Young Adults' Accessible and Affordable Housing Challenge in Istanbul

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the current housing challenges faced by young adults (18-35), particularly those in their early careers, often have limited incomes, which restricts their access to housing. For this purpose, the housing challenge around the world, in Turkey and Istanbul, has been presented. Within the study, the problem of housing accessibility is discussed in the context of changing demographic structure, affordability, and accessibility to qualified housing. The study is a literature review conducted to fill a significant gap in the existing literature. The existing literature has been analysed by content analysis method and the findings have contributed to a deeper understanding of the subject. This study highlights the incompatibility of the existing housing supply with changing household structures, income distributions, and lifestyles and demonstrates the growing demand for smaller housing units. In this context, the study addressed a few questions: “RQ1: In what ways do demographic changes and economic factors influence the accessibility of housing for young adults in large cities?” and “RQ2: How the increasing demand for small, affordable and functional housing is being addressed in the current housing market and what policy recommendations can be made to improve this situation?” Demographic changes such as the decrease in household size, the increase in the number of individuals living alone, and the aging population, as well as the increase in the number of divorces and the desire of young adults in the early stages of their careers to live in the city center, highlight the need for small, affordable, and functional housing. However, the existing housing stock is far from meeting these changing needs. The challenges young adults face in the housing market, affect not only their individual well-being but also the economic and social dynamics of cities. Therefore, it is critical that housing policies take into account the economic and social needs of young adults and create more accessible and affordable solutions. The study found that smaller dwelling size can offer an important solution that supports not only the physical need for shelter but also the social and economic cohesion of young adults in metropolitan areas. The original contribution of this study to the literature is that it reveals the negative effects of the lack of planning of housing provision in accordance with current demographic and economic conditions on housing accessibility and, in this context, offers solutions for the development of user-oriented, inclusive, and sustainable housing policies.