After graduating with honors from university, Fenercioğlu soon returned to his hometown, Alanya, and started working there. Since 2009, he has gathered numerous companies he established for the construction sector under the umbrella of Fenercioğlu A.Ş., of which he is the founder and president. Fenercioğlu A.Ş. has become a brand, especially in Alanya, with urban transformation projects, building inspections, and shopping mall developments. The company attributes its success to its strong team of architects and engineers. Making a name for itself in Antalya and receiving project proposals, Fenercioğlu A.Ş. Chairman Aycan Fenercioğlu stated, "We will expand first to Antalya, then to Turkey, and finally to the world." Here are the highlights from our interview with Fenercioğlu:

Mr. Aycan, you are one of the first names that come to mind when it comes to urban transformation projects and shopping malls, especially in Alanya. Can you tell us about yourself and your work?

I was born and raised in Alanya in 1986. Although I had the opportunity to study at various schools in Istanbul, I completed my primary and secondary education in Alanya at my family’s request. I was accepted into one of Turkey’s top universities, Yıldız Technical University, in the Civil Engineering department. I graduated early, making my mark in the school’s history. After graduation, due to circumstances at the time, I had to abandon my plans to work first in Istanbul and then abroad, so I returned to Alanya. Since 2009, I have been working in the construction sector. I am the founder and president of Fenercioğlu A.Ş. I am married and have two children.

‘WE GATHERED MANY OF OUR COMPANIES UNDER FENERCIOĞLU A.Ş.’

We would like to hear more about Fenercioğlu A.Ş. What services does it provide?

In addition to construction, we provide project development, urban transformation, and real estate development services. During the pandemic, we also started agricultural companies, and we are currently working on new ventures in tourism and healthcare, which will also be part of Fenercioğlu A.Ş. Our core expertise is construction. We cover all construction needs, from architectural design to building, from building inspections to concrete laboratory services. We are the only company in Alanya and Antalya operating at this level. Currently, we have about 55 engineers and architects on our team, and we plan to expand to 70 employees by the end of the year.

‘ALTSO PRESIDENT ŞAHİN’S SUPPORT IS INVALUABLE’

What are some of the past projects undertaken by Fenercioğlu A.Ş.?

We have successfully completed many projects in Alanya. We have worked extensively on urban transformation and shopping mall constructions, and our projects in these areas continue. I would like to thank ALTSO President Mr. Mehmet Şahin for his vision and support. We handle all aspects of construction, from project planning to execution, without needing third-party companies. Currently, we have ten ongoing projects, including some in Antalya. Next summer, we aim to be running 17 projects simultaneously, and by 2023, we plan to manage 23 projects at once. We are receiving serious demands from Antalya, and in the future, we will expand our projects nationwide and eventually into Europe.

‘WE ARE THE ONLY COMPANY OF OUR KIND IN ALANYA AND THE REGION!’

How did urban transformation efforts begin in Alanya, and how are they progressing? Are you satisfied with the city’s aesthetics, or do you see areas for improvement?

Our urban transformation efforts began due to demand in Alanya. Since there was no more available land in the city center, new construction locations were hard to find. Additionally, the city needed renewal and aesthetic improvements. That is why we initiated urban transformation projects. In Alanya, urban transformation is carried out on a parcel-based, building-level approach. We have become the most trusted and active company in this field. In the early days, our teams would visit residents to explain the benefits of renewal and transformation. Now, homeowners with aging buildings approach us to collaborate. With our extensive team, we manage the entire transformation process, ensuring homeowners' rights are protected, including securing rental assistance from the government.
Recently, a commission was established to address city aesthetics. Of course, there are shortcomings. One of our main concerns with urban renewal is enhancing aesthetics. We hope that these improvements will further strengthen Alanya's brand value.

‘THE SQUARE FOOTAGE DECREASES, BUT THE PROPERTY VALUE DOUBLES’

Property owners undergoing urban transformation often worry about losing square footage. What are the key criteria for urban transformation, and what concerns do homeowners have?

Currently, there is no additional floor area ratio (FAR) provided for urban transformation projects in Alanya and Antalya, unlike in some districts of Istanbul. Since no extra floors are allowed, properties lose some square footage, similar to cutting a five-piece cake into eight pieces. However, while square footage decreases, property value at least doubles. Homeowners naturally worry when they see a decrease in space, but the reality is that most buildings in central Alanya are over 30 years old. More importantly, they become safer and modernized through urban transformation, which is why we highly recommend it while ensuring residents' rights are protected.

‘SOME INEXPERIENCED COMPANIES DECEIVED RESIDENTS’

As a Civil Engineer, how do you view other urban transformation projects in Alanya? Are property owners getting their fair share?

Unfortunately, in Alanya, some incompetent companies initiated demolitions but never proceeded with construction. These companies misled residents by promising them square footage allocations that were not feasible. As a result, some homeowners faced serious issues. I strongly advise residents to consult with a lawyer, architect, or engineer before signing any agreements for urban transformation projects. Impractical or illegal project promises often lead to homeowners being shortchanged.

‘MORTGAGE PACKAGES HELPED BOTH BUYERS AND DEVELOPERS’

The construction sector was one of the few industries that continued despite the pandemic. How has the increase in costs and property prices impacted the market?

Last March, most industries worldwide came to a halt. Although construction continued, sales temporarily slowed. However, the government introduced a mortgage package last summer, which significantly stimulated the domestic market. This resulted in unprecedented construction activity. Our inventory sold out quickly, and we launched new projects.

‘FOREIGN DEMAND IS VERY HIGH’

Foreign buyers seem to dominate the housing market. Alanya appears to be successful in property sales. What do you attribute this to?

There has been a surge in demand from foreign buyers, which has accelerated construction in certain areas. Last winter, sales were particularly strong. Alanya's unique climate, where swimming is possible year-round, along with its history, beaches, and vibrant urban life, make it highly attractive.

‘TRUST, TRUST, TRUST!’

What are your non-negotiables in your projects? What makes a house a home?

Our top priority is safety. From construction phases to final details like electrical installations, we ensure every home is built for secure and comfortable living.