Turkey is an earthquake-prone country, so living in risky buildings can be extremely dangerous. Especially after recent earthquakes, the details of urban transformation have returned to the agenda. There are urban transformation options available for those living in old and hazardous buildings.
What Is Urban Transformation?
Urban transformation, as defined and implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, refers to the law on the transformation of areas under disaster risk. Fundamentally, the aim of this practice is to replace buildings that are structurally vulnerable to disasters—primarily earthquakes, but also rockfalls, floods, avalanches and similar hazards—or buildings that are economically exhausted, outdated, damaged, or cannot be sufficiently improved through repair, with safe and healthy living spaces. This reduces the risk of loss of life in disasters. Another aim of urban transformation is to mitigate the effects of unplanned urban sprawl and to construct buildings that improve urban fabric and residents’ quality of life.
Not every building qualifies automatically for urban transformation. To benefit from the program, specific conditions must be met and required documents submitted when applying for transformation.
Where to Apply for Urban Transformation?
To start an urban transformation application, the first step is to have the building considered potentially risky evaluated. A report confirming that the structure is not safe for life and property must be obtained. Under Law No. 6306 on the transformation of areas under disaster risk, the building must be officially designated as risky. This assessment must be carried out by institutions and organizations authorized by the Ministry. Property owners submit a petition to one of these authorized bodies to determine the building’s risk status.
After applying to the authorized institution for risk assessment, if the institution’s inspection determines the building is risky, the owners should apply to the Ministry with the documents required to benefit from urban transformation.
The documents typically required for an urban transformation application are as follows:
- Photocopy of the title deed,
- Photocopy of the applicant’s identity card; if the building is an apartment, identity copies of all co-owners,
- A document from the title deed showing each unit owner’s share ratio,
- The static (structural) project obtained from the municipality, or an official letter from the municipality stating there is no static project,
- A National Address Database (UAVT) document and an address verification letter from the municipality,
- Power of attorney, if a representative will apply on behalf of the owners,
- If a company applies, an official document showing signature authorization.
Following the application, and with the approval of all apartment owners, the process for transformation will begin based on the building’s assessed risk status.
How Is Rent Assistance Provided During Urban Transformation?
Rent assistance for urban transformation is a state-provided support intended to prevent hardship for owners or tenants while their building is reconstructed. After recent legal changes, the maximum assistance period has been extended to 48 months. In other words, applicants may receive rent assistance for up to 48 months. Considering the financing situation of transformation projects, portions of the rent assistance of up to 12 months may be paid as a lump sum.
To receive rent assistance, the property owner or tenant must first have the building officially recognized as risky by the Ministry and then have the building included in an urban transformation project. Eligible persons can apply to the Ministry for rent assistance with the required documents. The assistance is provided as a non-repayable payment starting from the date the transformation begins. Rent assistance amounts vary by region, typically ranging from 700 TL to 1,150 TL.