The indicator points to Izmir in construction
Its successful fight against the coronavirus, being the center of tourism projects, and becoming one of Turkey's most comfortable city in transportation, turned the construction indicator to Izmir. In Izmir, which has a population of 4.3 million and competes with the world's leading cities at the rate of increase in housing prices, the number of residences under construction has reached 15 thousand. Prof. Celalettin Kozanoğlu, Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), İsmail Kahraman, Member of the Executive Board of Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO), and Ayhan Sulak, Member of IUE Board of Trustees, emphasized that the construction and real estate sector in Izmir has a clear path.
Noting that Izmir as a living space, comes at the beginning of the most appealing cities in Turkey, Prof. Kozanoğlu said, “We clearly see that the reputation of Izmir has increased in the last 10 years. This trend will continue for another 30-40 years. Many factors such as the suitable climate and transportation facilities, and the fact that it is a safe city put Izmir a few steps ahead. This situation manifested itself even during the coronavirus period. Izmir has become one of the most demanded cities where the most housing research is conducted. The increase in house prices has reached 20 percent. The need for housing increases in Izmir. This need reaches 30 thousand houses per year. Currently, 15 thousand houses continue to be built in Izmir. This means a budget of approximately 2 billion liras.”
THE RIGHT ADDRESS FOR EDUCATION
Prof. Kozanoğlu stated the following: “Transportation projects that have been completed recently increased the potential of Izmir even more. Izmir is already a port city. There have been important initiatives to make Izmir a trade center with new highway projects. We know that there is an interest in Izmir from abroad, and that world-famous companies are doing research to come to Izmir and open an office. Our city, which ranks high in quality of life, also creates opportunities for students. Regardless of which angle you look at it, Izmir is the right place to study. Also, an important center for training on construction.”
QUALITY PROJECTS
İsmail Kahraman, Member of the Executive Board of Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO), noted that the building stock in Izmir is old, and this has increased the interest in new projects. Kahraman said, “75 percent of the building stock in Izmir consists of old buildings. This is a serious rate and shows that Izmir is a candidate city for urban transformation. Izmir is also a city with an increasing population and receiving immigration. Accordingly, the need for housing in our city is also increasing. In recent years, the number of projects involving high-rise, large estates increased in Izmir. Especially those who live in old buildings make serious demands for new projects. Qualified projects will continue to be made in our city. The path of the construction and real estate sector is clear in Izmir.”
IZMIR IS THE MAIN ACTOR
Ayhan Sulak, Member of IUE Board of Trustees said, “Izmir has a great potential in terms of qualified architectural structures and tourism investments. I think that the main actor of the construction sector in the next 10 years will be Izmir. I suggest that young people who want to be a civil engineer or architect should research Izmir and our university.”