Urban Renewal in Turkey:
A Complete Guide

Turkey sits on one of the world's most active seismic zones. This reality makes urban renewal both a necessity and a significant opportunity, especially in cities with ageing building stock. At Home Yapı Mühendislik, we provide architectural design, structural engineering and turnkey construction services for urban renewal projects. In this guide we explain the process step by step.

1. What Is Urban Renewal?

Urban renewal is the process of demolishing earthquake-unsafe, end-of-life or officially designated risky buildings and replacing them with modern, safe, earthquake-resistant structures. The process is governed by Law No. 6306 on the Transformation of Areas under Disaster Risk and can also be applied to individual buildings.

2. How Is a Risky Building Assessed?

The first step is a risky building assessment. Applications are made to licensed organisations authorised by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change. Experts inspect the building on site, take concrete core samples, analyse the load-bearing system and submit their report to the relevant Directorate. If the building is found to be risky, all rights-holders are formally notified.

3. The 6 Key Steps of Urban Renewal

1. Risky building application: Apply to a licensed organisation and obtain an assessment report
2. Notification and objection: Rights-holders are notified; 15 days to object
3. Agreement and decision: Approval of at least two-thirds of flat owners is required
4. Demolition: Once agreed, the building is demolished through the legal process
5. New construction: Construction begins with approved architectural and structural projects
6. Handover and title deed: The completed building is handed over to rights-holders

4. Government Support and Rent Assistance

Citizens whose buildings are subject to urban renewal can benefit from various government supports. Monthly rent assistance is provided from demolition until the new building is completed. Interest-subsidised loans and fee exemptions are also available. Support amounts are updated annually; contact your local municipality or ministry office for current figures.

5. How Are Costs Covered?

The construction cost of the new building is generally shared among flat owners by agreement. Three common methods are used: floor-exchange construction (giving the contractor a number of flats), revenue sharing, or direct cash payment. At Home Yapı Mühendislik, we evaluate the most suitable model together with our clients. Ministry-backed interest-subsidised loans may also be applicable depending on the project.

6. Why Is Choosing the Right Contractor Critical?

Contractor selection is one of the most critical steps in urban renewal. A licensed, reference-backed firm offering transparent pricing should be preferred. The contract must clearly state the delivery date, late-completion penalties, the quality of materials to be used, and warranty terms. At Home Yapı Mühendislik, we provide a written contract, a transparent cost breakdown and regular progress reports for every project.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if not all owners agree? Once a two-thirds majority is reached, the shares of the remaining owners can be purchased by the majority at market value.

How long does urban renewal take in Istanbul? From risky building assessment to handover of the new building, the process typically takes 2–4 years, depending on project size and approval timelines.

What happens to tenants? Tenants are required to vacate within a certain period under their rental agreement. Government rent assistance is paid to rights-holders (owners), not tenants.

If you are wondering whether your building qualifies as a risky structure, or if you would like to start your urban renewal process, contact Home Yapı Mühendislik for a free initial consultation.