What Is the Yarısı Bizden Urban Renewal Programme?

What Is the Yarısı Bizden Programme? Government Support for Urban Renewal

Yarısı Bizden is a Turkish government support programme designed to accelerate the replacement of at-risk buildings in Istanbul with safer structures built to current earthquake standards. Coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, it offers eligible owners grants, loans and relocation support.

For owners who want to renew an older or officially at-risk building but face the financial burden of construction, the programme can provide an important source of funding.

How Much Support Does Yarısı Bizden Provide?

For an eligible residential unit, the support described in the programme totals 1,875,000 TL.

Residential properties

• 875,000 TL grant

• 875,000 TL loan

• 125,000 TL one-off relocation payment

For commercial units, the stated amounts are 437,500 TL grant, 437,500 TL loan and 125,000 TL relocation support, totalling up to 1,000,000 TL.

These are the figures provided in the Turkish source article. Applicants should confirm the current amounts and conditions with the responsible authority before making financial commitments.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for eligible rights holders in buildings officially classified as at risk under Law No. 6306, across Istanbul's 39 districts.

The building risk assessment must be completed under the applicable regulations, and the proposed new project must meet the programme criteria. Requirements concerning the development's size and number of individual units also apply, with parking and mandatory shelter areas treated according to the relevant rules.

Eligibility therefore depends on the specific building and project; it is not automatic.

Extension Until the End of 2027

According to the official announcement cited in the source article, the programme was extended to 31 December 2027. You can read the official announcement from the Urban Renewal Presidency.

Owners considering urban renewal in Istanbul should assess their property's status and eligibility early, using the requirements in force when they apply.

How Is a Building Classified as At Risk?

The formal assessment is carried out by organisations licensed by the relevant ministry. Following a technical examination, a building may be officially classified as at risk and the statutory urban renewal process can begin.

For a fuller explanation, see How Is an At-Risk Building Assessed?.

The assessment is only one stage. Owners must also consider new project design, collective decisions, contractor selection, agreements, municipal approvals, establishment of new property rights, permits and funding applications.

How Is the Loan Repaid?

Under the repayment terms described in the source article, payments start two years after the building permit is issued, with repayment terms of up to ten years.

No interest is charged during the first year of repayment under these provisions, while subsequent years are subject to adjustments defined by the applicable regulations.

The article also states that eligibility for the programme loan does not depend on a minimum income or credit score. Current rules should always be checked with the administering authority.

Can Tenants Receive Relocation Support?

The programme includes a one-off 125,000 TL payment for evacuation or moving costs. Where a qualifying unit is occupied by a tenant, the support may be payable to that tenant. If there is no tenant, the eligible owner may receive it, subject to the programme rules.

What Are the Benefits of the Programme?

Government support may reduce the private cost of renewing an older or at-risk building and encourage construction to current earthquake-resistance standards.

However, building condition, land area, planning permissions, ownership, the number of units and the proposed design differ between properties. The question of eligibility must therefore be considered for each building individually.

How Ayören Grup Can Help

Successful urban renewal involves more than demolition and reconstruction. Owners need to coordinate technical assessments, project alternatives, discussions among rights holders, comparison of contractor offers and contractual requirements.

Ayören Grup offers urban renewal consultancy to building owners and residents considering the Yarısı Bizden programme. Our support covers the initial property assessment, potential project arrangements, review of programme requirements and planning the next steps.

Could Your Building Qualify?

Contact Ayören Grup to discuss whether your building may be suitable for Yarısı Bizden support and what renewal options could be considered.

Ayören Grup Urban Renewal Consultancy

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every building automatically qualify for Yarısı Bizden?

No. The applicable official regulations determine the eligibility conditions, application process and support available. Check both the property and proposed application before committing to a project.

Should the support amount determine which project owners choose?

No. It is important to consider the full project cost, each owner's contribution, the quality and allocation of the new units, contractor conditions and contractual safeguards alongside the financial support.