Turkish building standards "serious issue", aassure agents

Photo: Quinn Anya

The Soma mine disaster tragically killed 301 people last week, sparking protests against the government and mine company and, now, the detainment of several mining company officials.

While the mining disaster may have shaken the confidence of buyers in the quality of Turkish construction, though, agents have reassured that building sector is regulated and safe.

“I can assure buyers that health and safety is a serious issue in Turkey and there is plenty of regulation," David Walker, Director of Turkish agency Spot Blue, told OPP Connect. "It is a maturing emerging market, but in construction they are being helped by many big British companies who are exporting health and safety services. It is coming along very rapidly, but from a lower base.”

Burcu Orhan, founding partner at London Legal International, warned that cheaper properties might not be safe.

"We see people in Turkey paying £25,000 for an apartment, which is not normal even for this market – I do wonder how good the construction materials will be," Mr. Orhan commented, but added that there are, overall, "lots of rules and regulations, especially very strict rules on earthquake protection".

Indeed, without passing regulations for earthquake protection, a building cannot receive a habitation license.

"There are inspections by the municipalities, and entire buildings can be demolished if they don’t have a licence. It happens.”