Safiye Ozge Subasi
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3834-6536
Research title: Exploring Housing Vacancies in the Midst of the Affordable Housing Crisis in Istanbul, Turkey
Research summary
My research examines the dynamics of housing vacancy in Istanbul, Turkey, within the context of the global affordable housing crisis. Despite rising housing demand, a significant share of dwellings remain unoccupied, reflecting complex interactions between market forces, financialisation, and urban governance.
Focusing on Istanbul as a rapidly transforming global city, my research investigates the underlying reasons for leaving properties empty, the socio-spatial consequences for residents, and the policy frameworks that shape these patterns. It combines quantitative housing market analysis with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and participatory workshops.
By situating Istanbul’s vacancy dynamics in both global and local contexts, this research aims to contribute to critical housing studies, inform policy debates on affordable housing, and propose actionable strategies for creating more socially just urban environments.
Supervisors
Grants
2025 Housing Studies Association - Annual Conference Bursary
2024 University of Glasgow - College of Social Sciences (CoSS) - PhD Scholarship
2022 İlhan Tekeli Urbanism Foundation - Master Thesis Encouragement Award
2022 The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye - Grant for Participation in Scientific Meetings Abroad
Conferences
Subaşı, S. Ö. (2025, April). The Dynamics of Housing Vacancies: A Critical Review of Conceptual Frameworks and Determinants. In Housing Studies Association Annual Conference 2025: Households, Housing Research, Policy and Practice, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Oğuz Çevik, M., Söylemez, E. and Subaşı, S. Ö. (2024, November). Safe and Inclusive Settlements in Post-Disaster Reconstruction: A Localization Trial of the"Gender-Sensitive Living Space Model". In the 49th World Urbanism Day Colloquium: Planning in the New Century, Antalya, Turkey.
Subaşı, S. Ö. and Söylemez, E. (2023, November). Housing Crisis and the Change in Sense of Place: Kadıköy, Caferağa Neighborhood Case. In the 47th World Urbanism Day Colloquium: Planning in the New Century, Ankara, Turkey.
Öztürk, N. K., Subaşı, S.Ö, Yaman Galantini, Z. D., Aslan S. (2023, October).Earthquake vs. Urban Resilience: A Study Of Karamürsel). In the 5th International Disaster and Resilience Congress, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Subaşı, S. Ö. and Türk, Ş. Ş. (2022, August). Affordability of Private Rental Housing: Istanbul, Turkey Case. In the ENHR Conference 2022, Barcelona, Spain.
Subaşı, S. Ö. and Alkay, E. (2022, May). Key Worker Housing Policies in the Context of Local Economic Development. Institute of Urban Studies, 7th Conference on Urban Studies, Ankara, Turkey.
Subaşı, S. Ö. and Türk, Ş. Ş. (2021, October). Discussing the Affordability of Rental Housing from the Perspective of Urban Resilience: İstanbul Case. In the Turkish Association of Municipalities, 6th National Local Governments Symposium, Ankara, Turkey.
Subaşı, S. Ö. and Metin, B. (2020, September). Collaborative Planning and Governance in Urban Renewal: Community-Based Neighborhood Development,Pınar Mahallesi, Sarıyer, İstanbul. In the 7th Urban and Regional Research Network(URRN) Symposium.
