Earthquakes drive up rental housing prices

Throughout 2025, earthquakes occurring in various regions of Turkey have led to significant changes in housing preferences. The earthquake that struck Balıkesir on October 27, in particular, heightened this awareness. The fear of earthquakes is driving tenants toward more durable and newer structures, which in turn has caused prices in the rental housing market to rise.

Experts state that demand for new buildings has increased significantly in recent months. It is noted that in Istanbul, the rent difference between new and old structures located in the same area can reach up to double. Tenants now prioritize not only location but also the age and durability of the building.

According to September 2025 data from the real estate platform Endeksa, the average rent per square meter for new housing across Turkey was 263 TL, while this figure was determined to be 205 TL for older housing. This indicates an average price difference of 28%.

Cities such as Aksaray, Bingöl, and Kırşehir stand out as provinces where the rent gap between old and new structures is most pronounced. Remarkable differences also exist in the three major cities; in Ankara, the rent increase for new buildings is particularly notable.

In provinces where earthquakes have been impactful, such as Balıkesir and Kütahya, the difference is even more striking. In Balıkesir, the average rent per square meter for new structures is 291 TL, while this figure is 173 TL for older structures. In Kütahya, new housing is at the 215 TL level, while older buildings are at 132 TL.

The increasing number of earthquakes and the search for safe living spaces have initiated a new era in the rental housing market. While rents in older buildings remain stable, the surge in demand for new structures has driven prices up. According to experts, this trend signifies an acceleration in urban transformation and an increase in the value of safe structures.