Plot amalgamation

In Turkish practice, plot amalgamation (tevhit) means merging adjoining plots into a single plot. Land held under separate title deeds is brought together under one title, and the new plot receives a new number. The process is completed with the approval of the relevant authority and registration in the land registry.

Why plots are merged

Small or narrow plots may not allow an efficient building on their own. Because setbacks apply to each plot separately, two small sites may only take two slim buildings, while the merged site can hold one building with a much better plan. Amalgamation is also a common step in urban regeneration projects. Some plan notes grant different building conditions to plots above a certain size, which can make merging even more attractive.

Points to watch

The plots to be merged are usually expected to lie in the same block and the same zoning use. If they have different owners, the new plot will be held in shared ownership, and how the shares are set should be agreed clearly and in writing beforehand. A fresh zoning certificate is needed for the merged plot, since building conditions and setbacks are now calculated from its new boundaries. Only with that updated information does the design rest on solid ground.