Total construction output in Türkiye in May 2026 was 3% lower than a year earlier. One indicator hides opposite directions: building construction has decreased, while infrastructure work has increased.
Breakdown of the official index
Production in building construction decreased by 4.5% year on year. Specialized construction work decreased by 3.3%, and non-building construction increased by 6.2%. Taking into account seasonal and calendar adjustments, the overall index decreased by 0.4% compared to April.
The amount of work is not the number of apartments sold
This index shows the dynamics of actually completed construction work. It is not equal to home sales, number of permits or price per square foot. The decline could reflect the completion of major projects, delays, or more cautious launches of new facilities. To evaluate the residential market, the indicator must be compared with transactions, permits and construction costs.
Why does the infrastructure come separately?
The structures segment's 6.2% growth indicates that roads, utilities and other infrastructure projects can support the sector even as building construction weakens. For an investor, this is a reason to evaluate the area not by advertising promises, but by approved projects, deadlines and real transport accessibility.
Practical conclusion
The combination of a decrease in the volume of work and an increase in costs increases the requirements for verification of the developer. It is necessary to study the pace of work on the site, the history of completed projects, the debt load and contractual guarantees. One national index is not a replacement for vetting a specific project, but it does help you ask the right questions before committing money.