As of 2026, rent assistance has been restructured based on each province’s cost of living and population density. Commenting on the update, real estate expert Şule Alp said, “In the face of the earthquake reality, urban transformation is no longer optional. Increased support will accelerate the process.”
Within the scope of urban transformation efforts aimed at building earthquake-resilient cities, the rent assistance and moving support amounts for 2026 have been updated. Taking rising rental costs into account, the increased support is intended to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries during the transition period and help the process move forward more quickly.
Stressing that Türkiye is located in a high earthquake-risk geography and that a significant portion of the existing building stock must be renewed, Şule Alp stated that urban transformation has become not a preference but a strategic necessity for public safety.
As of 2026, rent assistance has been restructured according to provinces’ cost of living and population density. Accordingly, monthly rent assistance in Istanbul will range between TRY 9,000 and TRY 10,500, while in other metropolitan cities it will be set between TRY 7,500 and TRY 8,500. In smaller cities, the amount has been determined at TRY 5,500 to TRY 6,000. For tenants, instead of regular monthly payments, a one-time moving support payment ranging between TRY 11,000 and TRY 21,000 is provided.
“An important support against rising rental costs”
Emphasising that the increase in rent assistance and moving support is important for the sustainability of the process, Alp said: “The recent increases in rent assistance and moving support have been an important step to prevent our citizens from being adversely affected during the transformation process. The updated support amounts aim to provide stronger financial assistance during the transition period, especially in the face of rising rental costs.”
Recalling that urban transformation implementations are carried out under Law No. 6306 on the Transformation of Areas Under Disaster Risk, Alp noted that the process is not limited to renewing buildings, but also aims to make cities safer, more planned and sustainable.
Aiming for safer and more liveable cities
Alp listed the main objectives of urban transformation as constructing buildings with high earthquake resistance, preventing unplanned and risky development, improving urban aesthetics and quality of life, and creating residential areas with high energy efficiency.
She added that the transformation process also covers social amenity areas, parking solutions, infrastructure strengthening and modern urban planning practices, and that in this respect, urban transformation offers a holistic model for city renewal.
Transparency and accurate information are critical
Noting that rights holders must be accurately informed for the process to progress smoothly, Alp said: “In urban transformation projects, transparent contracts, strong project management and maintaining cost balance are crucial. Ensuring a balanced public-private sector cooperation will both accelerate the process and increase citizen satisfaction.”
To receive rent assistance, the building must be identified as a risky structure under Law No. 6306 and the official evacuation must be completed. Rights holders can apply with the required documents to the Provincial Directorates of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change or to municipalities, and procedures can also be carried out via e-Devlet. After the documents are verified, payments are transferred to the rights holder’s bank account, while tenants can benefit from the one-time moving support.
Alp concluded: “We live in a geography with high earthquake risk. Urban transformation is a strategic step not only for today but also for the safety of future generations. With public awareness, institutional cooperation and determined implementation, it is possible to make our cities safer and stronger.”