Bustling bazaars selling everything from glittering lamps and hand-painted ceramics to exotic spices and Turkish delight. An eclectic mix of restaurants serving up mezze and flatbreads as well as every type of international cuisine you can think of, and the hypnotic call to prayer that reverberates through the city every single evening. Istanbul is an alluring mix of east-meets-west, an enchanting land, filled with wonder, yet with all the conveniences of modern life.

With more than 16 million residents, Istanbul is the 15th largest city in the world and the largest city in Europe by population (1). Spanning two continents (Europe and Asia) and divided by the Bosporus Strait, Istanbul offers multiple neighbourhoods, each offering something different in terms of lifestyle and budget. This could make deciding where to buy in the sprawling metropolis a little overwhelming. So, to break it down, we’ve compiled this list of the five desirable areas for house buyers…

 

1. Beylikduzu

Located on the European side of Istanbul, to the west of the city centre, Beylikduzu is a rapidly developing district that’s suitable for expats due to its affordable housing and modern amenities.

Wide streets, green spaces and good schools make Beylikduzu an ideal spot for families. Plus, the ongoing development of infrastructure means house prices are expected to rise, which makes it an appealing area for long-term investors too.

 

2. Basaksehir

 

Basaksehir is one of the quieter districts on the European side, making it best suited to families and retirees.

A relatively new district, houses here are modern and spacious with up-to-date amenities. Compared to more central districts like Besiktas, Kadiköy or Levent, Basaksehir offers more affordable real estate options.

There are plenty of parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and fitness centres in the area, as well as several international schools and excellent healthcare facilities.

 

3. Üsküdar

The traditional, more conservative district of Üsküdar, on the Asian side, is ideal for those seeking a quiet, laid-back lifestyle while still having easy access to the city centre.

With its parks, gardens and scenic promenade, the district is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities like walking, jogging and cycling.

You can find both modern apartments and older, more traditional homes at reasonable prices in Üsküdar, making it an attractive option for expats who want to live in a central area without paying premium prices. Expect to pay more for a property with views of the Bosporus Strait, though.

 

4. Besiktas

Again located on the European side of Istanbul, Besiktas is one of the city’s most prestigious areas. Etiler and Levent are two of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the district, with luxury apartments typically starting at £800,000.

More affordable neighbourhoods include Kültür and Gayrettepe. However, a central location, excellent transport links, some of the city’s best schools and beautiful waterfront views mean you’ll likely pay more for a home here than other areas of the city.

 

5. Kadiköy

Kadiköy, to the east of the city, is famous for its lively, bohemian atmosphere, rich history and vibrant culture. Its waterfront cafes, theatres, art galleries and excellent transport links to the west make it popular with expats, artists and young professionals.

Compared to the busy – and often chaotic – west, Kadiköy is more relaxed, attracting families and retirees looking for a slower pace with enough going on to keep them from feeling bored.

Property in Kadiköy is generally more affordable than in upscale neighbourhoods like Nisantasi or Bebek on the European side of the city. However, houses in desirable areas such as Moda and Bağdat Avenue, tend to cost slightly more.

 

Get the guide

If you’re looking to buy a home in Istanbul but you’re finding the process a little overwhelming, download our free Turkey Buying Guide, where you’ll find lots of helpful information about buying property in Turkey.

 

Currency Zone

For guidance on managing your exposure to the ever-changing currency markets, head to our Currency Zone. We partner with Smart Currency Exchange, an FCA-authorised currency specialist. Choosing to work with a currency specialist rather than your high-street bank will enable you to benefit from their competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge. For more information, head to our Currency Zone.

Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove

 

Sources: (1) ‘Largest Cities by Population’ World Population Review