Choosing Earthquake-Resistant Housing for Homebuyers

Following the Central Bank's interest rate cut during Turkey's normalization process after the coronavirus pandemic, banks announced significant declines in credit interest rates.

Historic reductions in housing, vacation, vehicle and consumer loans have spurred activity across many sectors, particularly real estate. At a time when housing sales demand is increasing in the real estate sector, Ytong has outlined recommendations for home buyers regarding the selection of earthquake-resistant housing, one of the country's most important realities. Türk Ytong Board Chair Fethi Hinginar drew attention to the earthquake reality being one of Turkey's most important agenda items, stating: "Our country is located on one of the world's most active seismic zones, and 98 percent of our population of 83 million lives in the earthquake zone. For this reason, those wanting to purchase housing should check whether the building is earthquake-resistant before considering its location, size, or interior design, and should not purchase properties without being certain of their quality."

Pay attention to building age

Highlighting the importance of building age in selecting earthquake-resistant housing, Hinginar said: "Earthquake regulations have been applied in our country since 1940, but comprehensive implementation began with the 1975 regulation. Subsequently, the 1998 regulation brought it in line with contemporary earthquake regulations of developed countries. Following the renewal of this regulation in 1998 and the 1999 earthquakes, rapid developments in building inspection, contracting services and material quality resulted in a notable increase in building quality after 2000. From this perspective, I recommend consumers focus on buildings constructed after 2000 when purchasing housing."

Ytong earthquake warning

Emphasizing that among the matters requiring attention when purchasing housing, earthquake reality and quality of life are very important alongside financing ease, Fethi Hinginar particularly highlighted the following points:

1. Building age should be considered; buildings constructed after 2000 should be preferred.
2. For buildings constructed before 2000, if available, the 'Earthquake Resistance Report' prepared by institutions approved by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization should be reviewed.
3. Projects involving experienced contracting firms, qualified architects and engineers should be preferred.
4. Independent building inspection services should have been obtained.
5. Quality materials should have been used in the building and applied correctly.
6. Measures against corrosion and moisture should have been taken and implemented.
7. Lightweight structural elements should be utilized to reduce building weight.
8. Construction should be in accordance with the project design.

Lightweight structures save lives

Fethi Hinginar emphasized the vital role that materials used in construction play in earthquake-resistant building, adding: "Regulations present very simple rules. These are important enough to save lives in an earthquake. For example, to reduce the earthquake energy affecting the structure, lightweight and ductile structures become important. Walls created with Ytong blocks reduce earthquake design forces through their lightness. When you construct lighter buildings, you reduce earthquake risks proportionally. Light buildings require lightweight construction materials. In addition to Ytong's most important features of thermal insulation and fire resistance, its lightness also offers advantages against earthquake loads and makes an important contribution to earthquake-resistant construction. Our people should also question the durability of the building when buying or renting a home."