Why Now Is the Best Time to Invest in Istanbul’s Real Estate Market

07 Mar 2025

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Istanbul is a strategically positioned global city, with a real estate market that is arguably more lucrative than ever before. Istanbul is THE city to invest in property at this point in time, with current booming infrastructure projects, an increased demand at foreign countries’ investors, favourable market surroundings and so on.

This guide covers the top reasons that make it the right time to invest in Istanbul real estate and how investors can make the most of it.

1. Property Prices Are Still Affordable Compared to Global Markets

1.1 Istanbul Offers One of the Lowest Price-Per-Square-Meter Costs

Compared to other major cities like London, New York, or Dubai, Istanbul remains one of the most affordable real estate markets in the world.

City	Average Price per m² in City Center (USD)	Average Apartment Price (100m²)
Istanbul	$3,000 – $6,000	$300,000 – $600,000
London	$15,000 – $20,000	$1.5M – $2M
New York	$12,000 – $18,000	$1.2M – $1.8M
Dubai	$6,000 – $12,000	$600,000 – $1.2M

✅ Why Now? Prices in emerging districts like Küçükçekmece, Başakşehir, and Beylikdüzü are still undervalued, but expected to rise as new infrastructure is completed.

2. Istanbul’s Mega Projects Are Driving Property Appreciation

Over the country, the Turkish government is pouring billions into large-scale infrastructure and urban transformation projects, creating demand for and driving up real estate prices.

2.1 Key Mega Projects Increasing Property Values

✔ Kanal Istanbul – Expected to boost property value in Küçükçekmece - Arnavutköy - Başakşehir.

✔ Istanbul Financial Center – Aiming to transform Ataşehir into Turkey’s Wall Street and entice global enterprises.

✔ Transformed Istanbul Airport – Increasing demand in Arnavutköy and Eyüpsultan

✔New Metro Lines — Connecting newly developed areas such as Beylikdüzü, Esenyurt and Sancaktepe.

📊 Expected Appreciation: 20-30% increase in property value every year, making now the best time to invest before prices peak huren huizen.

3. High Rental Yields & Strong Rental Demand

The best cities for rental income — and Istanbul presents the best option:

✔ Increasing population (16+ million citizens).

✔ Very highly in demand by expats, students and professionals.

✔ Demand from tourists for short-term rental.

3.1 Istanbul’s Rental Yields vs. Other Global Cities

City	Average Rental Yield (%)
Istanbul	5% – 8%
London	2% – 4%
New York	3% – 5%
Dubai	5% – 7%

✅ Why Now? Investors are aware that rents are on the up, so it is a fantastic time to purchase before rental yields fall as property prices increase.

4. Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program

They can even apply for Turkish citizenship with an investment in real estate of $400,000 or more, which makes it an even more appealing investment opportunity.

4.1 Why Turkish Citizenship is a Great Benefit

✔ Get passport in 3-6 month expedite.

✔No need for a Visa for ~110+ countries.

✔ Does not require you to reside in Turkey

✔ All family members qualified (spouse + kids under 18 covered).

✅ Why Now? The minimum $ 250,000 investment requirement has already jumped to $ 400,000, and it may increase again, so this is the best time to apply.

5. The Turkish Lira Advantage: More Buying Power for Foreign Investors

5.1 Favorable Exchange Rates

The volatility of the Turkish Lira (TRY) against USD and EUR has created now a tremendous purchasing power for foreign investors.

Year	Exchange Rate (USD/TRY)	Property Value in USD ($400,000 Equivalent in TRY)
2020	1 USD = 7 TRY	2,800,000 TRY
2023	1 USD = 18 TRY	7,200,000 TRY
2024	1 USD = 30 TRY	12,000,000 TRY

✅ Why Now? In Turkish Lira, property prices are on the stable side, while in the case of foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP) real estate is much cheaper as the value of Turkish Lira decreases you have an exchange rate benefit.

6. Strong Government Support & Foreign Investment Incentives

The Turkish Government helps foreign investors through:

✔ VAT tax exemptions for first-time foreign buyers.

✔ Foreign ownership of property allowed.

✔ Residency and citizenship programs on the fast track.

✔ In the long run, financial incentives for the property developers, resulting in lower prices.

✅ Why Now? Turkey is very much inclined to foreign capital; the policies are still in favor of the investor, but future tax changes or a policy change can limit these benefits.

7. Istanbul’s Growing International Appeal

Istanbul is increasingly becoming the focal point of global investments for reasons like:

✔ It’s the geographical location connecting two continents, Europe and Asia.

✔ An expanding expat community and business presence.

✔ A strong tourism industry (over 45 million visitors each year).

7.1 Rising Demand from International Buyers

Investors from the Gulf seeking second homes.
Retirees in Europe looking for affordable luxury.
Citizenship response for Asian investors.

📈 Istanbul visits by foreigners increased by 76% in the last 5 years, showing how much the world are loving this city more and more.

✅ Why Now? With foreign investors flooding into the cryptocurrency market, competition will become fiercer, and prices will start to rise, making it the best time for you to invest.

Final Thoughts: Why 2024 Is the Best Time to Invest in Istanbul

✔ Low property prices relative to global cities – But increasing quickly!

✔ Infrastructure projects uplift property valuations.

✔ Good rental yield & good rental demand.

✔ Investment opportunity for Turkey citizenship

✔ Good exchange rates leading to cheaper properties for foreigners.

Buying now means they can get in on prime real estate at a viciously low price with escalating appreciation, ultimately reaping the financial benefits in the long-run.

📢 TL;DR: This is the moment for Istanbul real estate—those who act today will gain enormous profits tomorrow.