Foreigners’ Real Estate Acquisition and Citizenship Dynamics in Türkiye

The right to property constitutes a fundamental human entitlement, and in many jurisdictions, the acquisition of real estate is regarded as a prerogative accessible to all. However, in many countries, the purchase of property by foreigners is subject to monitoring and restrictions through direct or indirect measures, often limiting the location, type, size, or physical attributes of the asset. In Türkiye, the initial statutory principles regulating foreign ownership were established through the Village Law (Law No. 442 of 1924) and the Land Registry Law (Law No. 2644 of 1934). From the 1920s to the 1980s, this matter rarely appeared on the national agenda, and foreign demand remained limited. Following the Economic Stabilisation Programme of January 24, 1980, an outward-oriented growth strategy prompted successive legislative amendments (1983–2012) aimed at attracting foreign investors, many of which were subsequently annulled by the Constitutional Court. Currently, the acquisition of real estate by foreign individuals has been significantly facilitated under Law No. 2644, as amended by Law No. 6302, dated May 18, 2012. The pursuit of security amid conflicts and political instability in neighbouring nations, the Lira’s exchange-rate advantage, and the citizenship-by-investment programme have all contributed to a marked increase in foreign demand for Turkish property. Although foreign acquisitions are occasionally viewed with sensitivity, analysing this phenomenon solely through the lens of foreign direct investment is inadequate. A multidimensional assessment—encompassing economic, social, spatial, and environmental implications—is essential for a comprehensive understanding of its impacts.