In our region, earthquake safety is not a detail — it is the most important question you can ask before buying a home. After recent earthquakes, every family I advise rightly puts safety first. This guide explains, in plain language, what to check before you sign anything.
1. Building Age & Code
Buildings constructed under the updated 2018 seismic code are generally far safer than older stock. Always ask when the building was built and which code applied. Newer is not automatically better, but post-2000 (and especially post-2018) construction starts you from a stronger baseline.
2. The Ground Matters as Much as the Building
A well-built structure on poor soil is still at risk. Ask whether a soil survey (zemin etüdü) was carried out and what it found. Solid ground dramatically improves a building's behaviour during a quake.
3. Permits & Inspection
- Occupancy permit (iskân): Confirms the building was completed according to its approved project.
- Building inspection (yapı denetim): Independent oversight during construction. Its absence is a red flag.
- As-built compliance: Make sure the building matches its licensed project — illegal additions weaken structures.
4. Structural Warning Signs
Watch for soft (open) ground floors used as shops or parking, columns that were cut or modified, large diagonal cracks, and visible corrosion. Where possible, ask about column dimensions and concrete quality, and consider an engineer's assessment for older buildings.
5. What I Tell Every Client
Never let an attractive price override safety. A home is where your family lives — structural integrity comes before square metres or the view. I'm always glad to walk through these checks with you on any property before you decide.