How Does the Social Housing Lottery System Work? (2025 Guide)
How Does the Social Housing Lottery System Work? (2025 Guide)
In the 500 Thousand Social Housing Project, eligibility is determined by lottery. Even though everyone who applies pays the application fee, only those whose names are drawn in the lottery can own a home due to limited quotas.
In this article, we explained step by step how the lottery process works, which categories have priority, and how the type of housing is determined.
1️⃣ When Is the Lottery?
The lottery dates are specified in the official announcement document:
Eligibility Determination Lottery Dates: December 29, 2025 – February 27, 2026This lottery determines whether you are eligible. However, a secondary lottery is held later to determine exactly where and in which block your home will be.
2️⃣ How Many Stages Is the Lottery?
The lottery process is 2-stage:
| Stage | Description | |-------|-------------| | 1️⃣ Eligibility Determination Lottery | Determines who wins the right to purchase housing | | 2️⃣ Housing Assignment Lottery | Determines which housing unit you will receive |
The official document explains: "First, the eligibility lottery is held, then after the tenders, when housing types are finalized, the housing assignment lottery is held."
So the second lottery depends on construction tender processes.
3️⃣ Lottery Categories and Priorities
Applications are accepted under 7 categories:
- Families of Martyrs, Terror / War / Duty Casualties
- Veteran Citizens (Korea – Cyprus)
- Citizens with at least 40% Disability
- Retirees
- Families with 3 or More Children
- Youth Aged 18–30
- Other Buyer Candidates
| Category | Apartment Type | |----------|----------------| | Martyr Family & Veteran | 2+1 (65 m²) | | Disabled Citizens | 2+1 (65 m²) | | Retirees | 1+1 and 2+1 | | 3+ Children Family | 2+1 and 2+1 (80 m²) | | Youth | 1+1 | | Other Buyers | 2+1 & 2+1 (80 m²) |
🔎 Note: If there are not enough housing units in the project, the closest apartment type will be provided.
4️⃣ What Happens in Case of Tie in the Lottery?
First, category priority applies. If there is equality within a category:
- Those who have met the residence requirement for a longer period
- Those who submitted application documents completely
5️⃣ Where Are Lottery Results Announced?
Eligibility results are announced through these channels:
| Channel | Description | |---------|-------------| | TOKİ website | Project-based lists are published | | e-Government | Viewable from Application List screen | | Bank notification | SMS notification may be made |
Application fees are refunded for non-winners.
6️⃣ How Do Non-Winners Get Their Application Fee Back?
Application fees are refunded by the bank through:
- Branch
- ATM
- Wire transfer/EFT
📌 Families of Martyrs & Terror Casualties do not pay application fee
7️⃣ Next Stage for Lottery Winners
After the lottery:
- Eligible winners are invited by TOKİ to sign a contract
- 10% down payment is made
- Installment payments start the next month
- Housing assignment lottery is held
- Construction delivery process begins
- Title deed transfer occurs at delivery stage
8️⃣ Quick Facts
| Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Is the lottery mandatory? | Yes, if applications exceed quota | | Is the lottery broadcast online? | Usually live broadcast | | Is the lottery in the presence of a notary? | Yes, it's an official procedure | | What if construction is cancelled? | Eligible winners are informed |
Conclusion: "If You Win the Lottery, You Get Keys; If Not, Money Back"
This project offers a realistic homeownership opportunity especially for:
✔️ Those who want fixed and low installments ✔️ Those who want to get rid of rent ✔️ Low and middle-income households
The lottery is not just luck: Right category → Right planning → Right city selection increases success rate.
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📊 More Information
- Application Requirements Guide - Detailed application requirements
- Quota Distribution by Cities - Housing numbers by province
- Installment Calculator - Calculate your payment plan