Istanbul, February 27 – A significant amendment to Istanbul’s ‘Half from Us’ urban transformation campaign has been announced, effectively removing the deadline for applications for all properties declared risky by December 31, 2026. This crucial change, published in the Official Gazette, extends eligibility to all homeowners and business owners who have their properties declared as risky structures by the end of 2026, ensuring they can benefit from the support provided under the campaign.
Deadline Removed for ‘Half from Us’ Campaign
The ‘Half from Us’ Campaign, initiated on February 22, 2024, through a Presidential Decree, was designed to accelerate urban transformation in Istanbul. It offered substantial financial support to citizens for rebuilding their homes and workplaces. The campaign initially had a deadline of December 31, 2026, for all applications. However, a recent Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette has modified the 13th paragraph of the 3rd article of the relevant decision, adding the phrase “for risky structures approved under Law No. 6306” after the existing “until December 31, 2026” clause. This amendment ensures that any structure declared risky by the specified date will be eligible for the campaign, regardless of when the application process is completed thereafter.
Minister Kurum: A Long-Awaited Step for Istanbul Residents
Murat Kurum, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, announced the general circular on his social media account, stating, “We have implemented a long-awaited step for Istanbul residents regarding our ‘Half from Us’ campaign. The general circular we prepared has been published in the Official Gazette. Accordingly, all citizens who have their homes and workplaces declared risky by December 31 will be able to benefit from the campaign. All structures declared risky in 2025 and 2026 will be included in the scope of the campaign.” This statement clarifies that the extension applies broadly, covering properties identified as risky in the coming years.
Comprehensive Support for Urban Renewal
The amendment in the Official Gazette addresses concerns about the time-consuming processes involved in urban transformation, including demolition, licensing, condominium establishment, and rights determination. By extending the eligibility to all risky structures declared by December 31, 2026, the government aims to prevent any loss of rights for citizens looking to renovate their homes and workplaces. This ensures that all risky structures identified in 2025 and 2026 will be able to benefit from the ‘Half from Us’ Campaign.
Financial Assistance Details
Under the building-based transformation support of the campaign, each residential unit receives 875,000 TL in grants, 875,000 TL in loans, and 125,000 TL in relocation support, totaling 1,875,000 TL in financial assistance per unit from the Ministry. This allows citizens to rebuild their homes with the help of contractor firms. For workplaces, the support includes 437,500 TL in grants, 437,500 TL in loans, and 125,000 TL in relocation support, amounting to 875,000 TL in total financial assistance.
For area-based, large-scale transformations, such as those involving entire sites, TOKİ or Emlak Konut undertake the construction. In this model, each rights holder receives a grant of 875,000 TL and relocation support of 125,000 TL. The grant amount is deducted from the building cost, and the remaining debt is then installmentized with long-term, favorable payment conditions.
This significant extension is expected to boost urban transformation efforts in Istanbul, providing much-needed relief and opportunity for thousands of residents living in risky structures.
