Guide to the Best Places to Buy Property in Istanbul

Whether you are looking for investment property or somewhere to live permanently, the best places to buy property in Istanbul constantly rank year after year as favourite destinations for buyers. Some excel in affordable apartments and residential projects, while others attract real estate investors with future growth. The properties for sale are abundant; anyone searching for one will find what they want.

However, because of the large size of this dynamic city, many Turkish and foreign buyers feel overwhelmed by the wide range of districts. After all, there are 39 official districts spanning over 5000 square kilometres. This is where we help buyers as a long-standing estate agent, so here are our favourite districts in this popular location. But before we start, it is worth understanding the dynamics of local housing markets whether you’re looking to buy a luxury apartment with a Bosphorus view or a charming home in a historic neighbourhood.

Best Places to Buy Property in Istanbul

Understanding Turkey’s Largest City

With several transformations over the past decades, strategic developments, and government incentives attracting local and foreign investors, Istanbul continues to establish stronger ties with the global economy. Certain districts have welcomed many Turkish and international buyers with their upgrades.

The city’s geographical position easily attracts buyers from all over the globe. However, market fluctuations and the neighbourhood's diversity require careful consideration. Investors often look for substantial capital appreciation and rental yield before deciding where to invest, while families look for amenities on the doorstep and green spaces.

Bosphorus Shores for High-end Purchase Prices

The Bosphorus shoreline is synonymous with luxury living. This iconic waterway divides Europe and Asia and excels in exclusive properties that easily stretch to six figures. The view itself affects property pricing, with panoramic vistas raising the value of homes. Neighbourhoods like Bebek and Arnavutkoy are famous for luxurious villas and upscale apartments. Providing serene escapes from the bustling city life, yet within easy access to central districts, investing here means a plush living experience and stable and high-yield returns should you want to rent. Bosphorus neighbourhoods also promote chic cafes and high-end restaurants that match the upmarket lifestyle that discerning clientele want.

Historic Peninsula of the European Centre

The historic Peninsula, including Sultanahmet and Fatih, reflects the city’s rich past. Its carefully preserved historic homes include modern interiors, and while the properties may not boast the same glitz as other areas, they offer charm. Demand remains strong, particularly for capitalising on tourism-linked rental opportunities.

Moreover, the Historic Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts millions of tourists with historical landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. This constant influx provides owners with excellent short-term rental prospects.

European vs. Asian Side for Exciting Opportunities

This popular city spans two continents. European Istanbul hosts famous landmarks and is the preferred choice for tourism and cosmopolitan living. The iconic Hagia Sophia and the bustling Grand Bazaar are just a few landmarks that earn global fame. On the outskirts of the European side, many districts are expanding and offer lower prices per square metre than city centre districts.

On the other hand, Asian Istanbul provides residential atmospheres with waterfront promenades, a refreshing contrast to the frenetic European energy. Both sides have undergone real estate development, and the choice between the two largely depends on the buyer’s lifestyle preferences.

Asian Side: Kadikoy and Üsküdar

Asian Kadikoy, with its bustling markets, is popular among young professionals and families. The street art and numerous galleries reflect creative spirits, and cultural events and festivals are held here. Property investment here is promising, with continuous interest from locals and expatriates.

Üsküdar offers traditional yet luxurious homes, and high-quality schools attract expat families. Remarkable mosques, like the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, add to the area's appeal as a prime residential area with beautiful waterfront parks to enjoy strolls, picnics, and stunning views.

European Side Hotspots: Nisantasi and Levent

Renowned for fashion boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and elegant cafes, Nisantasi's apartments attract cosmopolitan and upmarket buyers. Often compared to Paris’s Champs-Élysées, with chic atmospheres and upscale shopping, demand is consistently high for an upscale, city-centric lifestyle.

Conversely, Levent is a prime business district with modern high-rises pivotal for business operations, numerous multinational companies, and financial institutions. Despite their commercial nature, residential apartments sell quickly to working professionals who want to be near workplaces. Excellent public transportation, including the metro, makes commuting easy, and shopping malls and entertainment venues add to the lifestyle factor.

Considerations for Property Buyers

Prospective buyers should research to understand legal requirements, taxes, residence permits, and market trends. Buyers should also familiarise themselves with the ownership and legal processes, which differ from those of other countries.

Ongoing infrastructure projects, like new metro lines and highways, influence home values, so local knowledge provides insights into emerging neighbourhoods. For example, areas once considered peripheral are increasingly accessible. Furthermore, the Turkish government invested heavily in urban regeneration projects to enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods and improve living standards.

Whether you want a luxurious shoreline neighbourhood or a cosy apartment in a historic district, Istanbul always delights home buyers. With thorough planning, buying in this iconic city is a rewarding financial and personal investment. Engaging with local communities and exploring diverse neighbourhoods provides valuable insights into the best investment areas, ensuring your purchase aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals.

Areas to buy Istanbul property

Asian Maltepe for Vibrant Lifestyles

Maltepe is a sought-after district when looking at houses for sale, and Maltepe Park, one of the largest green spaces in the district, provides residents with spots to relax and enjoy nature. Close to newly developing areas, ensuring future value growth of residences for sale, Maltepe is witnessing urban transformation, with new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. The upgraded infrastructure and improved transportation links like metro and ferry access add to the appeal.

Ataşehir and Istanbul's Financial Centre

Asian Ataşehir, a financial and commercial district, also offers potential. With the ongoing development of the Financial Centre (IFC) on a 300,000 m² plot, Ataşehir is a trailblazer for the Turkish financial sector. The IFC hosts major state-owned financial institutions, including the Central Bank, Ziraat Bank, Halk Bank, and Vakflar, alongside regulatory bodies like the SPK and BBDK. This concentration of economic power has enhanced Ataşehir's reputation for business and finance.

High-rise residential towers and commercial spaces have made it appealing. In 2023, Ataşehir experienced a remarkable 77.2% year-over-year increase in home prices, and this trend continued into 2024, with sales remaining robust.

Typical house buyers in Ataşehir include professionals attracted by trendy housing, high-quality amenities, and urban lifestyles. Additionally, investors flock for the long-term appreciation of properties, reinforced by the financial centre.

Başakşehir for Improved Infrastructure

Başakşehir offers high rental yields, and as the population has surged from 396,729 in 2019 to 503,243 in 2023, the demand for housing has increased. The Turkish government made substantial investments, including constructing a central square twice the size of Taksim Square. The jewel in his crown is a large artificial lake sitting in the Bahcesehir district, also nicknamed the green city. This community landmark becomes a hub at weekends, thanks to restaurants, playgrounds, cafes, and walking paths in Basaksehir.

Esenyurt in European Istanbul

This attractive area gained much attention due to the budget-friendly housing market, and the rapid population boom further amplified this unique financial advantage. As well as excellent average prices per square metre, investors love the favourable rental yields, typically ranging from 4-5%, that have increased in recent years because of rising Turkish lira rent prices. Despite the high demand for properties, prices are excellent now, thanks to much supply, and if you want a budget apartment for sale or business, this is a good place to start your search. However, it is not the best place for a luxury residence. (About Esenyurt.)

Kucukcekmece for Modern Residences

Kucukcekmece is a desirable district thanks to the good reputation of previous projects like Istanbul palaces, which incorporated cultural and historic heritage into the architecture. Kucukcekmece's proximity to the new Airport is a significant factor. The airport, a central transportation hub and a catalyst for economic growth, provides easy travel, and although prices rose drastically at one stage, the market is now settling down.

Pendik - A Prime Choice

Asian Pendik, between Kartal and Tuzla, is conveniently minutes from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, enhancing the desirability for frequent travellers and overseas property buyers. Housing here ranges from affordable homes to luxury sea-view apartments, while coastal properties are worth considering for growing markets. Pendik's allure is magnified by Viaport Marina, echoing the cosmopolitan charm of New Capetown. Every day feels like a vacation with world-class dining, upscale shopping, and exhilarating entertainment on your doorstep.

European Beylikdüzü Attracts First-Time Buyers

Beylikdüzü attracts foreign investors with affordability and high quality of life that balances suburban tranquillity and accessibility to the urban centre. With lower-cost homes than other districts, attracting first-time buyers and investors looking for value, Beylikdüzü is well-connected via the Metrobus line to the city centre and other areas. With the development of new shopping centres, schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities, Beylikdüzü appeals to families. Still, constructing new metro lines will increase real estate prices and investment interest.

Kağıthane - central location and ongoing infrastructure upgrades

Kağıthane easily attracts buyers of spacious apartments thanks to its central location and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The M7 and M11 metro lines enhance connectivity to central districts and the airport, while the Bomonti Tunnel further facilitates quick access to vital places. Sitting in European Istanbul, Kagithane's rich history focuses on the 18th-century tulip era of the Ottoman Empire. While these are pleasant memories of nostalgia, by the mid-twentieth century, its reputation revolved around industrial investment and illegal builds. However, mass efforts by the local council over the last 30 years have shed this undesirable reputation. The area is now a rising star for development and modern architecture.

Sancaktepe

Sancaktepe is near major highways, facilitating easy access to Asian and European sides, while transport links, like the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, make commuting hassle-free. Buildings are architecturally appealing, and the upward trajectory reflected by the strong demand for housing fuels the area's infrastructure and buzz generated by media outlets. Boasting attractive apartments, Sancaktepe is one of the lesser-talked-about districts in his magnificent city, yet the advantageous location wins the hearts of house buyers. With combined strategic locations and ongoing urban development, Sancaktepe's increasing popularity will continue driving demand.

Beykoz for a Relaxed Lifestyle

This popular destination excels in lush landscapes and forests. It is near the Bosphorus, offering picturesque environments daily, and the melting pot of green spaces and panoramic views consists mainly of large villas that accommodate outdoor living and leisure activities. The area, characterised by more luxury properties spanning hundreds of square metres, is profitable for spacious villas and offers unique rental opportunities.

Many villas have extensive gardens, private pools, and generous living spaces, and while Beykoz earns fame for tranquillity, the district provides convenient access to other key areas. Primary transportation links, including highways and public transit, make commuting easy. Villas for sale provide comfort and cater to luxurious lifestyles, with private swimming pools, fitness centres, and expansive outdoor spaces.

Kartal for Panoramic Apartments on the Asian Side

Thanks to an excellent regeneration program, Kartal boasts impressive high-rise buildings with contemporary apartments, and the main highway facilitates easy access and transportation. Kartal is well-connected through metro stations, making commuting to other parts convenient, but under the Real Estate Transformation Project, Kartal continues to improve infrastructure and public facilities. The coastal road with parks and children's play areas gets busy at weekends, and compared to central districts, Kartal offers relatively affordable prices while still providing high living standards. Overall, Kartal, a dynamic neighbourhood for Turkish and foreign buyers, blends modern amenities with natural beauty. 

Bomonti in the Sisli District

The Sisli neighbourhood of Bomonti is just a stone's throw from the exclusive area of Nisantasi and three kilometres from Taksim Square, yet prices are still favourable. This old town built around a historic brewery has experienced mega-development, with several high-profile names taking advantage of lower land prices to make their mark on this esteemed area. Investors liken Bomonti to London's Docklands. Once a wasteland of warehouses and breweries, development ensured that Docklands property is now some of Europe's most coveted and expensive. This happened in Bomonti as big names like Rixos, Trump, and the IC Residence staked their claim in Istanbul's most promising neighbourhood. (More about Bomonti.)

About the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

Turkey’s investment program, to attract foreign investment and bolster the real estate market, allows foreign investors to obtain Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate. To qualify, foreign investors must buy property worth $400,000 and legally agree to keep it for at least three years when signing the title deeds. Many different property types are available; they need to be government-approved. (Find out more here.)

Is it worth buying property in Istanbul?

Yes, it is worth buying a home, but you may say our opinion is biased given that we are, in fact, a local estate agent. So, let’s look at some facts. Despite not being the capital, Istanbul is Turkey’s most active housing market. Annually, more homes sell here than in the capital, Ankara. This includes both domestic and foreign sales. In the first month of this year, just under 19,000 homes sold across the 39 official districts.

According to Turk Stat, the official government website for geographical data, for last year, just over 239,000 homes sold in the province, and nearly 8,500 were to foreigners. Naturally, as we say to all our clients, decide if the purchase is right for you, determine a budget, and choose your reason for buying. For example, suppose you are looking for a holiday property. In that case, the Aegean and Med coasts might be better because while Istanbul does have a few beach districts, the western and southern coastal regions excel in beach tourism.

What is the best district in Istanbul to live in?

The best district to live in depends on your lifestyle preferences and budget. However, popular and highly regarded districts include upmarket Besiktas, which has a lively social scene, and Üsküdar, which blends modern with old. Levent and Etiler are popular with city workers, thanks to their location in the business district, while Beykoz is the place to head for large, spacious villas with more suburban vibes than urban ones.

Where do most foreigners live in Istanbul?

Expat communities live in cosmopolitan areas with convenient amenities near business districts. Some popular neighbourhoods where foreign nationals live include Cihangir in Beyoglu, Besiktas for prestigious living, and Sariyer in the northern part. European Bakırköy is home to many expats attracted by the well-established infrastructure, shopping centres, and airport proximity. These areas tend to have international schools, restaurants offering global cuisines, and English-speaking communities, making them more appealing.

What is the wealthiest area in Istanbul?

The wealthiest area is European Bebek, an affluent neighbourhood on the Bosphorus shores with luxury real estate, upscale boutiques, and fine dining. The area attracts wealthy locals, expatriates, and celebrities with stunning views and exclusive waterfront properties. Other affluent areas include Nisantasi, Etiler, and Levent, which will suit buyers with high-end investment goals.

Use Our Real Estate Agent Services

Whether you are an international investor or a family home buyer, our local agents have impeccable knowledge of the best places to buy property in Istanbul, from public transport links to schools to property value appreciation. Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, can be daunting to buyers, but our services will provide you with confidence and peace of mind to make the right choice. See our apartments and villas here, or call an agent today and find out how we will help you become a homeowner in Istanbul.

Also About Istanbul

Bosphorus Villages: Most people know Istanbul separates into two continents, Asia and Europe, via the Bosphorus Strait. The e shoreline is prime Istanbul real estate and ideal for independent travellers to explore lesser-known districts. From plush houses to old mosques and churches, European Istanbul has 17 villages, while the Asian side has 12. This article looks at the best towns and what each one offers.

Famous Streets: All prominent global cities have streets that put them on the worldwide map of fashion, gastronomy, tourism and real estate, and Istanbul is no exception. Whether you want to invest in prime real estate or splash cash on spending sprees, Istanbul's streets deliver. These best and most beautiful streets embody Istanbul's spirit and character, testifying Turkish values, aspirations, and achievements.

Istanbul Architecture: From the ancient marvels of the Byzantine Empire to the grand Ottoman era, Istanbul testifies to evolving architectural styles. These days, that architecture makes it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, as people flock to see the ancient buildings. Additionally, modern architecture also makes the city Turkey’s most popular real estate and investment hub.