Azerbaijan.US
Azerbaijani citizens have become increasingly active in foreign real estate markets in recent years, viewing overseas property not only as a lifestyle choice but also as a long-term investment and a hedge against uncertainty.
The most popular destination remains Turkey. According to data released by Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), Azerbaijani nationals purchased 113 residential properties in Turkey in December alone. This placed Azerbaijanis fifth among foreign buyers in the country.
In total, 2,541 homes were sold to foreign nationals in Turkey during the month, marking a 5.1% year-on-year increase. Foreign buyers accounted for around 1% of all housing transactions.
Real estate expert Elnur Farzaliyev says the trend is driven by both residency and investment motives. A significant share of buyers are Azerbaijanis already living in Turkey, but demand is also strong among those based in Azerbaijan and other countries.
“Turkey’s developed tourism sector and steady demand in resort regions make property there attractive as an investment,” he explains. “Rental income and long-term appreciation play a major role in buyers’ decisions.”
Russia has traditionally been another major market. More than two million Azerbaijanis are estimated to live in Russia, many of them holding dual citizenship. This group actively purchases real estate there, although such transactions are often not reflected in Azerbaijani statistics, as buyers are registered as Russian citizens.
However, Farzaliyev notes that interest from Azerbaijanis living in Russia in purchasing property back home has declined in recent years. The economic impact of the war and broader instability have reduced cross-border investment flows, making domestic investments in Russia more appealing for this segment.
Beyond Turkey and Russia, Azerbaijani buyers are increasingly looking toward European countries and other global markets. One of the key incentives is migration policy: in several European states, purchasing real estate above a certain threshold can provide access to residency permits or even citizenship pathways.
In addition, owning property abroad can simplify travel, reduce visa barriers and offer greater mobility – factors that have gained importance amid global geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Interest is not one-sided. Foreign nationals are also buying property in Azerbaijan, primarily with the goal of securing residency.
Under Azerbaijani migration law, a foreign citizen who purchases real estate worth more than 100,000 manats and maintains its market value for five years may qualify for permanent residence, with the option to later apply for citizenship.
Analysts say the growing cross-border real estate activity reflects a broader shift in how Azerbaijani households and investors think about mobility, security and long-term asset diversification.
