Housing Crisis and Property Rights: Should 'Housing Hoarding' Be Limited in Turkey?

Turkey is grappling with a severe housing crisis, marked by escalating rental costs that are pushing the issue to the forefront of national discussion. At the heart of the debate is the fundamental question of housing as a human right versus a legitimate investment.

One side argues that housing is a basic human right and that the commodification of housing as an investment vehicle distorts the market. They advocate for measures to curb what they term "housing hoarding." Conversely, others defend the right to own property and generate passive income, viewing it as a legitimate aspect of wealth accumulation and investment.

This tension has led some nations to implement additional taxes and restrictions on individuals owning multiple properties. In Turkey, this debate is intensifying, with calls growing to regulate the practice of owning numerous homes solely for rental income. The core question remains: should an individual be allowed to own multiple properties, for instance, more than three, purely for investment and rental purposes, or should such practices be limited to ensure housing accessibility?