One of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring homeowners is: “When is the best time to buy a home?” With property prices continuing to rise across Turkey in 2024, this question has never been more critical. In 2024, annual housing price increases reached 23.4% in Istanbul, 30.4% in Ankara, 23.1% in Izmir, and 32.5% in Antalya, pushing buyers toward quicker decisions.
In 2025, the pace of price increases has slowed but remains high. Property prices have still risen by 17.8% in Istanbul, 22.6% in Ankara, 19.4% in Izmir, and 21.7% in Antalya, continuing the trend of an expensive real estate landscape.
At Antalya Development, we’ve crafted this guide to help you understand the right time to buy a home by examining key market dynamics and personal financial readiness. Choosing the right time to purchase your home will not only improve your lifestyle but also maximize your return on investment.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
The question “Is now a good time to buy a house?” puzzles many. While some real estate experts believe there’s never a perfect time, others point to seasonal trends and market conditions as major influencers.
Market Timing vs. Personal Readiness
Home buying decisions generally follow two schools of thought: waiting for the right market moment or focusing on personal financial readiness. The reality is that the best time to buy a home is when you are financially prepared. Rather than endlessly monitoring the market, centering your decision on your own financial status is typically a more sound approach.
Spring and summer are known for peak real estate activity, while autumn and winter tend to have less competition.
Balancing market timing with personal readiness is key. Focusing on your financial capability instead of the fear of missing out on opportunities will often lead to better outcomes.
Key Factors That Influence Timing
Several elements play a crucial role in determining the best time to buy:
Interest Rates & Mortgage Conditions
Periods of low mortgage interest rates can provide significant financial advantages.
Seasonal Variations
Home buying activity often spikes in spring and summer but slows down in the colder months.
Supply and Demand
High demand paired with limited supply tends to drive prices upward. Although sales increased in 2024, inadequate building permits have pointed to a continuing supply shortage.
Economic Indicators
Inflation, currency exchange rates, and general economic conditions directly impact real estate prices. Expectations for lower interest rates in 2025 are fueling renewed interest in property purchases.
Construction Costs
New-build homes are becoming more expensive due to rising construction costs, while second-hand properties remain more accessible.
Buying into a project during its early construction phase can yield better prices. Keeping an eye on government incentives and tax breaks can also give you a valuable edge.
In summary, the “right” time to buy a home is a personalized decision, just as dependent on your circumstances as it is on external conditions.
Aligning Timing With Your Personal Situation
Purchasing a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Therefore, the answer to “When should I buy a home?” depends more on your personal readiness than on the market alone.
Income and Debt Considerations
Monthly household income significantly affects home buying power. Lenders evaluate not only your income but its stability. As your income grows, your expectations and preferences naturally shift towards better-located and more comfortable housing.
Also consider the sustainability of your income. A long-term vision for your earnings plays a critical role in making smart home buying decisions.
Fluctuating interest rates directly influence the timing of purchases. High rates increase monthly loan payments, often delaying buying decisions.
Role of Credit Score and Financial History
Your credit score reflects your financial behavior and is a crucial factor in mortgage approval. A score above 1500 typically qualifies you for favorable terms.
Findeks scores range between 1-1900 and are calculated based on payment history (45%), existing credit obligations (32%), credit usage (18%), and new credit lines (5%).
If your score is low, it’s wise to postpone buying and take steps to improve it. A higher score can secure better interest rates and easier loan approval.
Ultimately, the best time to buy a home hinges on unique personal factors like your income, family structure, future plans, and creditworthiness.
How to Track Market Trends and Campaigns
Making an informed decision requires you to stay up to date with the property market. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Interest Rates and Loan Campaigns
Mortgage rates fluctuate based on market dynamics and supply-demand conditions. When the economy shows signs of recovery, interest rates often decline.
To stay informed, consider:
- Regularly visiting bank websites and using mobile apps
- Using loan comparison platforms
- Contacting bank branches for up-to-date information
Banks often launch seasonal campaigns with various mortgage options (balloon payments, fixed rates, declining installments). Monitoring these can help you seize the right moment.
Seasonal Price Changes
Property prices are subject to constant changes based on supply-demand balance. Seasons, holidays, and economic uncertainties all affect prices.
Post-pandemic price surges resulted from slowed production and increased demand. Now, with falling interest rates and rising rents, real estate is again an attractive investment.
You can often find better deals in regions with seasonal dips in demand. Regularly reviewing price trends and market reports for your target area is essential.
Government Incentives and Tax Benefits
The Turkish government supports homeownership through various initiatives:
- Low-interest housing loans and savings accounts
- VAT and SCT reductions (1% VAT and 0% SCT for prefabricated homes)
- Housing Account with state contributions
- TOKİ housing projects with low down payments and long-term plans
- Special incentives for newlywed couples
Note that the Ministry of Family and Social Services currently does not offer direct housing aid or low-interest loans. Participation in the Housing Account program is subject to specific eligibility criteria.
Tracking economic indicators, mortgage campaigns, and government support can greatly improve your home-buying timing and enhance both quality of life and return on investment.
