Iranian Property Purchases in Turkey Up 40% (Autumn 2026)
Iranian property purchases in Turkey grew about 40% in summer 2026: new TÜİK figures, the reasons, and 5 tips before buying.
According to the latest official figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), published in September 2026 (Shahrivar 1405), property purchases by Iranians in Turkey rose by about 40 percent in the summer quarter compared with the three months before. This comes while total housing sales to foreigners in Turkey fell slightly compared with last year. In this article we look at the exact numbers, the reasons behind the rise, and what every Iranian buyer should know before buying.
Iranian Property Purchases in Turkey in Summer 2026, by the Numbers
According to TÜİK data, Iranian citizens bought the following number of properties in Turkey in the three months from June to August 2026 (Khordad to Mordad 1405):
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Residential units bought by Iranians (June to August 2026) | 499 units |
| Commercial properties bought by Iranians (same period) | 28 units |
| Change versus the previous three months (March to May) | About 40% increase |
| Total housing purchases by Iranians, January to August 2026 | More than 1,103 units |
| Iranians' rank among foreign buyers | Third (after Russia and Ukraine) |
Put simply, Iranians remain one of the top three nationalities buying property in Turkey, and their purchases have been growing in recent months.
The Overall Turkish Housing Market in August 2026
To understand this figure properly, we need to put it next to the state of the whole market. The August 2026 (Mordad 1405) figures show this picture:
- Total housing sales in Turkey: 127,410 units
- New-build (first-hand) sales: 44,378 units, down 4.5% from a year earlier
- Resale (second-hand) sales: 83,032 units, down 19.4% from a year earlier
- Mortgaged sales: 22,131 units, up 7.2%
- Sales to foreigners: 1,938 units (almost unchanged from a year earlier), which is 1.5% of total sales
In the same month, Russians with 343 units, Ukrainians with 147 units and Iranians with 140 units were the top three buying nationalities. Total purchases by foreigners in the first eight months of 2026 reached 13,141 units, which is 6.3% lower than in the same period last year.
The key takeaway is that Turkey's domestic market has slowed, while Iranian demand is rising. For a cash buyer, this creates better room for negotiation.
Why Have Iranian Property Purchases in Turkey Increased?
The official figures do not record the reason for buying, but based on our experience advising Iranian buyers, these factors play the biggest role:
1. Preserving Capital Against Volatility
Property in Turkey is usually priced and traded in dollars, and for many Iranian families it is a way to keep part of their assets in a nearby, accessible market.
2. The Path to Residency and Citizenship
Buying property with an appraised value of at least $200,000 makes it possible to apply for a property-based residence permit, and buying from $400,000 upward (with a three-year holding condition) opens the path to Turkish citizenship and a Turkish passport. Read the full details in the guide to Turkey's property buying rules in 2026.
3. A Slower Domestic Market and Negotiating Power
The Turkish central bank's tight policy continues. At its meeting on September 10, 2026, the interest rate was held at 37 percent. When borrowing is expensive for domestic buyers, developers and sellers offer discounts and better payment terms to foreign cash buyers.
4. Proximity, a Similar Culture and an Iranian Community
A short flight, easy travel back and forth, and a large Iranian community in Istanbul and other cities have made Turkey one of the most convenient options for Iranians.
What Do These Figures Mean for You as a Prospective Buyer?
- It is a good time to negotiate: The fall in resale sales and the slowdown in the domestic market make sellers more flexible.
- Competition for good projects has grown: Rising foreign demand means units suitable for residency (above $200,000, in open neighborhoods) sell faster.
- Decide on data, not emotion: Before buying, compare the price per square meter in the area and the official valuation report.
5 Key Tips Before Buying Property in Turkey for Iranians
- Check the neighborhood: Many Istanbul neighborhoods are closed to foreigners' residence registration. See the list in the article Closed and Open Areas of Istanbul for Residency.
- Get an official valuation report (SPK): For residency and citizenship, the property's value must be confirmed by a report from an appraiser licensed by Turkey's Capital Markets Board.
- Transfer the money through banks: For a citizenship file, the payment must be recorded through the official banking system. Read the guide to opening a bank account in Turkey.
- Check the title deed (tapu) before paying: There must be no debt, mortgage or restriction on the property.
- Choose consciously between ready and off-plan: Compare the benefits and risks of both in the off-plan property buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many properties did Iranians buy in Turkey in 2026?
According to TÜİK figures, Iranians bought more than 1,103 residential units in Turkey from January to August 2026 and rank third among foreign buyers.
Can Iranians still get Turkish residency by buying property?
Yes. By buying a property with an appraised value of at least $200,000 that is located in a neighborhood open for residence registration, you can apply for a property-based residence permit.
What is the minimum purchase amount for a Turkish passport?
At least $400,000, on condition that the property is not sold for three years and its value is confirmed by an official valuation report.
Is now a good time to buy property in Turkey?
The slow domestic market and high interest rates have strengthened the cash buyer's bargaining power. Even so, choosing the right area and project matters more than the timing of the purchase. For more, read Is Buying Property in Turkey Still Profitable?
Free Consultation with ALO TURKEY
If you plan to buy property in Turkey for investment, residency or citizenship, the ALO TURKEY experts are with you from choosing the area and project to the title deed transfer and obtaining residency. Get in touch for a free consultation via WhatsApp or the contact page.
Source of statistics: Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), housing sales statistics for August 2026, and the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (TCMB). The figures in this article are as of the publication date and may be updated in later reports.