Investing in Studio Apartments: Turkey Reintroduces Studio Units

Turkey property law updates August 2025 have brought an exciting change to the real estate landscape — the long-standing restriction on building studio apartments has officially ended. With the Turkey studio apartment construction ban lifted, developers are now allowed to include compact, single-room residences in new housing projects once again. This move is expected to reshape the housing supply and demand balance, especially in major cities where space efficiency and affordability are top priorities.

For buyers and investors, this reform opens a fresh chapter in investing in studio apartments in Turkey. The return of studios for sale in Turkey means more variety in the property market, appealing both to young professionals and investors seeking high rental returns. In this blog, we’ll explore what the new regulations mean, how they’ll impact property prices and rent yields, and which Turkish cities present the best opportunities for owning a studio apartment in Turkey today.

Studio Apartments in Turkey Reshaping the Housing Market

Are studios profitable investments in Turkey? Absolutely. The renewed demand for compact living spaces has made a studio apartment in Turkey — commonly known as a 1+0 unit — an increasingly attractive option for both investors and residents. Previously restricted from construction, these units are now returning to the market due to economic factors such as high inflation and limited housing supply.

With their low purchase price, easy maintenance, and minimal running costs, they stand out as one of the most practical property choices. Moreover, a studio apartment in Turkey for sale now offers exceptional rental potential, particularly in major metropolitan and coastal tourism cities where affordable, well-located homes are in constant demand.

As the new law allows 1+0 apartments in Turkey 2025, developers must comply with the technical conditions for building studio apartments in Turkey. A studio apartment for sale in Turkey must feature a designated sleeping area, or bed niche, at least 2.5 meters wide with a minimum size of 9 square meters, ensuring comfortable use of space.

In addition, the total number of studio apartments in any residential complex cannot exceed 20% of the overall units. These regulations aim to maintain quality standards while supporting urban density and affordability across Turkey’s evolving real estate landscape.

Professional’s Insights for Studio Apartment Investment in Turkey

According to Neşecan Çekici, Chair of the Real Estate Investors Association (GYODER), the 2025 regulation on studio apartments in Turkey is expected to accelerate the progress of many postponed residential projects and bring much-needed diversity to the housing sector. She emphasized that expanding the range of housing types will play a vital role in balancing supply and demand, ultimately helping to stabilize rental prices across the country. From an investment perspective, studio units stand out for their strong rental potential, quick market turnover, and valuable contribution to portfolio diversification.

Ziya Yılmaz, Chair of the Association of Housing Developers and Investors (KONUTDER), emphasized that studio units create practical living solutions for young professionals, students, singles, and elderly residents—especially in central urban areas. He noted that these homes will make property ownership more accessible and offer a realistic response to rising rents in major cities. This development broadens the range of affordable real estate options in Turkey, meaning that studio apartment investment opportunities in Turkey will expand significantly in the coming years.

Hakan Şişik, head of the Anatolian Side Construction Contractors Association (AYIDER), stated that the Turkish government's policy on small housing units was a crucial step for the market. He highlighted that this move creates attractive opportunities for small property investment in Turkey, offering investors the chance to benefit from high demand and lower entry costs.

Rental Yields and Benefits of Buying Studio Apartments in Turkey

Buying studio apartments in Turkey has become an attractive investment opportunity with the new law reintroducing 1+0 units. As the supply increases, finding a cheap studio apartment in Turkey will be easier, providing affordable housing options in Turkey for foreigners and catering to the growing demand for compact, low-maintenance homes.

Rental yields for studio apartments in Turkey are expected to range between 5% and 7% of the property’s value in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. In popular coastal destinations such as Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Kuşadası, and Mersin, studios—especially those suited for short-term vacation rentals—can achieve annual returns of 8% to 12% during peak tourist seasons.

The maintenance and renovation costs of studios in Turkey are generally lower than larger one- or two-bedroom apartments due to their smaller, more manageable size. When comparing profitability, the ROI comparison: studio vs one-bedroom in Turkey often favors studios, as they combine lower upfront and running costs with high rental demand, making them a smart choice for both new and seasoned investors.

Top Turkish Cities for Studio Apartment Investment

Turkish real estate opportunities for expats continue to expand each year, offering a variety of attractive investment options. If you’re wondering where to invest in Turkish property this year, the best Turkish cities for studio apartment investment include the major metropolitan hubs of İstanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, as well as popular coastal regions such as Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, Kaş, Fethiye, Bodrum, Mersin, and Kuşadası. These locations combine strong rental demand with long-term growth potential, making them ideal for investors.

Let’s start with Turkish coastal cities with high rental demand for studios:

Antalya: The Antalya studio apartment market is one of the most sought-after in the country. As a top vacation destination, Antalya attracts millions of tourists every year, creating strong short-term rental returns from April to October. Beyond tourism, the city draws students, retirees, professionals, and singles thanks to its thriving job market, two major universities, and mild climate.

Within Antalya, the most desirable districts are Lara and Konyaaltı, located in the city center, while other promising areas include Alanya, Kemer, Belek, and Kaş-Kalkan.

Mersin: Known for offering some of the most affordable properties in the Mediterranean region, Mersin is an emerging hotspot for studio apartment investment in Turkey. Investors can enter the market now before prices rise further, making it one of the best options for cost-conscious buyers seeking growth potential.

Fethiye & Bodrum: Both internationally renowned vacation destinations, Fethiye and Bodrum offer high demand for daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. Studio apartments in these areas are particularly desirable due to their flexibility and strong rental income potential.

İstanbul: As the most crowded city in Turkey, studio apartments in İstanbul are highly preferred for their affordability, central locations, and convenience, especially among young professionals and students.

İzmir and Ankara are also in this list, offering a range of studio apartments that combine modern amenities with affordable prices, making them ideal for singles, students, and young families seeking convenient city living.

Ownership Regulations and Taxes for Small Units in Turkey

Foreign ownership regulations for studio flats in Turkey are the same as for any other property type. Every foreigner is legally allowed to purchase property in Turkey, and property ownership can also support residence permit renewals as long as the individual remains the owner. Owners are free to rent out their properties and set rental prices, with the option to adjust annually based on the 12-month average Consumer Price Index (CPI).

When it comes to investment costs and taxes for small units in Turkey, studios and other affordable units can offer lower initial expenses compared to larger properties. Tax rates vary by location: in metropolitan areas, the annual property tax is 0.2%, while in other cities it is 0.1%. Rental income is subject to taxation; however, if a property is not rented, no rental income tax is applied. Additionally, capital gains tax is waived if the property is held for five years or longer, making long-term ownership financially advantageous.

Overall, small units like studio flats provide an accessible entry point for foreign investors, combining relatively low investment costs with a favorable taxation structure and rental flexibility.

A New and Affordable Property Investment Opportunity in Turkey

Investing in a studio apartment represents a smart and accessible way to enter the Turkish real estate market. With lower entry costs, favorable tax conditions, and flexible rental opportunities, buying a studio can be considered the best property investment in Turkey for both first-time investors and those looking to diversify their portfolio. Small units not only offer affordability but also the potential for steady rental income and long-term capital gains, making them a compelling choice in today’s property market.

Onur Aygün

AUTHOROnur AygünEditor

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