Turkey adopts zoning reforms allowing office-to-residential conversions by 2027

On 1 July, the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change published amendments to the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation in the Official Gazette. The changes permit offices that meet specific criteria to be converted into residential units, with conversion work to be completed by 1 July 2027. The conversion may cover up to 60 % of a building’s floor area, provided the total construction rights (KAKS) are respected.

The regulation also revises other construction rules: the allowable floor‑area ratio (TAKS) can rise to 60 %; elevators become mandatory in buildings of three floors (including basement) and compulsory for four‑plus‑storey structures, with shafts extending to the basement when needed. Decorative pools and pergolas occupying up to 20 % of garden area are excluded from the gross floor‑area calculation. Certain public‑use spaces such as children’s play areas, mosques, parking and roof terraces are exempt from the ratio. Stricter licensing applies to projects with expired permits, and major renovations of existing buildings may follow the older code if structural safety is maintained.