Assessing the Effectiveness and Policy Gaps of Turkish Government Policies in Facilitating Affordable Housing

Abstract

This study looks into the impact of government policies on housing affordability in Turkey, specifically how these policies affect the construction industry's ability to provide cheap housing. The study used a qualitative methodology, conducting in-depth interviews with 25 professionals from diverse construction organizations. The attendees comprised architects, civil engineers, and other industry stakeholders from mostly medium-sized businesses in Istanbul and other Turkish cities. Thematic analysis of the interview data yielded noteworthy insights. First, respondents universally observed little to no policy influence in supporting affordable housing or recycled material usage, highlighting a crucial policy gap. Bureaucratic delays, high loan interest rates, and restricted market availability for recycled materials were identified as the key barriers. However, there are potential to raise awareness among clients and industry stakeholders, incorporate affordable techniques into legislation, and build public–private partnerships to improve collaboration. The findings reveal that industry professionals have a largely negative impression of present government policies, further citing expensive plot costs, and tight regulations as major hurdles to affordable housing creation. Furthermore, while some respondents cited collaboration with government agencies and the use of recycled materials as potential solutions, the overall tone indicated a lack of effective government incentives and support. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive policy reforms to improve stakeholder collaboration and to offer incentives that would reduce building costs and promote the use of sustainable materials. Policy implications include those targeted subsidies, improved administrative processes, and strengthened public-private partnerships are required to create a more favorable climate for affordable home creation in Turkey. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.