Buying real estate in Turkey?

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Why is Turkey property so cheap right now?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Turkey Property Pack

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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Turkey Property Pack

Turkey's property market presents exceptional value opportunities in 2025, driven by economic volatility and currency fluctuations that have made real estate particularly affordable for international buyers. The Turkish lira's weakness, combined with high inflation and political uncertainty, has created a perfect storm that keeps property prices low relative to neighboring countries, despite strong domestic demand for real estate as an inflation hedge.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Turkey, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At INVESTROPA, we explore the Turkish real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

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Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Laurence Rapp 🇬🇧

Sales representative at Spot Blue - International Real Estate Agency

Laurence knows Turkey's real estate market inside out and is passionate about matching clients with the right property. At Spot Blue, he's here to help you find your dream home or investment in Turkey, from stunning coastal villas to vibrant city apartments.

What is the current state of the Turkish economy?

Turkey's economy in 2025 shows a mixed picture with moderate growth expectations of 3.3% driven primarily by domestic consumption and tourism services.

However, the country continues to grapple with significant economic challenges. Inflation remains stubbornly high at 28.5% for 2025, although this represents an improvement from the previous year's peak above 75%. The Turkish lira has experienced considerable volatility but shows signs of stabilization due to recent monetary policy adjustments and interest rate decisions.

The economy faces ongoing structural issues including currency instability, political risks, and the need for continued regulatory reforms. These factors directly impact the real estate market by creating uncertainty for both domestic and foreign investors. Tourism remains a bright spot, contributing significantly to economic growth and supporting property demand in coastal regions.

Despite these challenges, the Turkish economy maintains resilience through diversified sectors and strong domestic consumption patterns. The government's economic program aims to achieve single-digit inflation by 2027, though achieving this target will require sustained policy discipline and structural reforms.

How has inflation in Turkey affected property prices?

High inflation has created a complex dynamic in Turkey's property market, leading to higher construction costs and rising nominal property prices.

When adjusted for inflation, house prices actually fell by over 7% in January 2025, demonstrating how inflation erodes real property values. Construction materials and labor costs have increased significantly due to the 28.5% inflation rate, making new developments more expensive to build and maintain. This has pushed developers to raise prices for new properties while existing property values struggle to keep pace with inflation in real terms.

Domestic buyers increasingly view real estate as a hedge against inflation and lira devaluation, creating sustained demand that supports nominal price increases. However, the purchasing power of property investments has diminished when measured against inflation rates. International buyers benefit from this inflation differential, as their foreign currency maintains stronger purchasing power relative to Turkish lira-denominated assets.

The inflationary environment has also shifted market dynamics toward shorter-term investment strategies, with buyers focusing on properties that can generate immediate rental income to offset inflation impacts.

What are the political factors influencing property prices in Turkey right now?

Political uncertainty significantly impacts Turkey's property market, with recent events creating volatility in investor confidence and buying patterns.

The arrest of Istanbul's mayor in early 2025 sparked immediate market reactions, with property sales surging as people rushed to convert cash into real assets for protection. However, this event also heightened political uncertainty and caused foreign buyer confidence to decline significantly. International investors remain cautious about Turkey's democratic trajectory and governance stability, affecting long-term investment decisions.

Political tensions continue to weigh on market sentiment, particularly among European and Western investors who are concerned about rule of law and property rights protection. The government's approach to foreign investment policies, including residency and citizenship programs, remains subject to political considerations that can change rapidly.

Local political dynamics also affect regional property markets, with some areas experiencing more political stability than others. The broader geopolitical situation, including Turkey's relationships with neighboring countries and international partners, influences foreign investment flows and market confidence levels.

Has the demand for property in Turkey decreased in recent years?

Property demand in Turkey shows a mixed pattern with strong domestic demand but declining foreign interest in early 2025.

Demand Segment 2025 Trend Key Drivers
Foreign Buyers 15% decrease in early 2025 Political uncertainty, economic volatility
Domestic Buyers Remained robust Inflation hedge, lira devaluation protection
Overall Purchases 11.3% monthly drop (May 2025) Economic uncertainty, higher costs
Rental Market Increased demand Affordability issues, lifestyle changes
Investment Properties Shifting preferences Focus on rental yield, shorter-term gains
Coastal Properties Stable foreign interest Tourism potential, citizenship programs
Urban Centers Mixed performance Economic hub status vs. political risks

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What is the impact of the Turkish lira's value on property prices?

The Turkish lira's weakness creates significant opportunities for foreign buyers while presenting challenges for domestic purchasers.

A weak lira makes Turkish property exceptionally attractive to international buyers, as their foreign currencies have much stronger purchasing power. Major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum benefit most from this currency advantage, with foreign buyers leveraging the exchange rate to acquire premium properties at discounted prices relative to their home currencies.

For local buyers, lira volatility creates uncertainty and higher effective costs when financing involves foreign currency elements. The currency weakness drives domestic demand for real estate as a store of value, as property provides protection against further lira devaluation. This dynamic keeps domestic demand strong despite economic challenges.

Currency fluctuations particularly impact luxury and investment properties in tourist areas, where foreign buyer interest can shift rapidly based on exchange rate movements. Properties priced in foreign currencies or indexed to hard currency values maintain more stable valuations but may be less accessible to domestic buyers.

It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.

Are there any specific regions in Turkey where property prices are cheaper than others?

Significant regional price variations exist across Turkey, with eastern and interior regions offering the most affordable property options.

  1. Eastern Anatolia - Cities like Van and Şanlıurfa offer the lowest property prices nationally, with basic apartments available for under $20,000.
  2. Central Anatolia Interior - Rural areas away from major cities provide excellent value, particularly for land purchases and agricultural properties.
  3. Aegean Interior - Towns like Manisa and Denizli offer affordable options while maintaining reasonable infrastructure and accessibility.
  4. Black Sea Region - Cities like Ordu provide coastal access at much lower prices than Mediterranean alternatives.
  5. Secondary Cities - Adana, Mersin, and other provincial capitals offer urban amenities at significantly lower costs than Istanbul or Antalya.
  6. Industrial Areas - Regions focused on manufacturing and agriculture typically have lower property values due to limited tourism appeal.
  7. Border Regions - Areas near international borders often have depressed property values due to security concerns and limited development.

Has Turkey experienced any significant natural disasters or events that could impact property values?

Turkey experienced a major 6.2 magnitude earthquake near Istanbul in April 2025, causing significant infrastructure damage and affecting property values in surrounding areas.

This earthquake led to immediate declines in property values in affected zones, with buyers becoming more selective about building quality and earthquake resistance. The disaster shifted buyer preferences toward newer constructions that meet current seismic building codes, while older properties in high-risk areas saw reduced demand and pricing pressure.

The earthquake prompted increased regulatory focus on building standards and compliance, with authorities implementing stricter penalties for non-compliance with construction codes. This has raised construction costs for new developments but improved overall market confidence in building safety. Insurance requirements and availability have also been affected, influencing property investment decisions.

Turkey's location on active fault lines means natural disaster risk remains an ongoing consideration for property investors. Periodic floods, fires, and seismic activity continue to influence regional property markets, with coastal and mountainous areas facing additional risks from climate-related events.

How is the real estate market performing in relation to foreign investment?

Foreign investment in Turkish real estate remains significant despite recent declines, driven by citizenship programs and attractive pricing opportunities.

The citizenship-by-investment program continues to attract buyers willing to invest $400,000 USD for Turkish citizenship, while the residency program requires a minimum $200,000 nationwide investment. These programs maintain steady foreign interest despite broader market volatility. Russian, Middle Eastern, European, and Chinese buyers represent the largest foreign investor groups, with particular interest in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye.

Foreign direct investment in real estate has historically reached up to $5 billion USD annually, though 2025 shows some decline due to political uncertainties. High rental yields in tourist areas continue to attract international investors seeking income-generating properties. The weak lira provides additional incentive for foreign buyers who can leverage currency advantages.

However, foreign investment patterns are shifting toward shorter-term strategies and rental properties rather than long-term speculation, reflecting concerns about market stability and political risks.

infographics rental yields citiesTurkey

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Turkey versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What role does government policy play in the property market in Turkey?

Government policies significantly influence Turkey's property market through residency programs, citizenship schemes, and regulatory frameworks.

In 2025, the government raised the minimum property value required for residency through real estate investment to $200,000 nationwide, up from previous regional variations. The citizenship-by-investment threshold remains at $400,000 USD, maintaining Turkey's competitiveness in the global citizenship market. New regulations allow residency permits to cover children up to age 25 and extend renewal options to eligible parents, making the program more attractive to families.

Monetary policy decisions, including interest rate changes, directly affect mortgage availability and property financing costs. The government's economic stabilization program aims to reduce inflation to single digits by 2027, which could significantly impact property market dynamics if successful.

Urban renewal projects and infrastructure investments continue to shape regional property values, with government-backed development projects creating opportunities in previously underdeveloped areas. Tax policies and local municipality regulations also play crucial roles in determining property investment attractiveness across different regions.

Are there any new regulations or laws that have affected property buying or ownership?

Several new regulations in 2025 have impacted property buying and ownership procedures in Turkey, particularly affecting foreign investors.

The most significant change involves the standardization of the minimum property value for residency at $200,000 nationwide, eliminating previous regional variations that allowed lower investment thresholds in certain areas. Enhanced family inclusion rules now allow residency permits to cover children up to age 25 and provide options for parent inclusion in certain circumstances.

Following the April 2025 earthquake near Istanbul, building code enforcement has been strengthened with stricter penalties for non-compliance and enhanced inspection requirements. These regulations primarily affect new construction projects and property renovations, increasing compliance costs but improving safety standards.

Property registration procedures have been streamlined for foreign buyers in some regions while maintaining security requirements. Documentation requirements for foreign ownership have been clarified, reducing processing times in major investment destinations like Istanbul and Antalya.

It's something we develop in our Turkey property pack.

What are local property taxes like, and have they changed recently?

Local property taxes in Turkey remain relatively low compared to European standards, with rates typically ranging from 0.1% to 0.6% annually depending on location and property type.

Property taxes are administered at the municipal level, creating variations between different cities and regions. Urban areas like Istanbul and Ankara generally have higher tax rates than rural regions, while tourist destinations like Antalya maintain moderate rates to encourage investment. Commercial properties typically face higher tax rates than residential properties.

No major national changes to property tax rates were implemented in 2025, though municipal authorities retain the ability to adjust rates within established parameters. Some municipalities have introduced efficiency improvements in tax collection and payment systems, making the process more convenient for property owners.

Additional costs include title deed fees, which are split between buyer and seller, and various municipal charges for services. Foreign property owners face the same tax obligations as domestic owners, with no discriminatory taxation based on nationality.

How is the Turkish property market expected to perform in the short and long term?

The Turkish property market outlook shows divergent short-term and long-term prospects, with nominal growth expected despite economic challenges.

Time Frame Price Forecast Key Factors
Short-term (2025) 10-25% nominal increase Inflation, currency weakness, construction costs
Real Terms (2025) Modest gains only High inflation eroding real value
Foreign Investment Gradual recovery expected Political stability improvements needed
Domestic Market Continued strength Inflation hedge demand, lira weakness
Long-term (2026-2028) Steady appreciation Economic stabilization, infrastructure investment
Coastal Regions Premium growth Tourism recovery, foreign buyer interest
Risk Factors Continued volatility Political uncertainty, economic challenges

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Reuters - Turkey inflation forecast 2025
  2. OSW - Turkey's economy under Simsek
  3. Mercury Estate - Turkey property price forecasts 2025
  4. ResidenceTR - Turkey property market analysis 2025
  5. Global Property Guide - Turkey price history
  6. ESales International - Turkey property predictions 2025
  7. International Investment - Turkey housing market June 2025
  8. SmileToTalk - Turkey real estate 2025 opportunities
  9. Best House Turkey - Cheapest property cities
  10. Ottoman Estate - Turkey real estate outlook 2025-26