Buying an Apartment in Turkey or Dubai? A Comprehensive Comparison for Investors

The pivotal question for every international real estate investor remains: where to invest: Turkey or Dubai? When searching for the best country to buy an apartment: Turkey or Dubai, the combination of legal stability, high returns, and governmental facilitation comes to mind.

In this expanded article, we present a comprehensive comparison between buying an apartment in Turkey and Dubai, including apartment prices in Turkey and Dubai, the differences between buying an apartment in Turkey and Dubai in terms of laws and taxes, the return on real estate investment in Turkey versus the return on investment in Dubai, in addition to citizenship versus property in Turkey and real estate residency in Dubai.

In conclusion, we demonstrate the advantages of buying an apartment in Turkey, which make it the smartest choice for investors seeking the best return and lowest risk, with the support of Mbany Real Estate to ensure an optimal investment experience.

Real Estate in Turkey vs. Dubai: An Overview of the Two Markets

The Turkish Market: Opportunities and Diversity

Diversity of Real Estate: From affordable apartments in the suburbs of Istanbul to luxurious complexes on the Antalya coast, making real estate in Turkey versus Dubai more diverse and competitively priced.
Government Support: Incentives for issuing building permits, facilities in bank financing, and the citizenship-by-investment law in Turkey that has attracted thousands of investors.

The Dubai Market: Luxury and World-Class Infrastructure

Luxury Real Estate: Skyscrapers, artificial islands, and projects that are extravagant in luxury.
Continuous Expansion: Projects like "Dubai Harbour" and "Bluewaters" reflect the vibrancy of the market, but this leads to significantly higher prices compared to apartment prices in Turkey and Dubai.

Apartment Prices in Turkey and Dubai

Factors Affecting Apartment Prices in Turkey

Location: Istanbul (Fatih district), Antalya (Kalkan), Ankara (European side).
Price per Square Meter: Ranges between $800–$1,500 in major cities, and $600–$900 in secondary cities.
Construction and Building Costs: Relatively low due to the abundance of labor and local materials.

Factors Affecting Apartment Prices in Dubai

Freehold Areas: Areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina experience prices exceeding $5,000 per square meter.
Supply and Demand: Projects like Expo 2020 and beyond, and the 5% Value Added Tax, raise the costs of buying apartments in Dubai to record levels.

Return on Real Estate Investment in Turkey vs. Dubai

Expected Return in Turkey

Annual Rental Yield: Between 4–7% in coastal and tourist cities (Antalya, Bodrum).
Capital Growth: Estimated annual growth of 8–12% thanks to improved infrastructure and increasing demand for real estate investment in Turkey vs. Dubai.

Net Return in Dubai

Annual Rental Yield: Ranges between 3–5% after deducting administrative and maintenance fees.
Risks: Price fluctuations due to the massive supply and high operating costs, which affect the difference between buying an apartment in Turkey and Dubai in net profit.

Citizenship and Residency: Turkey or Dubai?

Citizenship by Investment in Turkey

Purchase Value: Not less than $400,000 USD.
Advantages: A strong passport, freedom to travel to more than 110 countries without a visa, the right to work and study in Turkey.

Real Estate Residency and Visa in Dubai

Residency Permit: Linked to owning a property exceeding 300,000 AED.
Restrictions: The permit does not lead to citizenship and requires renewal every 2–3 years with the payment of re-issuance fees.

Laws and Taxes: The Difference Between Turkey and Dubai

Real Estate Ownership Laws in Turkey

Freehold Ownership: Allows foreigners to own property in 80% of Turkish lands.
Procedures: Registering the property in the Land Registry Office (Tapu) within 7–10 days, with official fees not exceeding 4%.

Foreign Ownership of Real Estate in Dubai

Freehold Areas: Full ownership in specific areas, with restrictions in some older areas.
Procedures and Fees: Registration fees of 4% of the property value + land authority fees (0.5% annually).

Real Estate Taxes and Fees in Dubai and Turkey

Turkey: There are no annual taxes on the property, only a capital gains tax upon sale after one year at 15%-35% depending on the duration of ownership.
Dubai: Value Added Tax (VAT): is 5% on new properties and banking and contractual service fees.

Costs of Buying Apartments in Turkey and Dubai

Administrative and Legal Costs in Turkey

Agency Fees: 2%–3% of the transaction value.
Land Registry (Tapu) Fees: 2%, paid once.
Construction Insurance: Optional but recommended.

Internal and Additional Costs in Dubai

Registration Fees (DLD): is 4% of the property value.
Land Authority Fees: 0.5% annually of the property value.
Broker and Contract Fees: 2%–3%.

Best City for Real Estate Investment 2025: Turkey Excels

Istanbul: The Heart of Real Estate Investment in Turkey

Population Growth: An annual growth rate of 2.5% raises the demand for real estate in Turkey vs. Dubai.
Major Projects: The New Istanbul Canal, the Third Airport, and the Bosphorus Tunnels.

Best Areas in Dubai for Investment 2025

Safe Projects: Dubai Hills, The Views, and Palm Jumeirah, but they come with higher apartment buying costs in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying an Apartment in Turkey or Dubai? A Comprehensive Comparison for Investors

Where Can I Find a Better Return on Real Estate Investment: Turkey or Dubai?

Turkey usually offers a higher return on real estate investment in Turkey thanks to lower property taxes and lower purchase costs.

Can I Obtain Citizenship When Buying a Property in Dubai?

No, Dubai grants real estate residency in Dubai, but does not grant citizenship in exchange for property.

What is the Difference Between Owning Real Estate in Turkey and Dubai?

Turkey grants real estate ownership laws in Turkey that provide great flexibility for foreigners, while Dubai defines limited areas for freehold ownership.

Is Buying an Apartment in Turkey Cheaper Than in Dubai?

Certainly, the average apartment prices in Turkey and Dubai show Turkey's superiority in terms of initial cost.

What is the Best Company for Real Estate Investment in Turkey?

Mbany Real Estate offers a comprehensive package of legal and marketing services, making it the ideal choice for investors.

Conclusion: Buying an Apartment in Turkey or Dubai? Turkey Leads the Options

In conclusion, in comparing buying an apartment in Turkey and Dubai, it becomes clear that buying an apartment in Turkey or Dubai? strongly favors Turkey, being the best country to buy an apartment: Turkey or Dubai, when we combine the advantages of buying an apartment in Turkey: reasonable prices, high investment returns, encouraging laws, and the possibility of obtaining citizenship by investment in Turkey.

If you are still wondering where to invest: Turkey or Dubai? Mbany Real Estate is ready to provide tailored consultations and profitable projects that suit your aspirations. Start your smart real estate investment in Turkey today!