Best Districts in Istanbul for Living and Investment in 2025
Istanbul is a megacity located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where each district has its own unique character and investment potential. It is one of the most popular cities in Turkey among foreigners purchasing real estate.
The choice of district depends on the purpose and budget of the planned purchase. Many of our clients buy property to obtain Turkish citizenship or a residence permit. Below we’ll look at the most sought-after and promising districts for living and investing.
Elite Districts of Istanbul
Sisli (Şişli)
District Overview:
Şişli is one of the most prestigious business and residential districts on the European side of Istanbul. It features skyscrapers, offices of international companies, and major shopping malls. Key landmarks include Istanbul Cevahir and City’s Nişantaşı shopping centers, Trump Towers, the American Hospital, and the major Mecidiyeköy transport hub.Price per sqm:
According to Endeksa, the average housing price in Şişli is about 64,422 Turkish lira (~$1,622) per square meter.⚠️ Note: The average price includes both older housing stock and new developments. In elite new projects, prices start at $6,000/sqm, and in low-rise boutique projects — from $10,000/sqm. The high cost is due to limited supply and the prestige of the location.
Transport & Infrastructure:
Excellent transport access: metro, buses, proximity to main highways. Nearby are hospitals, private and international schools, fitness centers, cafés, and restaurants.Who it's for:
Professionals, investors, and those who value prestige, urban lifestyle, and high comfort.Besiktas (Beşiktaş)
District Overview:
Beşiktaş is a prestigious district along the Bosphorus with developed infrastructure and luxury residential complexes. It is home to the Zorlu Center — one of Istanbul’s best malls with luxury brand stores, restaurants, and a concert hall.The area also includes the famous Dolmabahçe and Çırağan Palaces, Maçka and Yıldız parks, and elite neighborhoods like Bebek and Etiler, where property prices average about $6,350/sqm.
Beşiktaş offers one of the highest qualities of life in Turkey in 2025. It is also known for its sports infrastructure — the Beşiktaş JK football club is based here. Investors value this area for stable demand and rental yields of 5–7% per year.
Prices:
According to Endeksa, the average property price in Beşiktaş is about 135,800 TL (~$3,500) per sqm.Transport & Infrastructure:
Excellent transport access: ferries, metro, bus routes. It’s home to top universities:- Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
- Yıldız Technical University
- Bahçeşehir University
As well as elite private schools and medical facilities.
Who it's for:
Families, luxury real estate investors, and those seeking an upscale urban life in a prestigious waterfront location.Beyoglu (Beyoğlu)
District Overview:
Beyoğlu is the cultural and historical center of European Istanbul. The famous Istiklal Street with its vintage tram, boutiques, and brand-name shops, along with Taksim Square, are among the city’s most visited spots.Cihangir, a favorite area of Turkish actors and artists, is located here — many choose to live here permanently. The Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, is also located in Beyoğlu. Visible from nearly every point along the Bosphorus, the tower dates back to the 6th century.
A state-led renovation program is underway in Beyoğlu, including one of the city’s largest residential complexes. Buyers of these properties benefit from:
- Exemption from stamp duty
- No TAPU registration tax
- Reduced VAT — only 1% for the first 150 sqm
Learn more about this property:
Price per sqm:
According to Endeksa, the average price is about 67,325 TL (~$1,730) per square meter.Transport & Infrastructure:
Excellent metro, tram, and bus connections. The area has a wealth of cultural, educational, and entertainment facilities — museums, theaters, galleries, bars, and creative hubs.Who it's for:
Young people, creative professionals, rental business investors, and those wanting to live at the heart of Istanbul’s cultural scene.Kadikey (Kadıköy)
District Overview:
Kadıköy is the main residential and cultural district on Istanbul’s Asian side. It’s a green, lively, and trendy area with a youthful vibe, markets, restaurants, and the picturesque Moda waterfront. Living in Kadıköy means walking along the coast, having breakfast on rooftops with views of the Princes' Islands, and taking ferries to the European side.A key highlight is Bağdat Street — one of the liveliest and most prestigious shopping and leisure streets on the Asian side. It features stylish boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and Bosphorus views from select locations.
The prestigious Marmara University is located here, making the area attractive to students and professionals.
Price per sqm:
According to Endeksa, the average property price is 130,935 TL (~$3,357) per square meter.Transport & Infrastructure:
Well-developed transport network:- Ferries to the European side
- Metro and buses
- Many green areas
- Educational and healthcare facilities
Who it's for:
Families, professionals, and those who value a high quality of life, strong infrastructure, and a stylish urban environment.Example property:
📌 Affordable real estate in KadıköyPromising Districts of Istanbul
Atasehir (Ataşehir)
District Overview:
Ataşehir is a new financial hub and a district with a modern lifestyle. It has developed rapidly in recent years, formerly part of Kadıköy, now with its own municipality. The local government is shaping the area based on modern standards, ensuring social needs are met — parks, leisure zones, wide roads, and convenient access to major city highways.Ataşehir is known for Ülker Sports Arena, owned by Fenerbahçe — one of Turkey’s largest sports clubs.
A great place for family walks is the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden.
Real estate in the area is influenced by important institutions such as:
- Acıbadem and Yeditepe Universities
- Metropol Istanbul and Palladium malls
Price per sqm:
According to Endeksa, the average price is 63,649 TL (~$1,632) per square meter.Transport & Infrastructure:
Good connections to the city center with metro lines and bus routes. New schools, hospitals, and residential complexes are actively being built.Who it's for:
Investors, young families, and those seeking a promising district with modern new developments.Sarıyer
District Overview:
Sarıyer is located along the coast and surrounded by green areas and natural parks. The district is known for its peaceful ambiance and luxury real estate — villas and cottages with Bosphorus views. Key landmarks include Emirgan Park, Koç University, and the famous Belgrad Forest.Sarıyer is popular among diplomats, professors, and entrepreneurs who prefer peace and comfort away from city noise.
Price per sqm:
According to Endeksa, the average price is 133,237 TL ($3,416) per sqm.In elite neighborhoods like Pınar, Poligon, and İstinye, prices reach 296,768 TL($7,600) per sqm.
Transport & Infrastructure:
Serviced by metro and bus routes. Well-developed social and educational infrastructure.Who it's for:
Those who appreciate nature, privacy, and a high standard of living in an elite part of the city.Example property:
🔗Properties in Sarıyer
Kartal
District Overview:
Kartal is a rapidly developing district on the Asian side of Istanbul, known for its convenient transportation links and relatively affordable real estate prices. Modern residential complexes with full infrastructure and panoramic views of the Princes' Islands are actively being built here.One of the highlights of the area is the scenic Aydos Forest (Aydos Ormanı) — a perfect spot for walks, picnics, and family outings in nature. Dragos Hill (Dragos Tepesi) and the Kartal coastline are also popular, offering stunning views and a pleasant atmosphere.
Price per m²:
According to Endeksa, the average property price in Kartal is 57,784 TRY (approx. $1,481) per square meter.Transport and Infrastructure:
The area boasts excellent transport connections, including metro, bus lines, and ferry routes that provide easy access to other parts of the city. Kartal is also actively growing in terms of commercial, social, and educational infrastructure.Ideal for:
Families, young professionals, and investors seeking quality housing at a reasonable price.Sample Listing:
🔗 New project with government guarantee and citizenship eligibility — no valuation report payment required.Comparative Table of Istanbul Districts
| District | Price per m² ($) | Character | Ideal for | Residence Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Şişli | $1,622–$10,000 | Business | Investors, professionals | ✅ |
| Beşiktaş | $3,500–$6,350 | Prestigious | Wealthy families | ✅ |
| Beyoğlu | ~$1,730 | Historic | Youth, creatives | ✅ |
| Kadıköy | ~$3,357 | Trendy | Couples, families | ✅ |
| Sarıyer | ~$3,416–$7,600 | Natural/Secluded | VIP buyers, privacy seekers | ✅ |
| Ataşehir | ~$1,632 | Modern | Young families | ✅ |
| Kartal | ~$1,600 | Emerging | First-time investors | ✅ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which district should I choose for buying real estate in Istanbul?
It depends on your goals: choose Şişli or Beşiktaş for prestige and investment potential; Kadıköy for family life; Ataşehir and Kartal for growth opportunities.Can I get a residence permit in these districts?
Yes, if you buy real estate worth at least $200,000, you can apply for a residence permit.Which districts are best for rental income?
Şişli, Beyoğlu, and Beşiktaş can yield 6–8% annually with short-term rentals.Conclusion:
The best district in Istanbul depends on your goals: for comfortable living, consider Şişli, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Beyoğlu. For promising investments, Ataşehir and Kartal are ideal.Looking to find the right property in Istanbul?
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