With the “Regulation on Amendments to the Zoning Regulation for Planned Areas” published in the Official Gazette, construction of 1+0 studio apartments, which had been effectively banned in 2017, has been reauthorized.
Industry representatives we consulted pointed out that demand for small-square-meter homes has increased recently. Officials said they expect this decision to lower housing prices and create momentum in sales, which have been stagnant for some time.
LET’S BUILD 170 HOMES INSTEAD OF 100 ON THE SAME PLOT
Op. Dr. Kenan Kalı, Chairman of the Board, Gözde Group
The housing problem in the country continues. This decision is an important step taken in favor of citizens. To create alternatives to continuously rising home prices, more 1+1 and 1+0 units need to be produced. Households’ means are limited. We should plan the resources we will allocate to housing in the most accurate way. Meanwhile the need for housing continues. I personally do not find it right for two people to live in a 200-square-meter house, I see this as waste. People should prefer smaller homes that meet their own needs. Instead of building 100 homes on the same plot, let’s build 170. Let’s solve the housing problem of 170 people. Small homes will be in higher demand in the future, because they are easier to buy, sell and rent. Their expenses are also lower. While the occupancy rate in small homes is 98%, in larger homes this rate falls to as low as 65%. Türkiye is among the countries with the highest land costs. For our country, it is necessary that investments continue to close the housing gap. As Gözde Group we are building simultaneously at seven locations in İzmir.
THE RIGHT DECISION FOR BOTH CITIZENS AND THE SECTOR
Taylan Tanyer, General Coordinator, Tanyer yapı
Due to land prices as well as material and personnel costs, new housing supply has decreased.
Especially in central districts, the number of homes produced cannot meet the growing population. For more accessible housing, more homes need to be built on the same plot. For this reason, I find the decision correct for both citizens and the sector. In new housing projects we will see more 1+1 and 1+0 units. Market demand already points in this direction. On the other hand, people’s expectations for housing have also changed. Families with children especially prefer eco-friendly projects with social amenities within a natural lifestyle. In the coming period bank interest rates will continue their downward trend. Those who have the means should enter into installments and buy a home without paying heed to interest.
MORE AFFORDABLE PRICES WILL BE OFFERED
Caner Tan, Co-Founder, Coordinat Yapı
Housing is among the most basic needs. Because of population growth, marriages and reassignments, this need is continuous. Difficulties in accessing finance and high home prices appear as two obstacles to meeting this demand. Since there is no new housing supply, rents have also increased greatly. To solve this problem, new land areas are needed in İzmir. The amendment to the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation has also paved the way for what are called 1+0 studio-type homes. Now the way has been opened for the sale of smaller-square-meter yet more affordable apartments. Moreover, these homes will offer significant advantages in cost items such as lower rent, dues, energy and cleaning. I believe the decision will bring activity to the sector.
GREEN LIGHT FOR 1+0 STUDIO APARTMENTS…
With the “Regulation on Amendments to the Zoning Regulation for Planned Areas” published in the Official Gazette, construction of 1+0 studio apartments, which had been effectively banned in 2017, has been reauthorized.
In the regulation amendment that came into force in 2017, a requirement was introduced in housing that “if a sleeping niche is provided within the living room with a narrow side of at least 2.50 meters and an area of at least 9 square meters, a separate bedroom must be built.” This provision had in practice prevented the construction of 1+0 apartments. With the new amendment, the obligation to build a separate bedroom has been removed. The decision states, “If a sleeping niche is provided within the living room with a narrow side of at least 2.50 meters and an area of at least 9 square meters, a separate bedroom may not be required.” The regulation also stipulates that at most 20 percent of the dwellings on a parcel may be built as studio apartments.
In the regulation amendment that came into force in 2017, a requirement was introduced in housing that “if a sleeping niche is provided within the living room with a narrow side of at least 2.50 meters and an area of at least 9 square meters, a separate bedroom must be built.” This provision had in practice prevented the construction of 1+0 apartments. With the new amendment, the obligation to build a separate bedroom has been removed. The decision states, “If a sleeping niche is provided within the living room with a narrow side of at least 2.50 meters and an area of at least 9 square meters, a separate bedroom may not be required.” The regulation also stipulates that at most 20 percent of the dwellings on a parcel may be built as studio apartments.