20.02.2026 12:22
The rise in gold prices has led to a shift in investor preferences. According to the real estate report for January, the increase in gold prices is also boosting interest in real estate. While 49% of participants stated that the rise in gold prices has increased their interest in real estate, 25% expressed that their investment preferences have not changed.
Emlakjet shared its real estate report for January 2026, based on user behaviors, current market dynamics, and survey results. According to the company's statement, the report, which is considered alongside data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), reveals how investors' short-term plans and the fluctuations in gold prices reflect on their real estate preferences.
FIRST-HAND HOUSING SALES DECREASED BY 2.1%
Accordingly, first-hand housing sales across Turkey in January were recorded at 34,069, reflecting a 2.1% decrease compared to the same period last year. In the same period, second-hand housing sales decreased by 5.9% compared to January of the previous year, totaling 77,411.
The share of first-hand houses in total housing sales was 30.6%, while the share of second-hand houses was 69.4%.
Sales of houses to foreigners decreased by 20.8% in January compared to the same period last year, totaling 1,306, while in the same month, the share of housing sales to foreigners in total housing sales was 1.2%.
In January, the Russian Federation ranked first in housing sales by nationality with 219, followed by Iran with 118 and Ukraine with 77.
CAUTIOUS PROGRESS IN INVESTMENT PLANS DRAWS ATTENTION
The survey conducted by Emlakjet, which involved more than 43,000 users, reveals individual investors' short-term investment plans, preferences for investment instruments, and their perspectives on real estate investment in detail.
The survey results show that a significant portion of participants are making active or potential investment plans, but they adopt a cautious and opportunity-focused approach during the decision-making process.
Responses to the question "Do you have an investment plan in the next 3 months?" indicate that some investors are ready to take active steps, while a significant portion is spreading their decision over time by monitoring the process.
17% of participants answered "Yes, I will invest actively," while 22% preferred the option "I am in the research phase." The proportion of those who stated they are undecided is 23%, while those who said "I am not considering investing for now" account for 38%.
To the question "Where do you plan to focus your investment in the upcoming period?" 61% of participants indicated that they plan to prioritize real estate in their investments, while 18% prefer gold, 8% prefer foreign currency, and 6% prefer deposit/fund options.
The proportion of those planning to create a balanced portfolio remains at 7%. This distribution indicates a strengthening trend among investors to turn towards assets that can preserve their value in the long term, have real counterparts, and offer relatively more predictable returns under market conditions.
INCREASE IN GOLD PRICES BOOSTS INTEREST IN REAL ESTATE
The question "Has the rise in gold prices affected your view on real estate?" in the survey indicates a significant shift in investor behavior.
49% of participants stated that the rise in gold prices has increased their interest in real estate, while 25% expressed that their investment preferences have not changed. The proportion of those who prefer to stay in gold is 8%, while 18% are following the process indecisively.
Increasing price fluctuations highlight real estate as a more stable, tangible, and long-term investment alternative, while the need for risk diversification strengthens the positioning of this asset class as a safe balancing element.
To the question "What drives you most towards real estate investment?" 47% of participants prioritize price advantages and negotiation opportunities, while 16% prioritize the criteria of the right location and the right project.
Favorable credit conditions are preferred by 14%, while high rental yields are chosen by 13%, and emphasis on reliable platforms and transparent processes remains at 10%.
HIGH PROBABILITY OF PURCHASING REAL ESTATE IN THE SHORT TERM
Responses to the question "What is the likelihood of you purchasing real estate in the next 6 months?" indicate a strong potential on the demand side.
53% of participants assess the likelihood of purchase as "high," while 23% see it as "medium." The proportion of those who stated that the likelihood of purchase is low is 11%, while 13% express that they are only in the research phase.
The survey results reveal that a significant portion of investors has real estate strongly on their agenda.
While there is a crowd planning to invest actively in the short term, the proportion of users in the research and indecisiveness phase is also noteworthy. The clear prominence of real estate in investment weight indicates that the search for safe assets, especially for high liquidity products like apartments for sale, continues.
The increase in gold prices boosting interest in real estate shows that investors are strengthening their search for balance in their portfolio preferences, while expectations for price advantages, the right location, and transparent processes emerge as the fundamental dynamics of purchasing decisions. Additionally, the high proportion of users indicating a likelihood of purchase in 6 months points to a vibrant demand potential in the real estate sector.