According to the September 2026 Housing Price Index bulletin of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT), the index increased by 1.2 percent compared to the previous month, reaching 239.4. While house prices increased by 22.3 percent in nominal terms on an annual basis, the annual consumer inflation announced by TÜİK in the same period was 29.7 percent. The 7.4 point difference between nominal increase and inflation corresponds to a 5.7 percent real decline in house prices on an annual basis. A similar trend is observed in metropolitan cities; The annual nominal increase was 26.8 percent in Istanbul, 22.0 percent in Ankara and 21.0 percent in Izmir. Data shows that a rise in the price tag of housing does not always translate into an increase in purchasing power.
The fact that housing prices lag behind inflation is at the top of the agenda of sector representatives. Executive Board Member Özgür Koca evaluated this period when the approach to real estate investment changed as follows: "The 5.7 percent annual real decline in housing prices in the September data of the CBRT shows that the idea that real estate provides protection against inflation under all circumstances is no longer sufficient. We think that in the coming period, investors will focus not only on how much a house will be valued, but also in which currency it is valued, how much net rental income it produces and how easily it can be sold when necessary. The main issue is rather than owning a real estate, "to protect the purchasing power of capital and to manage the future value of the investment correctly."
"THE SEARCH FOR REVENUE IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE WILL BRING NORTHERN CYPRUS TO THE STANDOUT"
According to TRNC Tourism Planning Department data, the number of passengers arriving in Northern Cyprus by air and sea in 2025 increased by 17.2 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 2 million 589 thousand 729 people. The Turkish market was decisive in this rise; The increase in the number of passengers with Turkish nationality was recorded as 19.7 percent. The tourist bed capacity on the island increased to 27 thousand 775 by the end of 2025. In regional distribution, Iskele ranks second with a share of 28 percent, after Kyrenia. Increasing visitor traffic is monitored as an important indicator of the course of short and long-term rental demand. Geographical proximity and easy transportation strengthen the bond Turkish visitors establish with the island every year.
Koca emphasized that this acceleration in tourism also has meaning for real estate investors: "The fact that the number of visitors increased by 17.2 percent in 2025, approaching 2.6 million, indicates that the need for accommodation and rental in Northern Cyprus remains vibrant. Sterling-based pricing and the potential for rental income in foreign currency offer a framework that should be carefully examined, especially for Turkish investors who aim to create long-term wealth and distribute their investments to different geographies. Of course, like every investment, this alternative carries risks depending on exchange rate and market conditions; therefore "The decision must be made in line with the investor's own goals. As Akol Global, we offer suitable options for investors who want to live, use periodically or rent out the projects we develop, especially in Iskele and Long Beach. With our rental and property management service, we follow the residence of the remote investor and manage the process on his behalf."
INVESTMENT CRITERIA IN REAL ESTATE ARE BEING RESHAPED
For many years, real estate was the first choice of households who wanted to protect their savings in Türkiye. However, the changing relationship between inflation and house prices directs investors to make a more multidimensional evaluation. Today, it is not just the buying and selling price of a house; The rental income it generates, ownership costs such as maintenance and dues, and the speed of conversion to cash when needed are also taken into account. The choice of currency is at the center of portfolio decisions. Investments spread across different geographies and currencies are seen as a way to offset the concentration risk of sticking to a single market. This approach positions real estate as a long-term wealth management tool rather than a short-term price expectation.
"WE WILL CONTINUE PRODUCING PROJECTS THAT OFFER PERMANENT VALUE TO INVESTORS"
Akol Global, which has been developing housing, commercial buildings and tourism projects in Northern Cyprus since 2001, is among the well-established groups of the region with the projects it has completed and continues in Iskele, Famagusta, Kyrenia and Karpaz. Group; In addition to construction and project development, it also operates in rental and property management, tourism and hotel management and after-sales services. Executive Board Member Özgür Koca explained the brand's approach and goals to investors.
Koca said the following about the group's project portfolio: "The projects we have completed, such as Caddemm Residence, Pure İskele Villas and Salamis Gardens, are the field equivalent of our nearly quarter-century experience. Today, we continue to expand our portfolio with projects such as Dolce Mare Resort in Tatlısu, Dolce Vita Resort in İskele Long Beach and Akol Marine at the entrance of the Karpaz Peninsula. We do not see our relationship with our investors as limited to the moment of sale; delivery, rental management and after-sales." "We believe that permanent value in real estate investment is created by trust in the project and the team that develops it. The trust of our investors in us will continue to be the compass of every step we take in the coming period."
