Istanbul’s ‘My First Home’ Project Accelerates: 36,628 Social Housing Units Under Construction for 150,000 Citizens
Istanbul, April 8 – The construction process for social housing units in Istanbul, which had slowed down due to the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, has now regained momentum with the completion of disaster relief housing in the earthquake-affected regions. Under the ‘My First Home’ project, spearheaded by the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ) of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, a total of 36,628 housing units are being built across 40 stages on a 5.2 million square meter area in the Sazlıbosna neighborhood of Istanbul’s Arnavutköy district.
Project Aims to Provide Safe Homes for 150,000 Citizens
These homes are being offered to low-income citizens with maturities extending up to 20 years and affordable installment options. The beneficiaries for this project were determined through a lottery system prior to the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.
Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, shared an update on the project via his social media account, stating, “All are social housing… All belong to our nation… We determined the beneficiaries of our 36,000 social housing units by lottery, and we are rapidly completing their homes. When we hand over the keys, 150,000 more of our citizens in Istanbul will live in solid, earthquake-resistant buildings. This is Arnavutköy Sazlıbosna.”
Details of the ‘My First Home’ Project
The ‘My First Home’ project was initiated by TOKİ before the devastating earthquakes of February 6. The initial announcement included plans for 50,000 social housing units in Istanbul. The current acceleration in construction is a direct result of resources being freed up after the completion of critical disaster housing in the earthquake zones.
The development in Sazlıbosna is a significant undertaking, covering an expansive area and designed to provide modern, safe, and affordable living spaces. The 40 stages of construction indicate a phased approach, ensuring efficient management and timely delivery of the units. The focus on earthquake-resistant structures is particularly vital given Istanbul’s seismic vulnerability, offering residents peace of mind and enhanced safety.
Economic Impact and Social Benefits
The project not only addresses the critical need for affordable housing but also contributes to the local economy through job creation in the construction sector. By providing secure and stable housing, the ‘My First Home’ initiative aims to improve the quality of life for low-income families, fostering stronger communities and reducing urban inequality.
The long-term payment plans and favorable installment options are designed to make homeownership accessible to a wider demographic, aligning with the government’s broader social welfare objectives. This commitment to providing housing solutions underscores a proactive approach to urban planning and social development.
Future Outlook
As construction progresses, the Ministry and TOKİ are expected to continue monitoring the project’s development, ensuring adherence to safety standards and timely completion. The successful implementation of this project in Arnavutköy could serve as a model for future social housing initiatives across other regions of Turkey, further contributing to the national goal of providing safe and affordable homes for all citizens.
