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The Impact of the Presidential System: A Surge in Migration 

konut yabanci

Turkey’s transition to a presidential system in 2018 marked a significant shift in the country’s political and economic landscape. What was expected to be a period of economic growth and stability instead led to increasing uncertainty, economic turmoil, and a surge in migration. The skyrocketing real estate investments abroad reflect not just economic decisions but the growing societal disillusionment and loss of hope for the future in Turkey.

The Presidential System: Expectations vs Reality

In 2018, Turkey officially transitioned to a presidential system, promising efficiency, a streamlined decision-making process, and a rebirth for the country. The shift was seen as a path to breaking free from bureaucratic constraints and setting Turkey on a trajectory of growth. However, the reality was far from the promise:

  • Economic crises became a routine occurrence.

  • Education and healthcare took a sharp turn for the worse.

  • The legal and justice systems eroded, creating a lack of trust.

  • Foreign investments dried up, triggering a wave of emigration.

The most visible sign of this shift? The dramatic rise in real estate purchases abroad.

The Rise in Overseas Property Purchases

In 2016, Turkey spent nothing on real estate abroad. But following the referendum and the gradual implementation of the presidential system, the trend of purchasing property abroad exploded.

Here are the figures that stand out:

Year Overseas Property Spending
2017 341 million $
2018 332 million $
2019 196 million $
2020 213 million $
2021 371 million $
2022 628 million $
2023 1.78 billion $
2024 2.15 billion $
2025 (10 months) 2.22 billion $

In just nine years, 8 billion dollars (roughly 340 billion TL) were spent on properties outside of Turkey. This isn’t just a financial statistic; it represents a social shift, a sign of deepening uncertainty and loss of hope for the future.

A Nation in Search of a New Home

The political tension escalated rapidly, and with it, the desire to leave. The government’s response was harsh:

  • Crackdowns on dissidents.

  • Targeting the opposition through legal and street actions.

  • Young professionals, businesspeople, and intellectuals left in droves, seeking stability and opportunity abroad.

This shift was seen in the growing numbers of real estate purchases abroad, which went hand-in-hand with the increasing desire to emigrate.

2022: The Turning Point for Real Estate Investments Abroad

In 2022, the pace of property purchases outside Turkey accelerated dramatically, reaching $628 million, nearly doubling from the previous year. By 2023 and 2024, this figure exploded to $1.78 billion and $2.15 billion, respectively. In 2025, another $2.22 billion was spent in just 10 months.

This dramatic rise in spending is not merely an economic trend, but a reflection of society’s increasing desire to leave. In many ways, the act of purchasing property abroad has become a symbol of a broader societal shift towards fleeing uncertainty and seeking a more stable future elsewhere.

What These Numbers Truly Represent

Although the majority of the spending comes from the wealthier segments of society, this trend isn’t limited to the elite:

  • Industrialists have started moving their production overseas.

  • Entrepreneurs are shifting investments to Europe, the U.S., or the Gulf region.

  • Young graduates are looking for opportunities abroad, with many not returning.

  • Blue-collar workers are flocking to migration routes.

  • The unemployed and middle class are even resorting to illegal routes.

The increase in foreign real estate investments is a clear indicator of the deepening social and political crisis.

The “Escape” Phenomenon: From Dreams of Property to Emigration

Turkey’s escape into property investments abroad is an economic and social statement. It reflects not just wealthy individuals securing their future, but also an entire society’s desire to escape from a deteriorating system.

The total $8 billion spent over nine years on overseas properties symbolizes:

  • Lost talent and innovation as young professionals leave.

  • Vanishing investments and economic stagnation.

  • Fading hope for a better future within Turkey’s borders.

These figures represent far more than just money spent—they represent disillusionment, the breakdown of hope, and the growing belief that Turkey’s future lies somewhere outside its borders.

A System That Promised Much But Delivered So Little

What was promised as a “bold step” towards becoming a global leader has instead driven Turkey to become one of the leading countries in emigration. Rather than attracting the world’s attention for its advancements, Turkey is now ranked among the countries losing citizens to migration.

Turkey, which aimed to be a global powerhouse, is now a paradise for those looking to leave.

By Recep Genel of Nefes Gazette

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