Strong Middle Eastern Interest in Turkish Housing - Hürriyet

Foreign demand for residential property in Turkey continues to draw attention, especially from Middle Eastern countries. Recent Research conducted by Antalya Homes, based on data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), shows a clear pattern in buyer profiles. According to this research, one out of every two foreign nationals who purchase a home in Turkey lives in a Middle Eastern country. This result highlights a strong regional interest in Turkey’s housing market.

Half of Foreign Homebuyers in Turkey Live in the Middle East!

The study uses official TÜİK figures to examine foreign property purchases across the country. According to the research, foreign home sales increased sharply in October. Sales to foreign buyers reached 6,276 units during the month, which represents a 134 percent rise compared to the previous month. Antalya Homes’ analysis of the first ten months of 2018 shows that countries such as Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen purchased half of all homes sold to foreigners. Buyers from these countries continue to choose Turkey for long-term housing and investment purposes.

Several factors help explain this ongoing demand. Turkey has geographic proximity to the Middle East, and travel between regions remains relatively easy. Cultural familiarity also plays a role, and many buyers feel comfortable with daily life in Turkish cities. In addition, Turkey offers a wide range of housing options, from city apartments to coastal homes, which appeal to different buyer needs.

In September, a major legal amendment reduced the minimum investment amount required to obtain Turkish citizenship. The required capital threshold was lowered from 2 million US dollars to 500,000 dollars. At the same time, the minimum real estate investment amount for citizenship eligibility fell from 1 million dollars to 250,000 dollars. This change increased foreign interest in Turkish real estate within a short period.

As a result of this regulation, home sales to foreigners rose by 12 percent in one month and increased by 134 percent compared to October of the previous year. Data also shows that half of all foreign buyers purchasing property in Turkey reside in Middle Eastern countries.

Market professionals state that Middle Eastern demand has remained steady despite global economic changes. Housing purchases are often seen as a secure way to protect savings and access a stable living environment. Turkey’s real estate market continues to respond to this demand with new residential projects and improved services for foreign buyers.

Bayram Tekçe, Chairman of the Board of Antalya Homes and Head of the Export Committee of the Association of Real Estate and Real Estate Investment Companies, stated that Middle Eastern countries remain essential for foreign sales. He noted that total foreign home sales are expected to exceed 40,000 units by the end of 2018.

Source: Hürriyet - One in two foreigners buying property is from the Middle East.

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Keremhan Lekesiztaş

AUTHORKeremhan LekesiztaşEditor

Created: 05.02.2026, 08.54Updated: 05.02.2026, 15.46

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