The problem of the shortage of available housing in the rental market of Istanbul is increasing by leaps and bounds. Against this background, "ghost houses" - residential residences that are not used by the owners (which are not for rent, are not for sale, and no one lives in it at the same time) are very annoying to economists. There are 153,000 of it in Istanbul. And this is only according to official statistics; in reality, there may be even more.
So, "ghost houses" are increasingly on the agenda, at least in this metropolis. Especially in light of the upcoming new academic season: students entering Istanbul universities are actively looking for housing.
It is precisely such "passive" apartments, according to the experts of the Yeni Şafak newspaper, that provoke sky-high real estate prices. Although the picture is spoiled by those apartments that are rented for a short time (daily).
It has already become known that the "ghost houses" in Istanbul are concentrated mainly in 9 districts, of which Silivri is the key one. This is explained by the fact that it is here that people most often buy a second home for themselves; that is, not the main one in which they plan to live. However, Beylikduzu, Basakshehir, Kucukchekmedje and Bagdzhylar on the European side and Kadikey, Atashehir, Sanjaktepe and Tuzla on the Asian side are, in fact, not much behind.
"It is very important to introduce empty houses into the economy and balance the market", experts in the sphere urge.
A solution to the problem has already been proposed several times before, and is now being worked out. We are talking about introducing an increased tax on such residences, taking into account the successful experience of this kind in Europe. In parallel, to redistribute the demand somewhat: for example, Silivri, Beylikduzu and Basakshehir enjoy increased interest from foreign investors.
To simplify the solution of rental issues, the documentation is gradually being transferred to an electronic format.