Architecture Term

Independent Unit (Bağımsız Bölüm)

In Turkey, a part of a building that can be used separately and on its own and can be owned independently, such as a flat, shop or office (Condominium Law, Article 2). Many regulatory thresholds depend on the number of independent units: for example, a building with more than 20 residential units above the ground floor must have at least two elevators (Planned Areas Zoning Regulation, Article 34/4).

Also available in:Türkçe (Bağımsız Bölüm)·الوحدة المستقلة (Bağımsız Bölüm)

Definition and annex

Under Article 2 of Turkey's Condominium Law, an independent unit is a part of the main property that can be used separately and is subject to independent ownership; places outside an independent unit that are allocated directly to it are annexes (eklenti)[1]. The Planned Areas Zoning Regulation uses the same definition[2].

Gross, overall gross and net area

Under the regulation, the gross area of an independent unit is the area enclosed by its outer contours, excluding shafts, light wells, ventilation shafts and gallery voids; for parts other than the outer facade the contour is the wall's centre line, and annexes are stated separately. The overall gross area is found by adding the share of common areas to the gross area[2]. For spaces on more than one floor connected internally, including attics, the areas on those floors are considered together[2].

Zoning thresholds depend on units

Many rules are based on the number of independent units. For example, in buildings with more than 20 residential units above the ground floor, at least 2 lifts, in a number set by the building's type and intensity of use, are mandatory (Art. 34/4)[2]. With the occupancy permit, these units pass to floor ownership.

Frequently asked questions

What is an independent unit?

Under Article 2 of the Condominium Law, a part of the main property that can be used separately and is subject to independent ownership, such as a flat, shop or office.

What is an annex (eklenti)?

Places outside an independent unit that are allocated directly to it (Condominium Law, Article 2).

How is the gross area of an independent unit calculated?

Under the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation, it is the area enclosed by the unit's outer contours, excluding shafts, light wells, ventilation shafts and gallery voids; for parts other than the outer facade the contour is the wall's centre line.

Sources

  1. Condominium Law (No. 634), Article 2 (definition of independent unit and annex)
  2. Planned Areas Zoning Regulation (Planlı Alanlar İmar Yönetmeliği), Article 4 (definitions of unit and areas) and Article 34/4 (lifts)

Articles that use this term

Other terms

Back to glossary