Turkey’s January House Sales Surge 40% YoY, but Monthly Trends Decline

While Turkey's housing market saw a 40% year-on-year (YoY) increase in January 2025 with 112,173 units sold, the month-on-month (MoM) decline of 47% signals seasonal fluctuations rather than a long-term trend, according to IS Investment.
Key Highlights from January’s Housing Market:
- Mortgaged sales surged 183% YoY to 16,726 units, but dropped 28% MoM.
- First-hand sales increased 29.8% YoY, yet saw a sharp 57.2% MoM decline.
- Sales to foreigners rose 25% YoY to 1,547 units, with Russian buyers leading, though MoM figures fell 36%.
Analysts attribute the YoY growth to the low base effect of the previous year, while the MoM decline is largely due to seasonal factors impacting the market.
Emlakjet: Real Estate Investment Trends Are Shifting
According to a survey by Emlakjet, Turkish buyers are adjusting their real estate preferences:
- 49% are searching for houses for sale.
- 30% are looking for rental properties.
- 10% are interested in land investments.
- 3% are seeking commercial properties.
Top Factors Influencing Property Selection:
- Price & Return on Investment (34%) – Buyers prioritize profitability.
- Location & Environment (19%) – Accessibility and neighborhood quality matter.
- Proximity to Transport (11%) – Ease of commuting is a key factor.
- Physical Condition & Features (7%) – The state of the property influences decisions.
- Other Considerations (29%) – Varying personal preferences affect choices.
Regional Investment Preferences:
- Marmara Region leads with 32%, driven by Istanbul’s economic hub status.
- Aegean Region (25%) follows, with cities like Izmir attracting investors.
- Mediterranean Region (16%) remains popular for tourism-driven purchases.
- Central, Eastern & Southeastern Anatolia (21%) see rising investor interest.
- Black Sea Region (6%) lags behind in demand.
Shorter Return Periods Make Metropolises More Attractive
Emlakjet CEO Tolga İdikat emphasized that return on investment (ROI) is crucial for property buyers, particularly in major cities.
“Our Return on Investment Index shows that housing investments in Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir yield returns in a significantly shorter period. Ankara stands out with the shortest ROI period of just 12 years.”
Despite shifting dynamics, the survey highlights that real estate investment remains a priority, reflecting the market’s resilience and adaptability.