Where Foreigners Are Buying Property in 2026

In July 2026, foreigners purchased 2,120 properties in Turkey — a 1.9% increase year-on-year. Foreign buyers accounted for 1.7% of total July sales. Istanbul, Antalya, and Mersin led demand.

Who Is Buying Property in Turkey?

Russian nationals consistently make up the largest group of foreign buyers, followed by Iranians and Ukrainians.

This demand structure shows that Turkey remains most attractive to buyers from neighbouring countries and Western Asia. The primary motivations are obtaining residency, citizenship, and acquiring investment property for ongoing income.

Istanbul: The Largest Market

Istanbul — once the legendary capital of the Ottoman Empire, and a city that has preserved its distinguished heritage — is now Turkey's principal cultural, historical, and economic metropolis. A mild subtropical climate with warm summers and moderately cool winters, the Bosphorus strait, dozens of distinctly different neighbourhoods, and a dynamic pace of life make Istanbul an attractive place to live and work.

Istanbul's key advantage is its market scale. It offers greater variety of properties, stronger domestic demand, and a larger pool of potential buyers at resale.

Istanbul accounted for approximately 42% of foreign transactions in July. The average property price in July was around €127,000, with a price per square metre of €1,157. Year-on-year, the price per square metre rose by 26.5% in nominal terms.

Antalya: Property by the Sea

Antalya is a major resort and port city with substantial tourist traffic. Winters here are warmer than elsewhere in the country, extending the "season" to year-round. Remarkable nature — combining azure waters, emerald forests, and the high Taurus Mountains — offers a wealth of activities and outdoor pursuits. Antalya has pebble beaches, sandy shores, pine forests, luxury hotels, golf courses, and ancient ruins. The region has virtually everything needed for a great holiday or a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

The market's defining characteristic is the combination of permanent residence comfort, leisure, and rental demand.

Foreign buyers purchased 661 properties in Antalya. The average property price was approximately €108,000, with a price per square metre of €986. Annual price growth per square metre reached 25.8%.

Mersin: A More Accessible Entry Point

A major port city with a rapidly developing economy, infrastructure, and modern construction. Unlike Istanbul and Antalya, the region has a subtropical climate that is noticeably hotter, allowing sea swimming from April through November. Mersin attracts professionals from around the world, and its advantageous location drives rising prosperity and stimulates investment. Another advantage is its relatively low seismic activity.

Mersin ranked third with 128 transactions in July. The market attracts buyers with its proximity to the Mediterranean, new residential developments, and more accessible pricing.

That said, choosing the right district here is particularly important: province-wide averages do not reflect the differences between individual locations and projects.

Where Is Liquidity Higher?

In terms of market depth, Istanbul has the advantage: a large population and high volume of domestic transactions create a broader pool of potential buyers.

Antalya is driven by international and tourist demand. Mersin has a more limited market, making district selection, infrastructure quality, and project standards especially critical at the point of purchase.

Liquidity here is not just about price. It is shaped by transport links, location, layout, building condition, and how well the property matches actual demand.

For Living or for Investment?

For permanent residence, the choice of city should reflect lifestyle priorities: Istanbul offers maximum urban infrastructure; Antalya combines developed amenities with the sea; Mersin offers a quieter Mediterranean format.

For investment, liquidity and rental demand matter more. Istanbul suits those with a clear strategy focused on the broad resale market; Antalya suits those looking to combine rental income with personal use; Mersin suits those prepared to take a long-term asset ownership approach.