on an example previously given by Minister Murat Kurum, it was stated that in a region where the average rent is 30,000 liras, the social housing rent could be around 15,000 liras or lower.

3-YEAR LIMIT TO BE APPLIED

The housing units are expected to be offered in 1+1, 2+1, and 3+1 options. In this model, ownership will remain with TOKİ; citizens who win the right through the lottery will be able to reside in the units by signing a lease agreement with TOKİ.

Tenants in the project will be able to stay in the same unit for a maximum of 3 years. At the end of this period, the units will be vacated, undergo maintenance and repairs, and then a new notary lottery will be held for new beneficiaries. This method aims to allow more households to benefit from affordable rental housing opportunities.

PLANS TO EXPAND TO OTHER PROVINCES

The practice, which will begin as a pilot in Istanbul, is planned to be implemented gradually in other metropolitan cities based on the results obtained. The model aims to increase the supply of rental housing, especially in cities where high rent pressure is felt.

News Source: 12punto