Hidden Property Gems in Istanbul 2025 – Best Places to Invest

As the largest city in Turkey and its economic capital, Istanbul captures the world with its unique blend of East and West, ancient and modern. For international investors, opportunities are not found where tourists roam, but in places most buyers are overlooking. Seasoned buyers are looking at overlooked districts and finding higher returns, lower entry prices, and stronger lifestyle potential.

In 2025, Istanbul’s experienced and most successful investors are look at three specific real estate segments: affordable city centre apartments with Airbnb and short-term lettings approval, sea-view family homes along the Marmara coast, and properties within areas that are undergoing rapid urban regeneration.

1. Affordable City Centre Apartments (Şişli, Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş)

If you know where to look, you can still find affordable apartments within Istanbul’s city centre. Whilst luxury homes in Nişantaşı or Etiler have prices reaching multiple millions, a growing segment of boutique apartments can be found in Şişli, Beyoğlu, and parts of Beşiktaş with prices starting from $180,000 to $250,000.

Şişli, Beyoğlu, and Beşiktaş offer the following:

- Airbnb-friendly areas approved for short-term income.

- Walking distance to metro stations and attractions.

- High tenant demand: students, professionals, tourists.

- Net rental yields reaching up to 7% in some projects.

Offering long-term growth potential, high rental demand, and easy resale options, these areas provide a constant flow of urban professionals, expats, and younger generations looking for central properties, accessibility, and vibrant lifestyles with restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife aplenty.

Cameron Deggin, CEO of Property Turkey, says: “In central districts of Istanbul, demand almost always outpaces supply. If you’re buying in this bracket, you’re not just buying a property, you’re locking in long-term capital appreciation with daily rental cash flow.”

2. Sea View Family Homes (Pendik, Kartal, Maltepe)

It’s human nature, we are all drawn to water. The Marmara coastline in Istanbul, located east of the Bosphorus has become a hotspot for families and those with children – offering a slower pace of life and comfort without leaving the city.

Pendik, Kartal, and Maltepe offer the following:

- Superb panoramic sea views from apartments.

- Green parks, international schools, hospitals.

- New builds and family-friendly compounds.

- Great transport links: Marmaray and metro.

These areas offer wider roads, bike paths, coastal promenades, and cater perfectly towards growing families and outdoor lifestyles. Pendik is home to a world-class Marina and ferry for commuting across the city, Maltepe offers family attractions, cultural events, and festivals, and Kartal is strategically positioned to enhance long-term living.

Deggin says: “These districts combine nature, modern infrastructure, and a strong family-friendly community. For buyers wanting both a home and a horizon, this is where the real value lies.”

3. Gentrifying Central Districts (Kagithane, Eyüpsultan)

Undergoing rapid urban regeneration and transformation, Kagithane and Eyüpsultan are regularly seeing government investment, new Metro expansions, and developer projects. Kagithane is a firm favourite for young working professionals seeking access to Levent and Maslak. Eyüpsultan provides a mix of history and contemporary housing for families.

Kagithane and Eyüpsultan offer the following:

- Competitive prices per square metre.

- Rapid development and infrastructure.

- Very strong year round rental demand.

Appealing to both first-time buyers and international investors, new projects in these areas often come with flexible payment plans up to several years. With expanding Metro connections and easy connectivity towards financial districts and the city centre, rental yields are growing along with prices.

Deggin says: “Smart money always chases potential. And these areas have that in abundance, especially for investors who are entering the Turkish real estate market with a three to five year horizon.”

Avoid Hype: We Don’t Recommend Beylikdüzü or Kanal Istanbul

At Property Turkey, it is our duty to speak candidly with our clients. Just because some areas of Istanbul are marketed heavily, doesn’t mean that they always offer real value from an investment perspective.

Despite its proximity to the sea, Beylikdüzü on the European side of Istanbul suffers from an oversupply of available real estate. Prices have recently stagnated and rental performance is underwhelming. This does, however, provide good bargaining power for lifestyle buyers who are not concerned about rental income.

Likewise, Kanal Istanbul remains a speculative government concept – the timeline is currently unclear, and hype is high. Deggin says: “We don’t sell hope. We sell substance. And right now, substance not in these areas, it is in the city’s core and along its real coastal gems.”

Why Istanbul Property Still Makes Sense in 2025

In 2025, Istanbul remains one of the most promising and diverse real estate markets in the world. Istanbul continues to attract a wealth of local and international buyers with strategic investment opportunities, cultural heritage, incredible accessibility, and economic vitality.

1. Currency Advantage: The Turkish lira offers high value to buyers purchasing with stronger foreign currencies including USD, GBP, or EUR.

2. High Rental Demand: Rental demand in Istanbul continues to surge throughout the city, including central and strategic coastal districts.

3. Ongoing Infrastructure Investment: The continued expanding of the Metro system, urban regeneration, and logistics corridors are reshaping the city.

4. Citizenship by Investment: It is still possible to obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment in real estate, with a relatively low threshold set at $400,000 USD.

5. Lifestyle and Liveability: One of the most liveable cities in the region, Istanbul offers a range of international schools, healthcare facilities, large green parks, and transportation.

6. Capital Growth Potential: Property in Istanbul prices are rising, yet they still remain notably lower than other major global cities – ample room for growth.

Final Thoughts from Cameron Deggin

Deggin finishes by saying: “If I had $200,000 to invest in Istanbul today, I’d go straight into a renovated or well-located Airbnb-ready apartment in Şişli or Beyoğlu. If I wanted lifestyle for my family, I’d go for a sea-view home in Maltepe. And if I wanted to be ahead of the curve, I’d explore strategic projects in Kagithane or Eyüpsultan. The key to success in Istanbul is to stay grounded and stay smart.”

Are you ready to explore the hidden property gems of Istanbul? Our expert team are available to guide you through hand-selected properties that are tailored to your budget and goals. Book a free consultation with Property Turkey – whether you’re seeking rental income, family lifestyle, or long-term growth, our advisors are happy to answer all of your questions.

FAQs About Investing in Istanbul Property

What are the best districts in Istanbul for property investment in 2025?

Top areas include Şişli and Beyoğlu for Airbnb short-term income. Maltepe, Kartal, and Pendik for families. Kagithane and Eyüpsultan for early-stage investment.

Which Istanbul neighbourhoods are best for families?

Maltepe, Pendik, and Kartal are ideal choices for families with sea views, green parks, quality international schools, and excellent transportation.

Can I qualify for Turkish citizenship by buying property in Istanbul?

Yes. If you buy a property in Istanbul worth $400,000 USD and hold it for three years, you can qualify for Citizenship by Investment.

Are short-term rentals like Airbnb allowed in Istanbul?

Yes, in buildings approved by local municipalities. Şişli and Beyoğlu have several Airbnb-friendly projects available.

What kind of rental returns can I expect in Istanbul?

Net yields range from 5% to 7% annually, depending on location within the city, property type, and management fees applicable.

Is Istanbul still a good place to invest?

Absolutely. Istanbul in 2025 remains one of the most undervalued major cities in the global property market.

Are districts like Kagithane and Eyüpsultan safe investments?

Yes. These areas are undergoing urban regeneration with expanding Metro connections and rising rental demand – ideal for mid-term growth.

How can I check if a district is over-supplied or undervalued?

Ask us. We use valuation reports, rental data, and on-the-ground knowledge to advise on high-potential districts and to avoid oversupplied areas.