Natalie First-time buyers eager to know the best places to buy property in Turkey may be overwhelmed by the vast number of destinations, from leading cities to small villages. From east to West, Turkey is a vast country covering 81 provinces and seven geographical regions. However, before we talk about places where sales of homes to foreigners are higher than others, it is worth knowing three areas top the list; the Mediterranean coast, Aegean coast and Istanbul.
Foreign buyers rarely head east because the landlocked area is quite conservative and not geared up for the sun, sea and sand tourism industry that also attracts holiday homes owners as well as people looking to live in Turkey permanently. So, let’s look at what to know and where to go, to make a profitable investment in the Turkish real estate market.
Stats on Foreign Property Buyers in Turkey
According to the national statistical organisation of Turkey, Turk Stat, in 2022, 67,490 properties were sold to foreigners. This accounted for 4.5% of sales and was an increase of 15.2% yearly. Provinces ranked highly for foreigners buying property in Turkey included Istanbul, Antalya and Mersin.
Nationalities of foreign buyers included Russians, Iranians, Iraqis, German, Americans and Brits. Most Middle Eastern buyers head to north Turkey to places like Bursa, Yalova and Trabzon. Whereas European property buyers and other nationalities head to southwestern coastlines.
Where are the Best Places to Buy Property in Turkey?
Luxury Property Market of Kalkan
Kalkan, a small Mediterranean coastal village, promotes luxury living. Hence property prices are higher. There are apartments for sale, but luxury villas form most real estate listings. In some cases, world-renowned architects were contracted to design award-winning homes making the most of fantastic Mediterranean Sea views while incorporating home design and technology.
The one thing to know about Kalkan is that the town separates into six districts, but most places are hilly. If you don’t want to own a car, public transport is frequent, but this is something to bear in mind when viewing.
Altinkum: Relatively Cheap Property Prices in Turkey
Prominent British expat communities have earned Altinkum the nickname of Little Britain, and it offers some of the lowest property prices in Turkey. Most homes on sale in Altinkum are suitable for all-year-round living or holiday homes.The name translates into golden sands, an apt reflection of the three largest beaches.
Turks often call Altinkum “Didim,” but this refers to the town centre set back from the beach with many shopping, and transport opportunities. Anyone who likes this region but would prefer more Turkish destinations should look at nearby Akbuk, of which many properties have gorgeous sea views.
Alanya: Apartments and Villas for Attractive House Prices
Alanya also offers low property prices for its real estate market at the eastern Mediterranean tip, including apartments close to the beach. Potential buyers will find prices particularly attractive, especially first-time buyers. The tourist town attracts many nationalities of holidaymakers and ex-pats, including Russians, East Europeans and Brits.
All adore the many things to do, bars, restaurants and shopping opportunities. Alanya has really come on in leaps and bounds over the last ten years. The local council actively promotes the tourism industry abroad and the level of investment into infrastructure is impressive.
Antalya City Centre: Popular Tourist Destination on the Turkish Riviera
Don’t let the city status put you off because this district is incredibly scenic and offers two large beach communities, namely Konyaalti and Lara. Naturally, as the hub, everything is on your doorstep, including close access to the airport, the second busiest in Turkey, with an extensive all-year-round flight schedule.
Antalya city centre offers the best of both worlds, from budget street food to fine cuisine by world-famous chefs. Shopping is both cheap and expensive due to choose while fast-paced nightlife scenes are quickly slowed down by heading harbourside.
Yalikavak Real Estate Market
Yalikavak stands out on the Bodrum peninsula, an area of western Turkey that embraced hedonism in the last century. The transformation of Yalikavak over 15 years into significant foreign investment places is no small feat. The place now holds the title of the mega yacht haven in Turkey following the construction of the Palmarina, which saw billionaires and millionaires flocking.
Despite this fame and wealth, the price of Yalikavak property is still reasonable, given the gorgeous landscapes and seaside community vibes. However, if cash is no obstacle, Yalikavak is also home to millionaire villas with the latest clean-cut architecture and modern trends.
Other Places on The Bodrum Peninsula of Turkey
If most properties in Yalikavak are out of your budget, look to other regions on the Bodrum peninsula that are just an hour’s drive from the airport and perfect for relaxed lifestyles. Bodrum’s Aegean Sea location makes the area popular with tourists from Turkey and worldwide, and Bodrum’s popularity for tourism makes the place ideal for property investment.
With demand for properties in the town and surrounding areas, value of properties may appreciate over time, potentially providing decent rental yields on investment. Additionally, renting out properties to holidaymakers can provide income. Other towns to buy property on the Bodrum peninsula include Gumusluk, Kadikalesi, and Iasos, which all maintain those bygone vibes as quaint fishing villages.
Permanent Living in Fethiye on the Turquoise coast
The small town of Fethiye slowly lured expat communities and foreign property owners with gorgeous landscapes backed by green mountains, Lycian rock tombs and the calm blue Mediterranean Sea. As a significant Turkish Riviera hub, the vibes and atmosphere heavily lend weight to every retiree’s dream of living in the sun.
Foreign buyers of the large ex-pat population gravitate to one of three regions: Hisaronu, Ovacik and Calis Beach. However, the town centre also offers attractive apartments and villas for sale at affordable prices. Uzumlu, which has retained traditional village charm and natural beauty, has also attracted villa owners, despite its location away from the seaside. (Property for sale in Fethiye.)
Places in Istanbul for real estate investment in Turkey
Lastly, Istanbul, the largest city, is the focus and heart of Turkish real estate attracting foreign investors of all nationalities. Many tap into mass construction projects on the outskirts of Istanbul and developed infrastructure over the last 20 years that modernised living in the city. Focusing on modern living with architectural trends, the neighbourhood culture focuses on onsite amenities and facilities like gyms, swimming pools, parks, green parks and shops. Needless to say, there are also lively nightlife scenes.
Despite Istanbul’s status as Turkey’s largest city, there is much potential for property purchases. This is because current infrastructure projects and the modernisation of transport hubs and airports attract professional workers and buy to let foreign property investors.
For investors looking at the Turkish citizenship by investment scheme by buying property, most Turkish properties approved by the Turkish government for the project are in Istanbul. As Turkey’s biggest city, Istanbul naturally offers everything. Still, working expats and international property investors are especially interested in modernisation plans.
More About the Turkish Property Market
Call Us: Looking to buy Turkish property? Our team of experienced agents are here to help foreign buyers navigate the complex world of property in Turkey and other countries. For both first-time property buyers and seasoned investors, our expertise and resources will help you find the perfect property. We understand buying or selling property is significant. So we’re committed to providing quality service and support at every step.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you purchase Turkish property. Our property team is standing by to answer questions and provide guidance and support to succeed in today’s competitive real estate market. Also, browse our entire portfolio of property in Turkey here.
Popular Cities in Turkey for an Urban Lifestyle
If urban living is what you want, popular cities to buy property in Turkey include Istanbul city centre, the capital Ankara, Antalya city centre, Izmir, and Bodrum. From Turkey’s Aegean region to central Anatolia, the cities are different from other resorts that focus on tourism but perfectly fit those looking for easy access to investment and business opportunities or those who want to live and work in Turkey permanently. Well connected via transport routes, they are among Turkey’s best places to buy property.
