There are many excellent investment opportunities when investing in real estate in Beyoglu, Istanbul. With a city of this magnitude, it is easy to see why investors regularly ask us where the prime and most opportune markets lie in Istanbul, an alpha city that never stops. As many historical cities suffer from ageing, forming slums and ghettos in their city centres is inevitable. So, what do you do to bring those centres back to life? The transformation of lagging areas of city centres is seen worldwide, from London to New York to Paris, and Istanbul is no different. One area that has undergone transformation over the last 30 years is Beyoglu, and alongside the modern shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks are prime residence spots for house sales.
Beyoglu, a central location of European Istanbul on the north bank of the Golden Horn, is often called the new part. The Fatih district, on a historical peninsula on the opposite side of the Golden Horn, is nicknamed the old part since this is where the Byzantine and Ottoman empires ruled.
An essential part of this vibrant city, Beyoglu is young, hip, and busy, with charming features like a nostalgic tram, cosy cafes, and famous restaurants. The friendly buzz of this district rising from the ashes to become the new centre for urban life easily attracts young city dwellers and trendy modern business people.
Modern lifestyles combine with historical landmarks such as Galata Bridge and Galata Tower, leading up to the famous Istiklal Avenue and Taksim Square. This is a favoured spot for investment, with heavy development resulting in powerful property opportunities. These days, Beyoglu, an old and historic district, is also an important commercial and business hub.
Pera is the former name of Beyoğlu, and during Ottoman times, was the district for foreign consulates. Once a cosmopolitan hub for Europeans and locals alike, particularly in the 19th century. This district saw an influx of foreign nationals, and the influence on Istanbul’s architecture and culture is still evident today.
One iconic landmark, the Pera Palace Ottoman-era Hotel, opened in 1892 to cater to European visitors arriving by train via the famous Orient Express. The hotel is a literary landmark, because Agatha Christie wrote her renowned novel, Murder on the Orient Express here.
Another notable site, Pera Art Museum, houses an impressive Turkish and international art collection. Among famous exhibits, The Tortoise Trainer (1906), a painting by Turkish artist Osman Hamdi Bey, is the most expensive painting in Turkish art history. The Pera Museum highlights classical and contemporary works, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
Without a doubt, Istiklal Caddesi is the central heart. Forget about impressive high-rise buildings, but instead, many low-rise historical apartments dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Many hotel residences are here and enjoy a constant footprint of tourists. There aren't any detached villas for sale since this is all about urban living, but the connection with history adds charm alongside the excellent shopping opportunities.
Historic landmarks on and around the street include the Saint Anthony of Padua church and flower passage, which earned their name from Russian women selling flowers there after they fled the early 20th-century Russian revolution. A few streets away is the famous landmark of French Street, famed for the outdoor pavement cafes and live music.
Because of previous massive development and regeneration, Beyoglu is a hotspot for real estate investments. Called by the Beyoglu Council as the ‘Great Transformation', the astronomical renovation project saw massive transformation in selected parts of Tarlabasi, breathing life into the area and increasing housing values, rental potential, investment opportunities, and growth.
Purchasing a historic building in Beyoglu would allow real estate investors to tap into the city's cultural heritage. Additionally, commercial properties in this area command high property prices, and high rental yields. If you want a hotel investment, this would be the place to do it. The customs and trade are there since Beyoglu is popular with both tourists and locals.
With the renovation process well complete, many young businessmen and city workers moved here to benefit from the superb location and great access around the city. Historic buildings are renovated into luxury properties to attract elite-level business people and dwellers into purchasing or renting a luxury apartment. This means that owners benefit from high rental income and great re-sell value as the area further develops.
Although there are various properties, most are residential properties. In recent years, modern apartments have been built. However, Beyoglu earns fame for the 19th—and 20th-century art nouveau architecture style. These homes can reach upwards of six figures or more because of their prime location and cultural heritage. Additionally, there is a scarcity of land available for building in Beyoglu, and given that it is one of two central locations, the primary property type is apartments, not villas.
If you want cheap apartments, this isn't the place to look. High demand and low supply push the prices up, but Beyoglu is a prime district. If you want more affordable apartments, look to the Esenyurt area or expanding outskirt districts that offer cheaper prices per square metre.
There are 45 neighbourhoods in this strategic location, which sit within 21 official quarters. However, some real estate options are more popular for investors and those looking to live here. The investment potential is there, with attractive options on every corner.
Charming Cukurcuma: Located between Cihangir and Galata, as a charming and atmospheric neighbourhood, Cukurcuma earns fame for blending history, art, and bohemian spirit. Famous for antique shops, narrow cobblestone streets, and well-preserved 19th-century Ottoman buildings, the unique character attracts artists, collectors, and history enthusiasts. The neighbourhood features the Museum of Innocence, founded by Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk, which brings his novel of the same name to life.
Galata for Historical Charm: At the heart of this area stands the medieval Galata Tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Once home to Genoese traders and a diverse community, Galata still carries traces of the multicultural past, reflected in synagogues, churches, and Ottoman-era buildings. Today, artists, musicians, and creatives flock to the thriving arts and music scene. Located between Karakoy and Istiklal Avenue, Galata perfectly blends old-world charm with modern energy, making it one of Istanbul’s most captivating areas to explore.
Prestigious Galatasaray: This lively and historically rich district centres around Galatasaray Square, along Istiklal Avenue. Galatasaray High School, one of Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, was founded here in 1481 during Ottoman times. The bustling hub with numerous shops, bookstores, and cafés lining the streets, is a key meeting point attracting locals and tourists. The nearby Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage) and Balık Pazarı (Fish Market) offer traditional Istanbul, with restaurants, meyhanes (Turkish taverns), and street food vendors. Galatasaray is a vibrant intersection of Istanbul’s past and present, blending European-style architecture with a deep-rooted Ottoman legacy.
Karakoy on the Bosphorus Strait: Karaköy waterfront district is where the city’s rich past meets modern culture. Once a bustling trade and port hub during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, Karaköy has transformed into a trendy neighbourhood filled with stylish cafés, boutique hotels, contemporary galleries, and designer shops. The Kamondo Stairs, an elegant Art Nouveau staircase built by the influential Kamondo family, is here. A key highlight of Karaköy is Galataport Istanbul, called Galata Cruise Ship Port, a massive redevelopment project that turned Istanbul into a world-class cruise destination. This modern cruise terminal welcomes international ships while offering a lively promenade with restaurants, luxury stores, and cultural venues, all with stunning Bosphorus views. With charm, artistic energy, and contemporary urban life, Karaköy is an exciting district.
Taksim for Cultural Attractions: Taksim is an important cultural, commercial, and transportation hub. At the centre of Taksim Square stands the Republic Monument (Independence Monument), erected in 1928 to commemorate Turkey’s War of Independence and the founding of the Republic, featuring statues of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and other key figures. Adjacent to the square is Gezi Park, offering peaceful escapes from urban life, while nearby Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM), a striking modernist building hosts opera, ballet, theatre, and concerts, symbolising Istanbul’s vibrant arts scene. Taksim, a central transportation hub, also connects various districts through metro lines, buses, and the nostalgic Istiklal Avenue tram.
Tophane: Tophane waterfront district, known for its Ottoman heritage, cultural landmarks, and evolving arts scene, was once an important military and industrial zone during the Ottoman era. Tophane takes its name from the Tophane-i Amire, a former cannon foundry built in the 15th century, that is today, an art gallery under Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, hosting contemporary exhibitions. One of Tophane’s most iconic landmarks, Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque, is a stunning 16th-century structure designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, featuring an elegant dome and a historic hammam (Turkish bath).
Cihangir: Although not a quarter, but an official neighbourhood, Cihangir earns much fame in property markets as a great place to live. This charming neighbourhood with artistic atmospheres, and historic architecture, nestles between Taksim and Çukurcuma. Cihangir has long been a favourite spot for artists, expats, writers, and intellectuals, offering relaxed yet vibrant lifestyles. Named after Şehzade Cihangir, the son of Sultan Süleyman, the Magnificent, elegant 19th-century apartment buildings, boutique cafés, and independent bookstores, line both sides of winding streets. Cihangir is famous for laid-back café cultures, with spots like Firuzağa Kahvesi serving as gathering places for locals and creatives. The proximity to İstiklal Avenue and Galata makes it an ideal location to experience both the old and modern sides of Istanbul.
Some properties attract international investors because they are eligible for Turkish citizenship through the property investment program. This is where foreign nationalities buy property worth $400,000 or more and pledge to keep it for at least three years. In return for paying these real estate prices, they receive full citizenship for themselves and their family to live, work, and study precisely as locals. It's an attractive choice for property investors to buy a modern residence and receive a golden visa simultaneously. (Learn more here.)
This depends on your budget, your investment goals, and your lifestyle preferences. For example, some areas specialise in brand-new construction villas, while other regions like Maslak feature tall skyscraper living. Remember that Istanbul's city centre, Turkey's largest city, has 39 official districts and thousands of neighbourhoods. This bustling city centre spreads across the Asian and European sides.
Many people buy in outskirts districts like Bahçeşehir, Buyukcekmece and Kucukcekmece because of the large lifestyle residences where you can pay for an apartment in Instalments. For luxury property, look to the Sisli district and neighbourhoods where you can view apartments for sale overlooking the Bosphorus strait. Sariyer is the most expensive district for property prices, whereas Esenyurt offers affordable property prices.
You will be pleased to know that the buying process is straightforward and fast for foreign property buyers. Firstly, you need a Turkish tax number to open bank accounts. Then, look at real estate for sale; once you decide on your dream property, we kick into action and help you apply for the transfer of title deeds and all other aspects, like contracts with your lawyer and valuation reports. (More about the purchase process.)
Use Our Services in the Real Estate Market
As Turkey specialists, we provide complete guidance for investors on their search by helping negotiate the price, legal processes and formalities, professionally prepared residual valuations, and market research reports. With Istanbul's economic potential and the global attention of tourists, buying real estate is an exciting opportunity. You can browse properties for sale in Beyoglu here. Just use the contact details to receive more information or arrange a viewing. Alternatively, call us today and chat more with an agent about investing in real estate in Beyoglu.