Buying a villa in Turkey: ten regions worth a closer look

Key points

• Turkey is one of the most sought-after destinations for international property buyers, particularly from the UK, Russia, Germany and the Middle East.
• In many regions, purchase prices are clearly lower than in Spain, Portugal or France.
• For a ready-to-move-in property, the purchase up to registration of the title deed (tapu) is often completed within three to four weeks.
• Popular villa regions include Antalya, Belek, Alanya, Kemer, Gazipaşa, Side, Mersin, Fethiye, Bodrum and Istanbul.

As of 14 April 2025, source: market overview by a Turkish estate agency. Price levels, taxes and procedures may have changed since – please check the current status.

Why buyers look at villas in Turkey

Thousands of foreigners buy apartments and villas in Turkey every year, both in Istanbul and along the coasts around Antalya, Mersin and Bodrum. The same arguments come up again and again.

Value for money. Prices in many regions are well below those in Spain, Portugal or France, but the spread within Turkey is wide:

• In Istanbul, developing districts such as Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü and Esenyurt offer more budget-conscious options, while Beşiktaş, Nişantaşı and Çengelköy sit at a much higher level.
• In Antalya, Konyaaltı and Lara have well-located apartments near the beach; villas with private pools in places such as Alanya or Kalkan usually cost more.
• In Bodrum, Yalıkavak and Türkbükü range from stylish summer homes to large coastal villas.
• Mersin still has surprisingly moderate prices in many locations despite being on the sea.

Newer figures on prices per square metre by province: see our article on house prices in March 2026.

A clear buying process. Once you have decided on a completed property, the steps through to the title deed registration can often be finished in three to four weeks. Many developers and agencies help with paperwork and visits to the authorities. For the newer rules on paying the purchase price at the land registry, read our piece on the secure payment system.

Lower running costs. Compared with much of Western Europe or North America, everyday costs are often lower. This applies to property taxes, utilities (water in particular) and food, especially at weekly markets – for many buyers, more quality of life on the same budget. Rates and rules may have changed since – please check the current status.

Climate and coastline. Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Mersin get sunshine on many days of the year; in Antalya you can often swim well into autumn, and winters are usually mild. If you prefer less heat, Bodrum and Çeşme have sea breezes that keep things more balanced. Well-known beaches include:

• Konyaaltı and Lara in Antalya, popular with locals and visitors,
• Ölüdeniz and the Blue Lagoon in Fethiye,
• the unspoilt İztuzu beach in Muğla, a nesting site for Caretta caretta sea turtles,
• Yalıkavak beach in Bodrum, a favourite with yacht owners,
• the Blue Flag Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, with fine sand and clear water.

Region by region

Antalya

Antalya Airport (AYT) links the city with many European and Middle Eastern cities. Its long coastline, Blue Flag beaches and history make it the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, with restaurants, shopping centres, festivals and concerts on top. Konyaaltı and Lara offer villas with private pools, large terraces and Mediterranean views. In-demand villa areas: Lara, Konyaaltı, Döşemealtı, Altıntaş and Kepez.

Belek

About 30 minutes from Antalya Airport, Belek is regarded as the country's leading golf centre, with courses such as Carya Golf Club and Montgomerie Maxx Royal. Villas tend to be spacious and modern, close to golf courses and the long beaches, with five-star hotels, spas and fine dining nearby. Popular areas: Kadriye, Belek centre and Acısu.

Alanya

Around 135 km east of Antalya, reachable via Antalya and Gazipaşa (GZP) airports. Known for Cleopatra Beach, the castle, marinas, the promenade and a large international community. Villas often come with infinity pools, private gardens and wide sea views. Popular areas: Tepe, Kargıcak, Oba, Bektaş and Avsallar.

Kemer

Roughly 40 km west of Antalya, between the Taurus Mountains and the sea. A quiet resort with a marina, local markets and restaurants; villas sit on pine-covered slopes or near the shore, with mountain or sea views. Popular areas: Arslanbucak, Çamyuva and Göynük.

Gazipaşa

About 40 km east of Alanya, with its own airport (GZP) and seasonal international flights. Less known to tourists, it has clean beaches and villas often on larger plots. New infrastructure projects around the airport have improved access without changing the relaxed character.

Side

Side lies around 65 km east of Antalya Airport and belongs to the Manavgat district. Roman ruins, the ancient theatre and the old harbour define the town, while modern villas often have private pools and generous terraces close to the beach. Long sandy beaches, varied restaurants and a lively weekly market make it suitable as a main or second home, calmer than a big city. Sought-after villa areas are Ilıca, Evrenseki and Sorgun.

Mersin

A growing port city with a marina on the eastern Mediterranean; the nearest airport is Adana Şakirpaşa (ADA), about 90 km away. Beachside villas with generous floor plans are often cheaper than in established resorts. Popular areas: Mezitli, Tece, Erdemli and Yenişehir.

Fethiye

About 45 km from Dalaman Airport, famous for Ölüdeniz, the Blue Lagoon and the "Twelve Islands" boat route. Options range from elevated plots in Ovacık to homes by the Çalış promenade, and from traditional stone houses to new villas with pools; sailing and hiking on the Lycian Way are close at hand. Popular areas: Ovacık, Hisarönü, Çalış and Kayaköy.

Bodrum

An upmarket summer destination with marinas and whitewashed houses, served by Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV). Yalıkavak and Türkbükü in particular stand for modern villas with pools and sea views, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is among the sights. Popular areas: Yalıkavak, Gümüşlük, Turgutreis and Ortakent.

Istanbul

Villas in the metropolis combine privacy with good connections: large green plots in Zekeriyaköy, Bosphorus residences in Bebek. Two major international airports, private schools and healthcare facilities add to the appeal. Popular areas: Beykoz, Zekeriyaköy, Büyükçekmece, Bahçeşehir and Sarıyer.

Choosing your region

The right place depends on budget, how much heat you like and how you will use the home: golf, city life, peace and quiet or rentals. If the Turkish Riviera around Side appeals to you, browse our villas with pool or contact us.