Urban Transformation in Turkey: A New Era of Progress

Turkey has a long history of urban transformation, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. In recent years, the country has accelerated its efforts to revitalize its cities, with a focus on improving safety, livability, and sustainability.

Table of Contents

The challenges of urban transformation

Urban transformation is a complex and challenging process. It can involve the demolition of existing buildings, the construction of new infrastructure, and the relocation of residents. These challenges can be compounded in countries with large populations and limited resources.

Turkey’s urban transformation project Focus Area

Turkey’s urban transformation project is a comprehensive effort to address the challenges of urban development. The project focuses on the following areas:

Safety: The project aims to reduce the risk of earthquakes and other natural disasters by demolishing unsafe buildings and constructing new, earthquake-resistant structures.
Livability: The project aims to improve the quality of life for residents by providing access to affordable housing, quality education, and healthcare.
Sustainability: The project aims to make cities more sustainable by reducing energy consumption, improving air quality, and creating more green space.

Turkey’s urban transformation project Main Goals

The urban transformation project is a complex and challenging undertaking, but it has the potential to make a major impact on Turkey’s cities. The project will help to reduce the risk of earthquakes, improve the quality of life for residents, and make cities more sustainable.

Here are some of the specific goals of the project:

To reduce the risk of earthquakes: The project will demolish unsafe buildings that are at risk of collapsing in an earthquake. This will help to protect the lives of residents and reduce the economic damage caused by earthquakes.
To improve the quality of life: The project will construct new, earthquake-resistant buildings that are more livable and sustainable. These buildings will provide residents with access to modern amenities and services.
To make cities more sustainable: The project will incorporate sustainable features into new buildings, such as energy-efficient appliances and green space. This will help to reduce the environmental impact of cities.

Recent reforms to the urban transformation process

In November 2023, the Turkish government introduced a number of reforms to the urban transformation process. These reforms aim to accelerate the pace of transformation and make it more accessible to low-income residents.

Key reforms include:

Reduced majority requirement: The majority requirement for approval of the urban transformation process has been reduced from two-thirds to 50% + 1. This makes it easier for projects to be approved, even if some residents are opposed.
Demolition within 90 days: According to the new law, the reports of the committees responsible for inspecting the buildings will be published and the demolition decision will be published, which must be implemented within 90 days to start the work immediately.
Increased financial assistance: The government is providing financial assistance to low-income residents who are displaced by urban transformation projects. This assistance can be used to cover the cost of rent, relocation, or construction of a new home.
Expanded definition of reserve areas: Reserve areas are areas where residents displaced by urban transformation projects are temporarily relocated. The definition of reserve areas has been expanded to include areas that are not only residential, but also have access to essential services. This makes it easier for residents to find affordable housing and access the services they need.

Investment in urban transformation projects

Urban transformation projects in Istanbul are a distinctive destination for local and international investors, due to their rapid implementation and the multiple tax exemptions they receive to encourage the process.

Urban transformation projects are spread in different parts of the city and are carried out by reputable real estate developers under the direct supervision and cooperation of the state.

The Turkish government is offering a number of incentives to encourage investment in urban transformation projects. These incentives include:

Tax exemptions: Investors in urban transformation projects are exempt from a number of taxes. Such as Title deed tax and VAT tax.
Financing: The Turkish government is providing long term installment plans in Urban Transformation projects.
Support: The Turkish government is providing support to investors in urban transformation projects, such as technical assistance and regulatory guidance.

These incentives have made urban transformation projects in Turkey a attractive investment opportunity for investors from Turkey and around the world.

Urban Transformation Projects in Istanbul

Alya MerkezEfendi: A Perfect Blend of History and Elegance

Iki Yaka: A Luxurious Residential Project in the Heart of Kadıköy

Referans Beşiktaş: A Luxury Residential Project in the Heart of Beşiktaş

Dap Yeni Levent: A Luxurious and Comfortable Lifestyle in the Heart of Istanbul

Orman Istanbul: A Stunning Residential Project in the Heart of Istanbul

What do you know about Urban transformation

Urban transformation is the process of renewing and improving urban areas. It can involve a variety of activities, such as:

Renovating existing buildings: This can include making repairs to the structure, upgrading the electrical and plumbing systems, or adding new features, such as energy-efficient windows or green roofs.
Building new infrastructure: This can include roads, bridges, public transportation, and utilities.
Redeveloping land: This can involve clearing out vacant or underutilized land and building new housing, commercial spaces, or parks.

Benefits

Urban transformation can be a complex and challenging process, but it can also be a valuable investment in the future of a city. It can improve the quality of life for residents, create jobs, and make cities more sustainable.

There are a number of benefits to urban transformation, including:

Improved safety and livability: Renovating or replacing old buildings can improve safety by bringing them up to current codes and standards. It can also improve livability by providing more modern amenities and features.
Increased economic activity: It can create jobs in the construction, real estate, and other industries. It can also attract new businesses and residents, which can further boost the economy.
Improved sustainability: It can help cities become more sustainable by reducing energy consumption, improving air quality, and creating more green space.

Challenges

There are also a number of challenges to urban transformation, including:

Cost: It can be expensive, especially if it involves major renovations or new construction.
Community opposition: Some residents may be opposed to urban transformation, especially if it involves displacement or changes to their neighborhood.
Political will: It requires strong political will to overcome challenges and achieve its goals.

Despite the challenges, urban transformation can be a valuable investment in the future of a city. It can improve the quality of life for residents, create jobs, and make cities more sustainable.

Turkey: God’s Paradise on Earth, a Comprehensive Guide

Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment: A Comprehensive Guide

Significant Increase in the value of Turkish real estate investment residence

Üsküdar: A Charming District on the Asian Side of Istanbul