In recent years, housing and rental prices have skyrocketed in Turkey, making homeownership a luxury rather than a reality for many citizens. This situation has not only economic but also significant social dimensions.
Social Dimensions of the Housing Crisis:
Increasing Social Inequality: Soaring housing prices are exacerbating income inequality between the rich and the poor. While the wealthy are increasing their wealth through real estate investments, young people and middle-class citizens are increasingly unable to realize their dream of owning a home. Changes in Family Structure: Young people who cannot afford to buy a home are struggling to leave their families and establish their own households. This situation is leading to changes in traditional family structures and an increase in late marriages. Psychological Effects: The inability to own a home can lead to psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. The constant need to relocate can weaken social relationships and make individuals feel isolated from society. Social Costs of Urban Transformation: While urban transformation projects contribute to the renewal of cities, they also lead to the displacement of citizens. This situation disrupts the social fabric and causes social unrest. Problems in the Rental Housing Market: Imbalances in the rental housing market cause tenants to live in insecure conditions. Rent increases, evictions, and problems with landlords have a negative psychological impact on tenants.
Proposed Solutions:
- Increasing Social Housing Projects: The government should support social housing projects and increase the number of these projects to enable middle and low-income citizens to become homeowners.
- Rent Control: Regulations such as rent control can be implemented to prevent rapid increases in rents.
- Fair Distribution in Urban Transformation: Fair compensation and new housing opportunities should be provided to citizens displaced by urban transformation projects to prevent them from being victimized.
- Facilitating Mortgage Loans: Long-term and low-interest mortgage loans should be offered to enable young people to become homeowners.
- Tax Regulations: Tax regulations on luxury housing can be implemented to reduce housing prices.
Conclusion:
The housing crisis is not only an economic problem but also a social one. To solve this problem, governments, local governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations need to work together. Otherwise, this problem will continue to deepen and affect all segments of society.
