Real estate in Turkey isn’t just trending—it’s taking off. The numbers are strong, the construction is booming, and investor appetite is sharper than ever. Especially in the off-plan segment, where demand is outpacing supply. Want in early? Look into off-plan properties in Turkey by Yekta Homes — that’s where deals with real teeth are being made.
A Surge in Sales: Who’s Buying and Where
In 2024, Turkey’s housing market roared back to life, posting a solid 1.47 million residential sales, a leap of 20.6% from the year before. Istanbul, as always, led the pack with 239,213 deals, followed closely by Ankara at 134,046 and Izmir with 80,398. December alone saw over 212,000 transactions—that’s a 53.4% year-over-year spike. Why? A timely 250 basis point interest rate cut. When the central bank throws down a move like that, the smart money reacts.
Price Action: What’s the Real Cost
In Turkey, even with rising prices, value is still on the table—especially when compared to Western Europe.
| City | ₺ per m² | $ per m² | Avg Property Price |
| Istanbul | ₺49,000 | ~$1,235 | ₺5.1M (~$144,000) |
| Ankara | ₺26,719 | ~$703 | ₺3.3M (~$91,000) |
| Izmir | ₺36,796 | ~$1,065 | ₺4.8M (~$133,000) |
Whether it’s a swanky penthouse in Şişli or a two-bedroom flat in Antalya, investors are still finding leverage. Istanbul continues to command premium prices, but even second-tier cities are no longer the bargain bins they once were. This isn’t the Turkey of five years ago.
Rental Yields: The Numbers Investors Crave
Want a solid return without the drama? Turkey’s got it. Average gross rental yields climbed to 7.41% in Q1 2025, up from 7.14% a year earlier.
| Unit Size | Average Price ($) | Monthly Rent ($) | Gross Yield (%) |
| 2-Bedroom | $56,341 | $339 | 7.22 |
| 3-Bedroom | $70,639 | $367 | 6.23 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $100,307 | $565 | 6.76 |
Neighborhoods like Beyoğlu and Şişli are pulling in 6.8–6.9%, which for an urban rental play is impressive—especially with appreciation tacked on.
Off-Plan: Where the Smart Money’s Looking
Want leverage? Off-plan is the power move. Prices are lower, payment plans are flexible, and the upside is sitting there like a neon sign flashing “buy now.” These projects are sprouting up across coastal zones, secondary cities, and modern Istanbul neighborhoods, equipped with smart home tech and sustainability features that today’s buyers demand.
Urban regeneration is pumping life into tired neighborhoods. Developers are going green—literally—with solar panels, EV charging, and intelligent energy use becoming the norm. It’s not just trendy. It’s strategic.
Foreign Interest: Still Holding, But More Selective
Now, here’s the twist. Foreign investment in Turkish real estate dipped in 2024—23,781 properties sold to foreigners, down 32.1% from the year before. Regulations toughened. Investment minimums rose. The citizenship route became pricier.
But don’t misread the market. The pullback wasn’t panic—it was recalibration. Buyers from Russia, Iran, and Europe are still circling, but now with clearer intentions and higher budgets. Turkey’s central geography, strong rental potential, and fast growth still make it a top-five target for international portfolios.
Construction Boom: More Cranes, Smarter Builds
Developers in Turkey aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re racing ahead. Expect a flood of new units in the next 12–24 months—many of them green-certified, with biometric entry systems, touchless elevators, and full smart-home integration. This is no longer just about square footage; it’s about lifestyle and security.
Coastal towns like Alanya, Bodrum, and Fethiye are getting modern residential complexes that cater to digital nomads and remote-working expats. Meanwhile, Istanbul’s skyline continues to evolve with mixed-use megaprojects.
Legal Landscape: What Foreign Buyers Need to Know
Turkey welcomes foreign property buyers, but there’s a playbook—and the ones who skip it tend to pay the price.
Foreign nationals can purchase real estate almost anywhere except military zones. There’s no need for residency status to buy, though foreigners must get a military clearance for any property within 30 kilometers of a border. A Tax ID number and a local bank account are must-haves.
For citizenship seekers, the threshold now sits at $400,000, and the property must not be resold for three years. Skip the legal consultation, and it’s game over before it starts.
Mortgage and Financing: Can Foreigners Get Leverage
Short answer—yes. Foreign nationals can secure mortgages from Turkish banks, though terms vary widely. Expect:
- Loan-to-value ratios around 50–70%
- Interest rates in the 25–35% range (due to inflation)
- Loan terms typically capped at 10 years
Financing in foreign currency is often available, though it depends on the borrower’s nationality and the bank’s appetite. Many investors go the cash route or finance locally at origin and buy outright in Turkey.
Hot Spots Outside the Big Names
Looking beyond Istanbul and Antalya? That’s where some of the next big wins are forming.
- Mersin: A port city with big logistics potential and entry-level pricing.
- Trabzon: Northern coast charm, gaining traction with Gulf investors.
- Gaziantep: Industrial heartland with a rising residential segment.
- Yalova: A ferry ride from Istanbul, full of greenery and bargain villas.
Yields may be lower, but entry prices are a fraction of Istanbul’s, and infrastructure investments are pouring in.
Tips for Investors in 2025: What Separates Winners from Regret
There’s no room for passive plays. Turkey’s market rewards informed, decisive moves. Here’s the cheat sheet:
- Target High-Yield Zones: Istanbul’s central districts, parts of Antalya, and university-adjacent neighborhoods in Ankara.
- Go Off-Plan Early: The best margins come before the first brick is laid.
- Watch the Lira: Currency fluctuations can either kill your returns or turbocharge them.
- Work With Pros: Don’t go solo in a market with evolving laws. Find partners who’ve done this a hundred times.
And don’t forget: Yekta Homes is an aggregator of real estate in Turkey. That one call could save weeks of legwork.
Final Word: Opportunity Favors the Bold
The real estate market in Turkey isn’t for the indecisive. But for those who act fast, calculate risk, and move with confidence, it’s one of the most lucrative plays in Eurasia right now. Rental yields are up. Construction is smart. Pricing still has headroom. Regulations are tightening, sure—but that’s part of the maturing process.
Ignore the noise. Watch the numbers. And when they point to a growing, resilient market like this one, the move is obvious.