House prices in Turkey rose by 18pc last year, faster than anywhere in the world, according to a new global league table.

The increases defied internal upheaval and the strain of the migrant crisis.

Turkey has been hit by civil wars in neighbouring Syria and Iraq, a standoff with Russia and internal fighting which has killed hundreds. However, Knight Frank said investment from the Middle East and population growth was driving large  rises in property values.

The report compiled by the property firm said: “Increasingly viewed as a safe haven for Middle Eastern investors, Turkey is bridging East and West whilst also seeing strong population growth.”

The country has become a target for ISIL attacks including anexplosion in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet square, which killed ten, in January.

Infighting between Turkish forces and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party has also killed hundreds since the collapse of a ceasefire last year, andterrorist groups have targeted cities and tourist areas.

The country is also embroiled in a standoff with Russia over airspace violation, and shot down a Russian plane in November.

It has also taken in more than 2.5 million Syrian refugees since the start of the Syrian civil war.

The research found that prices rose in 43 of the 55 housing markets it surveyed, with an average of 3pc growth.

Australasia was the best performing continent, with values rising by more than 10pc in both Australia and New Zealand.

Growth in Europe averaged 3.7pc and in North America prices rose by 4.6pc.

The study also analysed affordability and found Belgium to be the least affordable place in the world to buy a house, followed by New Zealand, Canada, Australia and France.

Meanwhile South Korea is the most affordable market, followed by Japan, Germany, the US and Ireland.

The report predicted that rises would be more modest in 2016 .

Kate Everett-Allen, a partner in international residential research at Knight Frank, said: “Our outlook for 2016 is muted. We expect the index’s overall rate of growth to be weaker in 2016 than in 2015. The global economy is experiencing a potentially dangerous cocktail of low oil prices, a strong dollar and a continued slowdown in China.”