Turkey's TOKİ to launch 15,000 rental housing units in 2026

Turkey's state-run housing development agency, TOKİ, is moving forward with plans for a new social housing initiative focused on rental units. The project, set to launch in September 2026, aims to ease access to housing for low and middle-income citizens. Initially, 15,000 rental units are planned for Istanbul as part of a new social housing model designed to reduce housing costs.

The initiative will create special quotas to prioritize those most in need. Citizens whose homes are slated for urban renewal and who face difficulties finding rental accommodation will be given preference. Additionally, civil servants and pensioners will be eligible to apply within designated quotas.

Rental prices are intended to be set at or below half of the average market rates in the area. Successful applicants will be able to reside in these units for three years. After this period, the units will be vacated, maintained, and then re-rented to other eligible individuals through a lottery system. This cyclical model aims to ensure the housing benefits different needy populations over time.