Short answer
Antalya and Istanbul consistently rank as the top two provinces for foreign home purchases in Turkey, followed by provinces on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts such as Mersin, Muğla, and İzmir, with Ankara, Bursa, and Yalova also appearing regularly in the top group. [1][2][3] This pattern reflects both market depth in Istanbul and tourism- and resort-led demand on the southern coasts. [1][2] This overview is informational and does not replace advice from licensed professionals for individual circumstances.
Where foreign purchases concentrate, based on recent data
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), house sales to foreigners in Turkey totaled 35,005 in 2023, a decline from 2022, with activity concentrated most heavily in Antalya and Istanbul. [1] National news reporting based on TurkStat releases specifies that in 2023, Antalya registered the highest number of foreign purchases, followed by Istanbul and then Mersin, with other notable provinces including Ankara and Bursa. [2][3] These rankings align with multi-year patterns visible in TurkStat’s monthly “House Sales to Foreigners” bulletins, which frequently list Antalya and Istanbul in first and second place, respectively, with coastal provinces such as Mersin and Aegean/Mediterranean resort areas regularly within the top ten. [1][2]
Antalya’s lead is closely linked to its established tourism infrastructure, international airport connectivity, and a large base of seasonal and permanent foreign residents, factors which are reflected in consistent demand in the official sales data. [1][2] Istanbul remains the largest and most liquid real estate market in Turkey by overall volume, and it continues to attract foreign buyers seeking urban properties across a wide price spectrum, from central business districts to suburban developments. [1] Mersin’s position in the top group has been underscored in 2023 reporting tied to TurkStat figures, reflecting growing interest in new-build coastal housing along the eastern Mediterranean. [2]
2023 full-year rankings and context
Press coverage citing TurkStat’s 2023 annual data notes that Antalya ranked first in foreign-home transactions, with Istanbul in second place and Mersin in third. [2][3] Although total foreign purchases in 2023 fell compared with 2022, the provincial distribution remained broadly similar, with Antalya and Istanbul accounting for a large share of the national total. [1][2] Alongside these leaders, provinces such as Ankara and Bursa appear regularly in the higher ranks, supported by sizeable urban markets and established developer pipelines. [2] In prior years, Aegean and Mediterranean provinces like Muğla and İzmir, and Marmara-region provinces like Yalova, have also featured frequently among the top destinations for cross-border buyers, especially in resort and second-home segments tracked in monthly TurkStat releases. [1][3]
The concentration in these provinces is also visible in cumulative foreign ownership statistics maintained by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Tapu ve Kadastro). While these datasets reflect stock rather than annual flow, they show a high density of foreign-owned real estate in coastal and major metropolitan provinces, reinforcing the flow-based patterns reported annually by TurkStat. [4] Together, these sources present a consistent picture of where foreign demand has been most active within Turkey’s provincial markets over recent years. [1][2][3][4]
Why these cities attract cross-border buyers
Market size and liquidity are central drivers of Istanbul’s position. As Turkey’s largest city and economic hub, it offers extensive new-build supply, diversified neighborhoods, and the deepest secondary market, which makes it prominent in nationwide transaction data for both domestic and foreign buyers. [1] Antalya’s international profile as a resort destination, with established transport links and long tourism seasons, supports persistent foreign demand for coastal apartments and villas, which is visible in the province’s leading position in TurkStat’s annual counts of foreign transactions. [1][2] Mersin has benefited from coastal development and relative affordability compared with some other resort areas, which is reflected in its high ranking in recent annual reports compiled from TurkStat releases. [2][3]
Price dynamics also influence location choices. The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT) publishes the Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) by major provinces, indicating distinct price levels and growth patterns between cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. While the RPPI does not isolate foreign buyers, it provides an official reference for relative price movements in metropolitan markets where foreign purchases are concentrated. [5] Buyers evaluating locations typically weigh liquidity, infrastructure, and price trends alongside legal considerations; professional advice is recommended for individual decisions, including currency risk, financing terms, and tax outcomes. This information is general in nature and is not investment advice.
Practical notes and cautions for interpreting “popularity”
“Most popular” in official statistics refers to units sold to foreign buyers, recorded at the land registry upon title transfer (tapu). [1] It does not measure total transaction value, stock of foreign-owned units, or short-term reservation activity; it captures completed sales during the reporting period. [1] The provincial ranking can shift month to month due to project deliveries, seasonality, and regulatory or financing changes, so annual totals provide a more stable view than single-month snapshots. [1][2] Additionally, some provinces have a high share of resort-oriented new builds, while others are urban. Comparisons between, for example, Antalya and Istanbul should consider differences in market structure, price levels, and property types, for which the CBRT’s RPPI and TurkStat’s broader housing statistics are relevant context. [1][5]
Foreign buyers should also note that legal eligibility, due diligence requirements, and municipal rules apply regardless of location. Transfers are finalized at the Land Registry Directorate, and buyers must verify zoning, building permits, and occupancy status of the property before completion. Official statistics do not replace legal checks at the parcel level. Engaging a licensed lawyer and, where appropriate, an independent surveyor is recommended before any commitment, especially in high-transaction provinces where market activity is brisk. This section provides general information only; seek tailored advice for your specific situation.
Summary
Based on recent official data and reporting that relies on TurkStat releases, Antalya and Istanbul are the most popular provinces with foreign property buyers in Turkey, with Mersin, Ankara, Bursa, and several Aegean and Mediterranean provinces also appearing regularly in the upper ranks. [1][2][3][4] These patterns reflect the combination of deep urban markets and established resort hubs. [1][2] For any purchase, popularity is only one input; legal eligibility, due diligence, transaction costs, and currency exposure require case-specific professional guidance. This overview is informational and not investment advice.
Related Questions:
Q2 What are the current rules for foreigners buying property in Turkey?
Q3 How many properties can a foreigner own in Turkey, and are there area limits?
Q4 Which Turkish coastal regions attract most second-home purchases by foreigners?
Q5 What do TurkStat and CBRT data show about recent house price trends in major Turkish cities?
References:
[1] Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). “House Sales Statistics – Foreigners (monthly/annual bulletins).” https://data.tuik.gov.tr
[2] Anadolu Agency. “House sales to foreigners in Türkiye down 48% in 2023.” https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/house-sales-to-foreigners-in-turkiye-down-48-in-2023/3089062
[3] Reuters. “Turkey’s house sales to foreigners fall 48% in 2023.” https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkeys-house-sales-foreigners-fall-48-2023-2024-01-17/
[4] General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM). “Foreigners – Real Estate Statistics.” https://www.tkgm.gov.tr/en/istatistik/foreigners-real-estate-statistics
[5] Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT). “Residential Property Price Index (RPPI).” https://www.tcmb.gov.tr/wps/wcm/connect/en/tcmb+en/main+menu/statistics/real+estate+market+statistics/house+price+index+
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Property law and tax rules in Turkey change frequently. Consult a licensed Turkish lawyer, accountant, or real estate professional before making any purchasing decision.