According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent from the housing and workplace sales statistics of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) for September, although housing sales decreased by 9.3 percent last month compared to the same period of 2025, it reached the highest level of the year with 142 thousand 390.
First-hand housing sales, which are considered an important indicator for the vitality of the sector, also stand out in terms of supporting new housing production and economic activity in the construction sector.
In this context, first-hand house sales increased by 3.9 percent in September compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching 51 thousand 519. Thus, first-hand house sales reached the highest level of the year in September. Second-hand house sales decreased by 15.3 percent in the same period, falling to 90 thousand 871.
While the share of new houses in total sales increased to 36.2 percent, this rate marked the highest level recorded since May 2023, excluding December months when title deed transfers in projects are concentrated.
Mortgage sales, which continued their rise in September, increased by 5.1 percent on an annual basis, reaching 23 thousand 397.
Industry representatives made evaluations about September sales figures and current developments in their statements to AA correspondent.
Ziya Yılmaz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Housing Developers and Investors Association (KONUTDER), stated that they found it pleasing that first-hand house sales increased by 3.9 percent in September compared to the same period of the previous year and that their share in total sales increased to 36.2 percent, and that this rate is still below the desired level.
Explaining that new housing production directly contributes to the economy, Yılmaz stated that this is why the increase in first-hand sales is important.
Yılmaz said, "Because we care about strengthening first-hand sales in terms of meeting the housing need, supporting new housing production and employment, and increasing the contribution of our sector to the country's economy. For this reason, we closely follow the distribution of sales between first and second-hand as well as the mobility in total sales figures." he said.
Noting that they expect activity in the sector in the coming period, Yılmaz said, "We expect housing sales to gain momentum in the last quarter of the year, especially in December. With this activity, we anticipate that total sales will approach last year's levels at the end of the year." he said.
Yılmaz stated that although there has been a recovery in credit sales in recent months, these sales are still behind the long-term average and made the following evaluations:
"The share of housing sales on credit, which was around 36 percent in the past, decreased to 10 percent and then rose to 19.4 percent in the 9 months of this year. While it is expected that access to finance will become easier and the recovery in sales will strengthen with the gradual and sustainable continuation of interest rate cuts, it is important to take steps to increase the housing supply for a permanent recovery, and to bring public lands into housing production by the private sector, especially in regions where the supply gap is high."
Hakan Akdoğan, Chairman of the All Entrepreneur Real Estate Consultants Association (TÜGEM), said that reaching the highest level of the year with 142 thousand 390 sales in September shows that the demand for housing maintains its vitality.
Stating that housing sales in the January-September period fell behind last year, Akdoğan continued his words as follows:
"The 3.9 percent increase in first-hand home sales is positive and remarkable. In addition to the impact of the decline in second-hand sales, project deliveries and payment options offered by companies played a role in this increase. The fact that the 9-month decline in first-hand homes was limited to 0.6 percent shows that this segment is more resilient than second-hand homes. Our main goal should be a market that is accessible to citizens who will buy their first home, and where production and sales grow together."
Stating that they expect the activity in sales to increase in the last quarter, Akdoğan said, "End of year campaigns, project deliveries and the action of those who postpone their purchasing decisions may support sales. However, we must distinguish between the seasonal increase in the number of sales and the permanent recovery. A strong last quarter does not mean that the 9-month loss will be completely compensated." he said.
Akdoğan added that the increase in mortgage sales may accelerate further with the decrease in loan rates.
Real Estate and Construction Platform President Mustafa Ekiz stated that it is remarkable that the share of first-hand house sales in total sales increased to 36.2 percent and said, "Although this rate is still not at the desired level, it is an important sign for the strengthening of the demand for new houses." he said.
Explaining that the decline experienced in the January-September period reveals that access to financing and purchasing power problems in housing sales continue, Ekiz said that new financing models need to be worked on and that it is difficult to reach the desired figures without interest rate reductions.
Ekiz said, "We expect some of the postponed demand to turn into sales in the last quarter of the year. However, we think that a permanent and strong recovery depends on the improvement in financing conditions." He made a statement.
Mustafa Kemal Şahin, President of the Association of Real Estate Marketing and Sales Professionals (GAPAS), said that the increase in first-hand house sales in September was positive, but the decrease in total and second-hand sales should be taken into account.
Stating that campaigns, ease of payment and consumers' tendency to buy new houses may be effective in the increase in first-hand sales, Şahin emphasized that for a permanent recovery, access to finance should be easier, the difference between house prices and household incomes should narrow and purchasing power should increase.
Şahin stated that there may be periodic activity in the last quarter, especially in December, and said:
"However, this will not mean a permanent recovery. The need of the sector is more accessible housing, predictable financing and sustainable trade. Of course, we want sales to increase. However, the real success is that these sales both meet the housing needs of the citizens and provide economic relief for all stakeholders of the sector."
