Istanbul’s construction boom has propelled the city into a new era of skyscrapers. The tall buildings, a symbol of modern city innovation, have popped up around the city like lofty mushrooms, changing the skyline and providing homes and offices for millions of city dwellers.

The proliferation of tall buildings in Istanbul means Turkey’s most populous city is the tallest in Europe, and will soon be one of the 15 countries with the most skyscrapers.

Currently ranked at number 24, Istanbul currently has 122 skyscrapers - slightly more than a third of number one-ranked Hong Kong, where there are 315 buildings over 150 metres tall - the global standard for skyscrapers.

Istanbul’s construction boom, driven by a steadily growing economy, aims to address housing needs of its citizens, with everyone the poor to the newly affluent middle classes clamouring for apartments in Istanbul.

Skyscrapers once housed commercial enterprises: headquarters of multinational corporations; glitzy big-brand hotels. Now, the buildings that tower over the mosques and old Ottoman homes in Istanbul are multi-purpose complexes, containing residential properties, offices, malls, leisure facilities - even hospitals.

Tall buildings are spreading out along both sides of the Bosphorus. On the European side, skyscrapers stretch from Bomonti, an up-and-coming business district, to Buyukdere, a main street in the city’s original financial district.

On the Asian side of the city, future home to the Istanbul Finance Centre - Turkey’s very own “Wall Street” - skyscraper construction is well underway, working to build the structures that will one day house the headquarters of some of the world’s best known institutions.

So far, there are no contenders to top Sapphire Tower, Turkey’s tallest building on the European side of Istanbul. The 54-floor, 261-high building in Levent was Turkey’s first ecological building and contains gardens, shops and luxury residences.

Cameron Deggin's pick of the city’s skyscraper property

Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin, who has invested in a number of tall-building projects in Istanbul, says skyscrapers are enduringly popular. “No other outlook can give you the same perspective on the variety of people in the world and the different ways they live. Apartments in Turkey 's largest city are more than just a home in the sky: they offer a bird’s eye view, as well as an oasis of calm in a very fast-paced city.”

They’re also typically surrounded by great amenities. “Because many skyscrapers hold a huge number of office workers, local neighborhoods around the buildings usually have a large number of places to eat and shop, and generally enjoy life.”

Deggin’s pick for skyscrapers that are beautifully designed - as well as excellent investment opportunities - include:

Atasehir

Home of the new financial district, Atasehir - or Turkey’s Wall Street - will be the new home to Turkey’s largest companies - as well as regional headquarters for some of the world’s largest corporations.

One hundred and fifty thousand new jobs will be created along with the financial centre, and Deggin says this is attracting both residents and investors seeking excellent profits and rental income, who are buying Atasehir developments at off-plan prices, Deggin says. “There’s a wide range of commercial and residential property in Atasehir that promises to be extremely lucrative in the mid-term.”

This modern development is tipped to be finished in the next few months, at which time it will jump a price point. Its sleek, modern exterior contains luxury homes, and excellent lifestyle facilities for residents. Travel links to the financial centre and around the city are excellent, says Deggin.

“This development will attract executive-level tenants, and will appreciate nicely in the two or three years following completion. The most favourable property deals in Atasehir are undoubtedly the projects with ground-floor prices, but this is one small exception that I think investors would do well to consider." 

Priced slightly lower, with units starting at £179,000, this Atasehir complex (right) is ideal for investors seeking steady rental income from upwardly mobile professionals working in the financial centre. “This is a solid investment option in a fast-growing, desirable area,” says Deggin.

Kadikoy

The historic district of Kadikoy is undergoing a transformation, and property being built here is appreciating rapidly in value due to its proximity to the Atasehir financial centre.

These residences will attract working families and young professionals with ties to the financial centre. One minute away from the Bosphorus Bridge, they’re ideally placed to connect with the wider city - and they’re right in the middle of a fast-growing district, where price rises are guaranteed. "This is a superb project, and the area in general is an ideal location for anyone looking for diverse ways to invest in Istanbul," says Deggin.

Bomonti

Bomonti has been transformed by development, turning it from a rundown district into one of the central city’s most expensive areas. These luxury apartments with hotel-style facilities have already appreciated in value - but there’s still room to move. Deggin invested in these projects a year ago, but says there are still opportunities in the complex. Read about his motives for investing in Bomonti here.

Sisli

The lofty Oxygen Residence is one of Istanbul’s newest skyscraper residences. It’s also one of its greenest, with gardens and recyclable systems driving low-cost energy for residents. Located in Sisli, one of the city’s most central areas, the Oxygen Residence is set to not only be a blueprint for future “green” buildings, but a solid investment and buy-to-let option in the heart of the city. "A great investment, central location and sustainable build - what's not to like?" asks Deggin.

Media Highway

Istanbul's third business district is attracting more and more interest from investors, thanks to the high quality builds on offer at entry-level prices, in an area that's well connected to the rest of the city. The government has ploughed millions of dollars into the area's infrastructure, improving roads and leisure facilities. These residences have been built with city commuters in mind: professionals who demand the best in quality and local facilities. The apartments represent a fantastic entry-level opportunity for investors wanting a solid option with long-term rental income and excellent capital gains.