Starting from April 1, 2025, new thermal insulation requirements for residential buildings will come into effect in Türkiye. The official decree has already been published in the Government Gazette, and now developers are required to consider new thermal insulation standards when designing buildings.
The new TS 825 standard, "Building Thermal Insulation Regulations," mandates designing houses to account for both winter heating and summer cooling needs. Thus, from April 1, 2025, developers will be able to obtain construction permits only for projects that meet the new requirements.
The new regulations will significantly increase construction costs. The implementation of additional insulation and cooling systems will require additional investment from developers, inevitably affecting the price per square meter. The need to adapt projects to new requirements may delay completion deadlines. Already launched construction projects may incur additional insulation costs.
Meanwhile, Construction Costs Continue to Rise
According to TÜİK, by December 2024, the construction cost index for civil engineering increased by 33.0%. The material cost index rose by 0.42% for the month and by 24.27% for the year.
The next TÜİK report, dated March 11, 2025, also showed a sharp increase. The construction cost index in January 2025 increased by 9.10% compared to the previous month and by 26.61% compared to the same month of the previous year. Compared to the previous month, the material cost index grew by 1.96%, while the labor cost index rose by 23.58%. Additionally, the material cost index increased by 22.39%, and the labor cost index increased by 34.37% compared to the same month of the previous year.
What’s Happening in the Market? February 2025 Housing Sales Statistics
According to TÜİK, in February, 112818 homes were sold, which is an increase of 20.1% compared to February 2024. Housing sales in January-February increased by 29.1% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 224,991.
Mortgage housing sales across Türkiye in February increased by 90.1% compared to February 2024, reaching 16,778 (14.9% of total transactions). Mortgage housing sales in January-February increased by 127.3% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 33,504.
The number of first-hand housing sales in Türkiye in February increased by 18.2% compared to February 2024, reaching 33,784 (29.9% of total transactions). Sales in January-February increased by 23.6% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 66,569.
The number of second-hand housing sales in Türkiye in February increased by 21.0% compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching 79,034 (70.1% of total transactions). Second-hand housing sales in January-February increased by 31.6% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 158,422.
Sales of homes to foreigners in February decreased by 21.1% compared to the same month of the previous year, totaling 1,457 (1.3% of total transactions). The cities with the highest number of sales to foreigners were Istanbul (539), Antalya (503), and Mersin (89). In February, the highest number of home purchases by nationality were made by Russian Federation citizens – 256, Iranians – 133, and Iraqis – 99.
Why Should You Buy Now?
With increasing construction costs, new apartments will become significantly more expensive. Therefore, if you are planning to buy real estate in Türkiye, you should not delay your decision. Now is the perfect time to buy, before developers include additional insulation costs and rising construction costs in the prices of new projects.
In the resort town of Alanya, the number of new construction projects is significantly lower than it was a few years ago. This will inevitably lead to a shortage of housing on the market and, consequently, an increase in property prices. Apartments in Alanya are in demand among both foreigners and Turkish citizens looking for resort properties by the sea.
Stay Property offers exclusive conditions for purchasing ready or near-completion properties in Alanya and Istanbul. You have the opportunity to buy a comfort-class apartment with long-term installment payments, a minimal down payment, rental income potential, and the possibility of obtaining a residence permit or Turkish citizenship by investment. Contact us for a consultation.