22.01.2026 17:02
According to TÜİK data, a double record was broken in Turkey in 2025. With approximately 1.7 million housing sales throughout the year, an all-time record was set, while in December, a monthly peak of around 255,000 was observed.
According to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK); housing sales in Turkey reached 1 million 688 thousand 910 in 2025, marking the highest figure since 2013 when TÜİK began compiling annual data. The previous highest figure was recorded in 2020 with 1 million 499 thousand 316.
THE CITY WITH THE MOST HOUSING SALES: ISTANBUL
Last year, there was a 14.3% increase in housing sales compared to 2024, with the highest sales occurring in Istanbul with 280 thousand 262, followed by Ankara with 152 thousand 534 and Izmir with 96 thousand 998.
Mortgage housing sales increased by 49.3% to 236 thousand 668, first-hand sales rose by 11.6% to 540 thousand 786, and second-hand housing sales reached 1 million 148 thousand 124 with a 15.6% increase. The fact that first-hand housing sales exceeded 500 thousand after a long hiatus and reached the highest value in the last 7 years drew attention. Last year, a record was also broken in second-hand housing sales, which exceeded 1 million again.
In December, housing sales across Turkey increased by 19.8% compared to the same period of the previous year, rising to 254 thousand 777, marking the highest figure ever recorded.
"THE SECTOR ENTERED A RECOVERY PATH IN 2025"
Sector representatives evaluated the data for December and the year 2025.
Ziya Yılmaz, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Housing Developers and Investors (KONUTDER), stated that they had left behind a productive year in terms of the sector, noting that in addition to the records, the highest level of first-hand housing sales since 2019 was observed.
Pointing out that the effects of the decline in inflation and interest rates were felt throughout the year, Yılmaz drew attention to the increase in sales with credit, saying, "We evaluate the year-end data positively and see that the sector has entered a certain recovery path in 2025. We believe that in the upcoming period, with the decrease in interest rates, the slowdown in the increase of commodity prices, and the downward trend in inflation, this revival trend will continue."
Yılmaz indicated that housing continues to be an important investment tool that meets long-term housing needs and preserves its value, stating that when looking at real prices, housing still offers strong return potential. He emphasized that they foresee that first-hand sales will approach the growth rate of second-hand sales more closely in 2026, noting that the permit data also supports this expectation. Yılmaz expressed that housing developers have accelerated investments to meet the postponed housing purchase demands and that a more balanced period has begun on the supply side, calling for the removal of restrictions on housing loans.
"THE DECLINE IN INTEREST RATES HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE IN INCREASING SALES"
Hakan Şişik, President of the Anatolian Side Construction Contractors Association (AYİDER), stated that while interest rates were high, the fire in housing prices was subdued, saying, "The decline in interest rates and high rents have directed people towards homeownership. The view that prices will rise again in housing has also increased purchases. Regardless of the circumstances, housing is a safe haven, and in the second half of the year, there will be a renewed orientation towards housing as gold and silver investors liquidate their holdings."
Şişik expressed that it is difficult to make a data-based prediction for 2026, stating, "The realization of housing projects in the earthquake zone, along with urban transformation efforts, will lead to sales figures close to 2025. At the same time, the shift towards savings financing systems, branded housing projects offering their own payment terms, and banks reducing housing loan rates below 2.5% are also factors in housing sales. Last year, discounts on cash purchases during periods of cash need also increased housing sales. Housing always contains opportunities within itself."
Şişik mentioned that urban and green transformation will become more important this year, expressing their expectation for an increase in the pace of activities in this area.
"THE CLOSENESS OF RENTS TO PURCHASE INSTALLMENTS INCREASED HOUSING PURCHASES"
Mustafa Ekiz, President of the Real Estate and Construction Platform, stated that housing is no longer just a shelter but also a value-preserving tool, saying, "A significant portion of sales is not mortgaged. Those with foreign currency, gold, and trade income, companies, and investors made purchases without waiting for interest rates."
Ekiz emphasized that the closeness of rents to purchase installments has increased housing purchases, stating, "The 2025 record is not an end but a transition point. As we enter 2026, the housing sector will evolve into a more selective but vibrant demand structure. A house that cannot be sold today may not be found tomorrow."
"RECORDS SHOWED HOW STRONG THE DEMAND FOR REAL ESTATE IS"
Hakan Akdoğan, President of the All Entrepreneur Real Estate Consultants Association (TÜGEM), stated that the announced figures and record sales demonstrate how strong the demand for real estate is. He noted that after the decline in interest rates, the effect of citizens with deposits, gold investors, and those who believe that housing prices will rise in the future on sales was significant, reminding that in 2025, the interest rate on housing loans decreased from 4.50% to 2.50%.
Akdoğan stated, "Especially citizens who pay high rents turned to housing by using their savings instead of paying high rents. The fact that real estate is seen as a reliable investment purpose also brought the record."
He noted that the rate of homeownership indicates that citizens' interest will continue, stating that these periods, where prices have decreased in real terms, are suitable for housing purchases. Akdoğan mentioned that they see 2026 as a year of balance in the sector, stating, "This year will be a period where social housing and social housing to be built for rental purposes will be discussed more. There may be a serious vibrancy on the demand side, and we may see a year that repeats the 2025 figures."
"DEFERRED DEMAND FROM THE LAST TWO YEARS HAS COME INTO PLAY"
Mustafa Kemal Şahin, President of the Real Estate Marketing and Sales Professionals Association (GAPAS), stated that it is not possible to explain the record with a single factor, saying, "The perception of housing as a safe haven against inflation, the activation of deferred demand from the last two years, the need for relocation and reconstruction after the earthquake, and the rapid increase in rents, along with the strengthening trend of 'owning instead of remaining a tenant,' have been the main elements determining this picture.
He made an assessment.
Şahin emphasized that it can be said that there is a period where there are opportunities for buyers who are still selective in housing, stating that they expect high levels of sales to be maintained this year, but that price increases should progress more balanced and selectively.
Şahin also added that if there is a possible easing in interest rates and an increase in economic predictability, there could be a revival in the sales of new and branded housing.
"THIS YEAR SOCIAL HOUSING PRODUCTION WILL STAND OUT"
Selman Özgün, Chairman of the Board of Helmann Holding, reported that production in the earthquake zone and urban transformation activities are important factors in the increase in sales, stating that the data once again highlighted the importance of housing from the citizens' perspective. Özgün expressed that this year, especially social housing production will stand out, emphasizing that private companies should also implement projects aimed at middle and lower-income groups.
Cihat Algün, Chairman of the Board of Algün, pointed out that the discount campaigns implemented by construction owners who do not want to miss customers looking to buy housing and have stock positively reflected on sales figures, stating, "Some of those who want to buy housing to live in are waiting for payment conditions to improve and interest rates to decrease, but a segment also made purchases with the concern that 'let's buy an apartment as soon as possible, as prices may rise due to demand when interest rates fall, and we may not find a place at these prices.' We predict that 2026 will be a much better year." he said.