Türkiye’s new social housing scheme targets affordability, inclusion and urban stability – TRT World

Report on Türkiye’s Social Housing Project and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: A Framework for Sustainable Urban Development

The Republic of Türkiye has initiated a large-scale Social Housing Project, branded ‘Homeowner Türkiye’, aimed at constructing 500,000 affordable housing units. This initiative represents a significant public policy milestone that integrates urban planning with socio-economic objectives. The project’s core mission aligns directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by seeking to provide safe, affordable, and adequate housing for low- and middle-income citizens. The initiative moves beyond mere construction, aspiring to create integrated communities that reflect national cultural identity and reinforce the principle of housing as a fundamental human right.

2.0 Project Scope and Strategic Objectives

The project, managed by the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, constitutes the largest housing initiative in the nation’s history. Its primary objectives are centered on enhancing social equity and economic stability.

• Target Scope: Delivery of 500,000 state-backed housing units.
• Geographical Reach: Implementation across all 81 provinces of Türkiye.
• Beneficiaries: Specifically targets low- and middle-income households.
• Timeline: Initial units are scheduled for delivery by March 2027.

3.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The ‘Homeowner Türkiye’ project is a practical implementation of key SDG targets, addressing interconnected challenges of poverty, inequality, and urban sustainability.

1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The project directly addresses Target 11.1, which aims to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing. By focusing on creating ‘homes’ (yuva) that foster a sense of safety and belonging, the initiative also contributes to building inclusive and resilient communities.
2. SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By providing a pathway to homeownership with manageable financial terms, the project offers economic stability and an asset-building opportunity for lower-income families. This helps alleviate poverty and reduces the wealth gap, directly supporting the goals of SDG 1 and SDG 10.
3. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The scale of construction across 81 provinces is expected to stimulate local economies and create significant employment opportunities in the construction sector and related industries, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
4. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The initiative is an embodiment of the “social state” ideal, where effective and accountable institutions (TOKİ) deliver on constitutional mandates, such as the right to housing. This reinforces public trust and demonstrates institutional capacity for executing large-scale social welfare programs.

4.0 Urban Design and Socio-Cultural Vision

A central tenet of the project is a philosophical shift from constructing housing units to building holistic communities. The urban design philosophy aims to merge modern architecture with cultural heritage, creating living spaces that provide both material security and a sense of spiritual belonging. This vision is reinforced by the government’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Family, underscoring the project’s focus on strengthening family and community bonds as the foundation of society.

5.0 Financial Framework and Implementation Details

The project is structured to ensure accessibility for its target demographic through a carefully designed financial model and application process.

• Financial Terms:
  • Down Payment: 10% of the unit price.
  • Repayment Period: 240 months (20 years).
  • Starting Price: Approximately ₺1.8 million (US $42,850).
  • Monthly Instalments: Beginning at ₺6,750 (US $160).
• Eligibility: Income ceilings are established at ₺145,000 (US $3,400) for Istanbul and ₺127,000 (US $3,000) for other provinces to ensure the program serves its intended beneficiaries.
• Application Process: Applications are managed through the e-Devlet portal and designated public and participation banks to ensure an orderly and accessible system.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article highlights that the project targets “low- and middle-income citizens” by providing “affordable state-backed homes.” This directly addresses economic vulnerability and aims to provide a fundamental asset—housing—which is a key component in poverty alleviation and ensuring a basic standard of living.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  By specifically creating a scheme for those with lower incomes, the project aims to reduce the inequality in access to home ownership. The article mentions specific income ceilings (₺145,000 for Istanbul and ₺127,000 for other provinces) to ensure the benefits are directed towards less affluent segments of the population, thereby promoting social and economic inclusion.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This is the most central SDG addressed. The article describes an ambitious “Social Housing Project” focused on urban planning, building communities, and providing “adequate, safe and affordable housing.” The initiative is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, underscoring its direct link to creating sustainable urban environments.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property.

  The project’s goal to make 500,000 citizens “homeowners” directly aligns with this target by facilitating ownership of property for low- and middle-income groups, who are often vulnerable to housing insecurity.

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

  The project promotes economic inclusion by making home ownership accessible through favorable financial terms like a “10 percent down payment, 240-month repayment plans,” specifically for those who might otherwise be excluded from the housing market.

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

  The article’s core subject, the “Social Housing Project,” is a direct implementation of this target. It explicitly aims to provide “half a million affordable state-backed homes” across all 81 provinces of Türkiye, directly addressing the need for adequate and affordable housing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Number of affordable housing units built: The primary indicator is the project’s goal to deliver “500,000 units.” Progress can be measured against this specific number.
• Geographical coverage of the project: The plan to build homes “across 81 provinces” is an indicator of the project’s national scale and its aim for inclusive development.
• Timeline for completion: The article states that “the first homes are expected to be delivered by March 2027,” providing a clear timeline to track implementation progress.
• Affordability metrics: The financial details serve as direct indicators of affordability. These include:
  • The starting price of units: “₺1.8 million (US $42,850).”
  • The required down payment: “10 percent.”
  • The repayment period: “240-month repayment plans.”
  • The starting monthly instalments: “₺6,750 (US$160).”
• Proportion of the population served: The income ceilings set for applicants (“₺145,000 for Istanbul and ₺127,000 for other provinces”) act as an indicator to measure whether the project is successfully reaching its target demographic of “low- and middle-income citizens.”

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: trtworld.com