Yücel Evsen, President of ÇEKMÜDER, who suggested a mediator to solve the problems between land owners and contractors for urban transformation and acceleration of housing supply, said, "We are blocked especially in shared sales. Since this problem has not been overcome, there are projects that have been waiting for 15 years." The solution of applying to mediation before the lawsuit in landlord-tenant disputes has also become one of the demands of contractors. While land accounts for nearly 50 percent of construction costs, the ongoing shortage of land is shown as the biggest obstacle to producing new housing. Land is also one of the areas where urban transformation is blocked.

Yücel Evsen, Chairman of Çekmeköy Contractors Association (ÇEKMÜDER) and CEO of Akar Yapı, who pointed out the biggest obstacle in front of the contractors as the shortage of land, also brought a mediator proposal in the dispute between land owners and contractors. Stating that the agreement between the landowner and the contractor will accelerate, Evsen said, "We are blocked especially in shared sales. Land in Turkey usually has at least 3 shares. You can sell two-thirds of the shares, but you cannot touch a small parcel of land," he said. Stating that this is a very serious problem especially in urban transformation projects, Evsen pointed out that there are projects that have been waiting for 15 years. Emphasizing that the process should be accelerated especially at this time when the earthquake is being discussed, Evsen stated that the solution is again in the field.

Buildings should have an expiration date.

Another suggestion of ÇEKMÜDER President Evsen is to put an expiration date on buildings. "Taking into account criteria such as the materials used and construction technology, buildings should be required to have an expiration date," Evsen said, adding that people would pay attention to this date before renting or buying. Evsen said, "How we eat, drink, buy If everything has an expiration date, it should be clear how many years we will live in a building where we live our lives with our families and children."

"House prices will continue to rise"

Drawing attention to the mobility in the real estate market, Yücel Evsen said that the price increase, especially in housing, will continue. "Because we have a demand but no supply. There are no second flats left anymore." According to Evsen, another problem affecting the price increases is the 'greed' of the landlords. Evsen said, "A man rents an apartment for 2 thousand liras, and then he sees that his neighbor has rented it for 3 thousand liras and immediately increases it. This is the same for sale and for rent. It is not the contractors who determine the prices." Stating that there is a reaction against the sale of housing to foreigners in Turkey, Evsen said, "Citizens rent their houses to foreigners. But he opposes the sale," he said.

"Buildings with elevators are more robust"

Yücel Evsen said that buildings with elevators are more resistant to earthquakes. Evsen explained the reason for this as follows: "The elevator is important for building safety. Because the elevator is covered with curtain concrete on all sides. A large area is required to install an elevator. That area is covered with curtain columns. A place surrounded by curtains will also survive." Evsen, who also wants the industrial sites in the city to be transformed into a lively living space, said, "Our women are afraid to go to the industry. Let's make these places in such a way that there are hairdressers and tailors. Let's include industrial sites into the living space."

"Chamber of contractors should be established urgently"

Yücel Evsen, President of ÇEKMÜDER, drew attention to the problem of contractors in Turkey and said that no professional qualification is required to become a contractor. "Almost every profession in Turkey has a chamber, but contractors do not, it should be established urgently," Evsen said and complained that anyone who says 'let me build a house' can become a contractor.