Change in Housing Preferences in Istanbul: Smaller Square Meters Come to the Fore
With changing household structures and purchasing power dynamics, the trend toward smaller square-meter homes in Istanbul's housing market is strengthening.
A new picture is emerging in housing preferences in Istanbul under the influence of transformations in household structure, purchasing power, and lifestyles. Sector representatives state that demand for compact residences such as 1+1 and 2+1 apartments is increasing, while 3+1 apartments maintain their importance for families.
Trend Toward Smaller Square Meters
While housing demand in Istanbul continues to differentiate in line with changing dynamics, sector representatives state that the need for compact residences, particularly 1+1 and 2+1 apartments, is increasing. Families, on the other hand, continue their interest in 3+1 and larger homes in accordance with their needs.
Room Count and Square Meter Balance
Engin Keçeli, President of the Istanbul Builders Association, noted that buyers prefer smaller square-meter homes without giving up the number of rooms. He conveyed that 3+1 apartments, which used to be 120-130 square meters in the past, are now starting to be replaced by 90-100 square meter options.
Priorities and Investor Profile
Among the priorities of those buying homes in the city are earthquake safety, the required number of rooms, and suitability for their lifestyle. Engin Keçeli stated that demand is predominantly for residential purposes, while investors remain more limited in the market due to alternative investment instruments.
Household Structure and Regional Preferences
Ziya Yılmaz, President of KONUTDER, emphasized that a single type of housing demand cannot be mentioned in Istanbul and that preferences vary according to location. Yılmaz announced that the average household size across Turkey fell to 3.08 people in 2025 and that the number of single-person households stood at 5,523,321.
Financing Conditions and Sales
Neşecan Çekici, President of GYODER, said that the housing need in Istanbul continues, but financing conditions are decisive in turning this situation into sales. While housing sales across Turkey decreased by 14.7 percent in August compared to the same period of last year, mortgaged housing sales increased by 7.2 percent.