Home Ownership, Housing Conditions, and the Housing Quality Index in Turkey

This study analyzes the rates of home ownership, mortgages, tenancy, and housing conditions in Turkey and European Union countries. Data from the Income and Living Conditions Surveys conducted between 2006 and 2015 in Turkey and the EU-28 have been used in the analysis. Home ownership rate is 70% in the EU-28 and 60% in Turkey. These results indicate a significant housing shortage to exist in Turkey, with the housing sector maintaining its vitality in the near future. The proper level of housing quality is related to quality of life. Turkey has high numbers for the highly developed housing price index. In addition to this price index, a need is found for developing a detailed housing quality index. This article develops a draft for the housing quality index based on the Turkish Statistical Institute's (Turkstat) Income and Living Conditions Survey by utilizing a total of 16 housing variables. According to results, quality of housing in Turkey is increasing gradually every year.