List of Cities with the Highest Real Estate Sales in Turkey

Istanbul – The Real Estate Leader of Turkey

As in previous years, Istanbul remains the leader in real estate sales across Turkey. Approximately 15–18% of all property sales in the country take place in this megacity. In 2024, over 230,000 residential units were sold in Istanbul alone, reinforcing the city’s dominant role in the real estate market. Its ongoing population growth and status as an economic, commercial, and cultural hub make Istanbul a prime location for property investors. The wide variety of available housing and diverse price ranges allow buyers from all income levels to find suitable homes. Infrastructure projects and urban transformation efforts continue to drive the city's real estate dynamism. Districts such as Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü, Ümraniye, Kadıköy, Sarıyer, and Arnavutköy (along the Canal Istanbul route) are particularly attractive, with expectations for further value increases in the coming years.

 

Ankara – Capital City Ranks Second in Sales

Turkey’s capital, Ankara, consistently ranks high in real estate sales. With more than 120,000 residential properties sold in 2024, it holds the second spot in Turkey. Known as the “civil servant city,” Ankara offers a stable demographic and economic environment that appeals to investors. More affordable property prices compared to Istanbul make it attractive for both investors and homebuyers. The city’s universities and student population also create strong demand for rental housing. Neighborhoods such as Etimesgut, Eryaman, Çankaya, Mamak, Keçiören, and Gölbaşı have gained popularity with the rise of modern housing projects. Expanding metro lines and improved transportation are also boosting property values.

 

İzmir

Located on Turkey’s western coast, İzmir is the largest city in the Aegean Region and is renowned for its historical and cultural richness. Its coastal location, mild climate, and modern lifestyle make it popular among both locals and foreign visitors. Central districts like Karşıyaka, Bornova, and Bayraklı are well-developed, while coastal districts like Urla, Güzelbahçe, and Seferihisar are known for their natural beauty. İzmir's quality of life and tourism appeal have drawn increasing investor interest, especially since the pandemic accelerated migration to coastal cities. Nearly 85,000 homes were sold in İzmir in 2024.

 

Antalya – A Favorite Among Foreign Buyers

Antalya is the top city in Turkey for foreign property purchases. Nearly 75,000 homes were sold in 2024, with buyers coming mainly from Russia, Germany, Iran, and Central Asian countries. Several factors contribute to this popularity: the Mediterranean climate, long coastline, and year-round sunny weather enhance the quality of life. In addition, Antalya’s rich tourism offerings – historical sites, natural beauty, and entertainment options – create a unique blend of vacation and permanent living. The city is also highly accessible thanks to its international airport.

 

Bursa – Industry and Accessibility

Located in the Marmara Region and close to Istanbul, Bursa stands out with its expanding transport infrastructure. With nearly 60,000 residential units sold in 2024, it remains among the top cities for real estate activity. Industrialization plays a major role in Bursa’s economic development, particularly in the automotive, textile, and furniture sectors. Its proximity to Istanbul and easy access via high-speed trains and highways make it attractive to businesspeople. The Istanbul-Bursa-İzmir highway has further boosted the city’s logistical value. Bursa’s industrial zones create employment, while scenic living areas such as Uludağ provide a desirable lifestyle for workers.

 

Mersin

Mersin has recently emerged as a major hotspot for real estate investments, with around 50,000 property sales in 2024. It has become increasingly attractive to both foreign investors and domestic buyers seeking holiday homes. Situated along Turkey’s southeastern Mediterranean coast, Mersin offers affordable housing compared to destinations like Antalya or Bodrum, appealing to a broader range of buyers. Its 300+ kilometer coastline and mild winters support year-round outdoor activities, making it especially popular with retirees and digital nomads. The city’s urban landscape is evolving quickly, with new developments in districts like Mezitli, Yenişehir, and Erdemli offering modern housing equipped with amenities such as pools, gyms, and secure environments while preserving natural surroundings.

 

Gaziantep

Located in southeastern Turkey, Gaziantep is famous for its rich cultural heritage and globally recognized cuisine, such as baklava and kebabs. Strategically positioned between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamian regions, it serves as a key trade hub and is home to archaeological sites like Zeugma. With over 45,000 properties sold in 2024, Gaziantep remains a real estate leader despite being affected by the devastating 2023 earthquake. The city has shown remarkable resilience in recovery. Its blend of historic architecture and modern industrial zones continues to attract both tourists and investors.

 

Konya

Konya is one of the leading cities in property sales due to its large land area and integration of agriculture and industry. Over 40,000 properties were sold in 2024. In addition to agriculture, Konya has developed significantly in the industrial sector and hosts many local and national businesses. The city’s steady economic growth, combined with its cultural and historical richness, makes it attractive to both investors and residents.

 

Tekirdağ

Tekirdağ, particularly districts like Çorlu and Süleymanpaşa, has gained the attention of investors in recent years. With nearly 35,000 property sales in 2024, it reflects the region’s growing real estate dynamism. The trend of people moving away from big cities like Istanbul has increased interest in Tekirdağ as a quieter and more peaceful living environment. Its proximity to Istanbul, combined with new housing projects and natural beauty, continues to drive demand. Further investments are expected in the coming years.

 

Balıkesir

Balıkesir is one of Turkey’s most attractive cities thanks to its unique position with coastlines on both the Aegean and Marmara Seas. This dual coastal access appeals to both holiday home seekers and property investors. In 2024, around 32,000 properties were sold, indicating the city’s potential and growth trend in the real estate market. With breathtaking landscapes and clean beaches, Balıkesir is increasingly favored by both local and foreign buyers.