New or Second-Hand? The Real Difference Between a New Home and a 12–19-Year-Old Home in Antalya

When looking for a home in Antalya we are often asked: "Should I buy new or second-hand?" The answer depends not on the budget but on what you care about. Let us show the differences through four real listings.

Building age and price: four examples

• The 5+1 villa in Terra Doğa: building age 0 (new). Around 34 million ₺ (≈ $691,000).
• The 2+1 apartment in a complex in Uncalı: building age 12. 13.5 million ₺ (≈ $274,000).
• The 4+1 duplex in Arapsuyu: building age 19. 13.54 million ₺ (≈ $275,000).
• The 1+1 residence apartment in Sun City: ready for handover, 4.9 million ₺ (≈ $99,560).

Prices are approximate values as of October 2026.

Pros of a new home

• New plumbing and structure. No major repairs are expected in the first years.
• Warranty. There is a developer and building warranty; the right to claim for defective work.
• Current earthquake regulation. New buildings are built to the current earthquake regulation.
• Facilities. In new projects a pool, sports area and covered parking are usually standard.
• Payment plan. Instalments may be available in new projects. See our Meridien Nova payment plan article.
• VAT. VAT treatment on new homes can differ; for foreign buyers you can find details in our VAT exemption article.

Cons of a new home

• Delivery risk. Off-plan projects can be delayed.
• The area may not have settled yet. Construction, trees and infrastructure around it develop over time.
• Price premium. A new home in the same location is usually more expensive than a second-hand one.

Pros of second-hand

• Settled surroundings. Neighbours, trees, shopping and transport are ready.
• Price per square metre. For the same budget you can find a larger home: 190 m² gross in the Arapsuyu example, 110 m² in Uncalı.
• Immediate handover. The title deed and keys are taken without waiting for an off-plan project.

Cons of second-hand

• Maintenance. In a 19-year-old building, roof, plumbing, lift or façade costs can arise.
• Earthquake safety. In an older structure, the year of construction and project information matter. See our DASK article.
• Iskan and title deed. The document status needs to be checked more carefully. See our iskan article.
• Transformation risk. Urban transformation decisions may come up.

Which is right for you?

1. If you will move in and live there right away: a second-hand home ready for handover, or ready homes such as Sun City.
2. If you want an investment and a payment plan: a new project.
3. If you want the largest space at the best price: second-hand, but a building check is a must.
4. If you want a villa and privacy: a new villa community.

Ready for handover: the middle ground

Ready-for-handover homes such as Sun City combine a new structure with a settled environment; but still check the iskan, service charges and title deed status.

Before deciding, a valuation report and a building check make all the risks visible. You can compare purchase costs in our calculator.

Sources: tkgm.gov.tr · dask.gov.tr · gib.gov.tr