19.05.2025 11:41
In Turkey, the share of housing expenditures in household income has increased by 3% over the last six years, reaching 21.10%. The rising burden of rent and utility bills is limiting citizens' social and cultural spending.
In recent years, the rapidly increasing housing prices and rents have started to put serious pressure on household incomes in Turkey. Eurostat and TÜİK data reveal that the share of housing expenditures in total income has been steadily rising.
WHILE THE RATE WAS 18.20% IN 2018, IT INCREASED TO 21.10% IN 2024
According to Eurostat data, the share of housing expenditures in household income in Turkey was 18.20% in 2018, and this rate increased to 21.10% in 2024. This means an increase of about 3% over six years, indicating that the share of citizens' housing-related expenses in their total budget has grown.
TÜİK DATA ALSO REVEALS THE INCREASING BURDEN
According to TÜİK's 2023 data, housing and rent expenditures accounted for 23.9% of total household consumption expenditures in Turkey. This rate was 22.4% in 2022. The upward trend confirms that housing costs are among the primary expenditure items.
TURKEY RANKS HIGH IN EUROPEAN LEAGUE
According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, Turkey ranked 21st in Europe, becoming one of the countries that allocate the most share to housing expenditures. Countries like Germany (24.5%), Sweden (24.6%), and Denmark (26.6%) are at the top of the list. Turkey's position is noteworthy as it is above the European average.
1-Croatia: 13.00%
2-Italy: 13.60%
3-Slovenia: 13.60%
4-Romania: 15.40%
5-Lithuania: 15.50%
6-Spain: 16.70%
7-Lithuania: 16.70%
8-Poland: 16.70%
9-Portugal: 16.80%
10-Ireland: 17.60%
11-Belgium: 17.80%
12-Austria: 18.30%
13-France: 18.50%
14-Hungary: 18.80%
15-Luxembourg: 19.10%
16-Bulgaria: 19.30%
17-Slovakia: 19.40%
18-Estonia: 19.50%
19-Netherlands: 20.50%
20-Finland: 20.90%
21-Turkey: 21.10%
22-Czechia: 22.10%
23-Germany: 24.50%
24-Sweden: 24.60%
25-Denmark: 26.60%
DECREASING SHARE OF INCOME UNDERMINES OTHER AREAS
The classification of housing expenditures as necessary expenses leads to less budget being allocated for savings or social expenditures. The share of items such as education, health, culture, sports, and entertainment in total consumption is gradually decreasing.