Türkiye continues to be a safe haven for Russian investors in real estate with its strong infrastructure, legal guarantees, advanced transportation network and high quality of life. The Turkish-Russian Business Council under the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK) organized a webinar titled "New Safe Haven: The Position of the Turkish Real Estate Sector in Light of Regional Changes."
Ambassador Bilgiç: Türkiye is a strong alternative
Türkiye's Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgiç said in his speech at the event that following developments in the Persian Gulf, Türkiye could become an even stronger alternative investment platform for Russian investors. Bilgiç said, "With its climate, extensive transportation network, reliable and transparent land registry system, advanced infrastructure, modern cities, high rental yield potential and cultural proximity, Türkiye maintains its appeal for Russian citizens."
The ambassador noted that Russians rank first among foreigners purchasing housing in Türkiye, and that Turkish TV series also boost interest in the real estate market. Bilgiç expressed his belief that if Türkiye's investment opportunities were promoted more actively in the Russian market, investor interest could increase significantly.
Business representatives stress confidence
DEİK Turkish-Russian Business Council Chairman İzzet Ekmekçibaşı said that the tension between the US and Iran and the incidents in the Strait of Hormuz once again demonstrated the decisive role of geopolitical risks in investment decisions. Ekmekçibaşı stressed that in an environment of uncertainty, the importance of safe and stable investment destinations increases, and said, "Recent developments in the Persian Gulf region have once again made Türkiye one of the reliable investment routes. The legal infrastructure, advanced transportation network, real estate ecosystem and quality of life offered by Türkiye are becoming increasingly important in the decision-making processes of international investors."
Reminding that Türkiye is the country receiving the most tourists from Russia, Ekmekçibaşı noted that this positively affects real estate investments.
GYODER Chair: Trust now as important as return
Neşecan Çekici, Chair of the Board of the Turkish Real Estate Investors Association (GYODER), stated that in investment decisions, not only return but also trust is now decisive. Çekici emphasized that investors focus on criteria such as legal protection, market depth, liquidity, accessibility and quality of life.
Çekici noted that thanks to strong domestic demand, wide product variety and long-term value creation capacity, Türkiye has safe haven status for investors. She reported that work continues to remove obstacles in sustainability, land costs, financing and accessible housing, and to develop international investment instruments.
Baysal: Investors seek escape from uncertainty, not passports
Zafer Baysal, Board Member of the Housing Developers and Investors Association (KONUTDER) and GYODER, said that citizenship programs are not the sole determining factor for foreign investors, and that trust, quality of life, location, rental yield and liquidity stand out.
Baysal emphasized that for Russians, Türkiye is a gateway to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, a bridge to Europe, and a safe haven offering a high quality of life. "Today, international investors are not chasing passports; they are fleeing uncertainty. Türkiye will capture a larger share of global capital to the extent that it can simultaneously offer trust, quality of life and investment opportunities," he said.
Russian investor interest up 20 percent
Ekaterina Avdeeva, Chair of the Real Estate Investments Commission of the Financial Markets and Investments Council of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced that Russian investors' interest in Türkiye has increased by about 20 percent since the start of the year. Avdeeva stated that the most preferred regions are Istanbul, Antalya, Mersin and Bodrum, and that Russian citizens' interest in large cities and tourism centers continues.
Avdeeva said, "Türkiye continues to be among the most preferred countries for Russian investors thanks to affordable prices, advanced infrastructure, high tourism potential and a reliable legal framework. Investors now prioritize legal protection, transparency and long-term capital security over price advantage. Türkiye provides all conditions for foreign investors in terms of both legislation and investment environment, as well as ease of transportation."
