Apartment buying areas in Istanbul

If you are already familiar with the city, you may know where to buy an apartment in Istanbul, be it for work obligations or a vacation home. However, foreign investors are often confused with those looking to get to know Istanbul better in whatever area suits them. As the largest city in Turkey, real estate investors also want to know which areas offer the most capital appreciation, prices per square meter and current market trends. In this article, we take a look at where to buy an apartment in Istanbul. Let's start first with geographical facts and lifestyle trends first.
Istanbul is divided into European and Asian sides, located on both sides of the Bosphorus. A group of islands known as the Princess Island are located off the Asian coast. The Bosphorus has been a strategic part of Istanbul for centuries fighting empires for control, along with the course of the adjacent Golden Horn Corridor. These days, it acts as a bridge between the Asian and European sides.

Places to buy an apartment in Istanbul

Istanbul is still working to renew its real estate market with new construction projects. Most of them sit around Bahcesehir-Basaksehir and Basin Express road that connects the new Istanbul airport with the city centers. Experts say they offer a competitive return on investment in the short term when compared to other regions. Thus, real estate investors flocked to Istanbul. All residential areas include an apartment with shared facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas, and landscaped gardens.

The best for tourism - Al-Fateh district
When looking at tourism statistics, the Al Fateh area is the most popular. This is understandable because it is full of famous historical buildings like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Right up to the Golden Horn and to Taksim and Beyoglu which locals call New Istanbul because visitors here find the best nightlife and shopping sights with lots of options. Many tourists also book self-catering accommodations in these neighborhoods.

The best for business - Levent
While tourism is the focal point of Istanbul's popularity, it is also a hub for business, finance and economics. Individual areas stand out as centers for investors looking for commercial properties, including Levent, Maslak, and Esenyurt.
Investors often compete to build the tallest skyscrapers, although Levent has the added advantage of real estate investing being the main metro line making it easier for passengers to reach their place of work. Other areas of commercial real estate include Sisli, Kagithane and Esenyurt.

The most expensive region - Besiktas
You need to know when entering the real estate market in Istanbul that the houses on the banks of the Bosphorus are classified as the most expensive in Turkey. Part of this area is the Yali Palaces that were built by the Ottoman kings and members of the upper class of society for use as summer houses. These days, some work as hotels and museums, but others are still privately owned and the Beşiktaş region on European beaches is the most expensive residential area in terms of square meters.

The cheapest neighborhood - Esenyurt
The cheapest area is Esenyurt, located on the outskirts of European Istanbul between Kucukcekmece and Buyukcekmece. One of the reasons for its low prices is that its indoor condition does not raise the high costs often associated with coastal and marine homes. The Esenyurt region is also undergoing massive property development and offers great potential benefits to the buyer.

Average price areas in Istanbul

Zeytinburnu

Anyone who wants to tap into the Bosphorus lifestyle and catch themselves an impressive view at the same time would do well to look at the Zeytinburnu district. Also, experts predict sizeable appreciation returns from the area when compared to similar upmarket districts like Bebek, Istinye and Sariyer. Two other notable aspects of Zeytinburnu is shopping galore, thanks to the Olivium outlet centre, and its excellent connections to Istanbul’s more extensive transport network.

Estina
As for the other upscale area, you can find the Istinye, which is the connecting area to Sariyer. The Istinye region is considered difficult to invest in real estate and it is difficult to obtain building permits if it is granted. There will be a specific rise in the place and therefore the real estate market in Istinye differs from sites like Levent. The area is home to a shopping center of the same name and is one of the largest and best cities in Istanbul, and residents have access to jogging trails and hiking areas in the Belgrade Forest.

Bahcesehir

Sitting in the Basaksehir district, Bahcesehir receives much attention because of its green landscapes. This residential area is also just 6 kilometres from the planned canal route for Istanbul, and 40 minutes’ away from the new international airport, hence it also appeals to foreign buyers. Bahcesehir Lake is its crown, and at weekends, during summer, locals flock to enjoy the surrounding picnic areas, cafes, and children’s playgrounds. Many off-plan developments in Bahcesehir also offer 3-year interest-free payment plans.

Buyukcekmece

This area dominates the market. Having grown over the past 50 years from a small village to a crowded town, many people buy coastal lifestyle properties and shopping malls. It is located beside a large lake that serves as a major landmark. Buyukcekmece real estate market is characterized by its affordable prices and the luxury of the area.

Kucukcekmece

Located on the Catalca Peninsula, for several decades, Kucukcekmece weekend has been a favorite of locals living in city centers. This changed as real estate developers realized there was potential here, and locals bought apartments for summer holidays.

For more ideas on where to buy property in Istanbul, browse our listings. Each includes comprehensive information about the neighborhood, region and amenities such as shopping and transportation. If you want to view the property or receive more details via e-mail, just contact. As an experienced Turkish real estate agent with proven track record in apartment sales in Istanbul, we will advise and assist you during the purchase process.