Luxury Istanbul Districts and Property Market
Whether you want to live here or are just curious, the luxury areas of Istanbul portray the best of exclusive living in Turkey. Istanbul is to Turkey what London is to the UK, and purchasing property in prestigious neighbourhoods is to make it into the best circles of Turkish high society.
Apartments for sale in affluent neighbourhoods reach millions of pounds. At the same time, villas in leafy suburbs often give off panoramic Bosphorus views and are the epitome of lavish living. Real estate prices are the most expensive in Turkey, and the range of luxury homes highlights why. As real estate agents, we have many luxury apartments and villas in our books, but let's look at affluent neighbourhoods where luxurious lifestyles are the norm.
8 Luxury Areas of Istanbul
1: Levent District
Due to Istanbul's growth in international business markets, increasing demand for one-bedroom luxurious properties near business districts keeps architects and builders on their toes. Buyers want clean but inviting environments where they can relax. One example is Levent district, where off-plan, new and resale high-end property projects are in high demand.
Located on the European side, Levent, a central business district, is home to Turkey's tallest skyscraper. People searching for property are young professionals, and apartments like this provide just what they want to match their fast-moving lifestyle, and real estate investors can count on the long-term popularity.
2: Nisantasi Neighbourhood: Home of the Creatives
On the European side, this exclusive district of top boutiques, luxurious real estate options, excellent amenities, high-end restaurants, and cultural events promote elegant social structures. Several embassies, consulates, and city universities are located here, alongside international hotels like the Hilton Bosphorus.
Characterised by elegant architecture, tree-lined streets, and attractive parks and public spaces, the district's property market is among the most upmarket but popular with wealthy residents and expatriates. Nisantasi belongs to the high-profile Sisli district that also houses the Trump Towers and is home to notable landmarks like the Istanbul Military Museum, Turk Telekom stadium, four shopping malls, and two of the city's tallest skyscrapers.
3: Bebek for Nostalgic Real Estate Experiences
Sitting with Arnavutkoy, Bebek is the Bosphorus's trendy darling, where rich people hang out. Its name translates as "baby", and locals know it for its stunning views. Bebek has always featured an upmarket society since the days of Ottoman summer places. Locals come for breakfast, walk the promenade, and then people-watch in seaside cafes and bars.
After dark, Bebek also turns into a place to party until dawn. The area isn't the place to head for high-end shopping centres, but it is where to be seen and admire the historic mansions. Rental properties are hard to come by, and if they do feature, they command top prices simply because of their famous reputation.
4: Arnavutkoy Seaside Neighbourhood- Front Row Access to the Bosphorus
Also boasting seaside mansions, Arnavutkoy, in Besiktas, is everything a charming fishing village should be. During weekends, day-trippers from other areas flock to enjoy the laidback lifestyle and dine in famous seafood restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. Often called the most beautiful village, the name means "Albanian village," reflecting the multicultural history.
This is where cultural values are seen alongside the wide variety of upmarket restaurants. Like Bebek, the array of property types stems around the historic mansions, but new homes present an exciting life for those who can afford it.
5: Sariyer - Most Expensive European District
Sariyer, a much-desired district with nostalgic characteristics, has many gated communities that present upmarket apartments and villas for sale. For permanent residences with laidback vibes, Kilyos Beach has potential with modern villas and beautiful views. Those stunning sea views make this a prime coastal district, although the sea can sometimes be rough.
Belgrade Forest was a private hunting ground for sultan royalty and their entourage, yet these days, Sariyer is a favourite green spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Buyukdere’s real estate market has exploded in recent years, with luxury apartments. Sitting between Emirgan and Yenikoy, Istinye easily attracts affluent residents. At the same time, Istinye Park is a high-profile shopping mall with Turkish and international brand names, food courts, and entertainment options.
Religious places of worship give an insight into Yenikoy's cultural heritage, and the middle-class atmosphere has taken off in recent years as more residential areas gain traction in Istanbul's housing market. Since the location is close to business districts, many residents commute daily. While the rest of Sariyer moves at leisurely paces, the Maslak business district is fast-paced and an ever-evolving hub. It differs because tall skyscrapers dominate the property market.
6: Beykoz Because Location Matters
Beykoz is easily attracted by its scenic waterfront views, green hills, and Belgrade Forest. It also has several historic landmarks, including the Beykoz Kundura, a famous Ottoman-era factory that produced traditional felt and leather footwear. Today, the Kundura Cultural Centre and Museum hosts various exhibitions and events. Beykoz offers vibrant street life through multiple shops, restaurants, cafes, and bustling local markets and blends nature and history into expensive areas to live.
7: Beyoglu for Iconic Landmarks and Modern Amenities
Throughout history, Beyoglu has hosted many foreigners and still does today. Neighbourhoods like Cihangir now command cosmopolitan reputations, attracting various nationalities with their prime location. International schools are nearby, and the range of global and domestic brand names perfectly suits their lifestyle.
Some foreigners rent, while others buy property. Although Beyoglu commands higher prices, its central location, international reputation, and proximity to amenities make this real estate investment worthwhile. The beating heart is the 1.6-mile-long Istiklal street, which millions of people walk up and down every day.
However, an exciting aspect for tourists is 19th-century historical buildings featuring Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture. The historical red tram also appears as Beyoglu's local public transportation and mascot in travel magazines. The nightlife in Beyoglu is the best in Europe, and this is also a central hub for public transportation options. The Karakoy neighbourhood, which has the famed Galata Tower, is another prestigious place to live.
8: Etiler in the Besiktas District
Belonging to the Besiktas district and sitting alongside Levent and Maslak, Etiler's residential buildings promote another elite circle. This popular location for beautiful homes boasts the famous Akmerkez shopping experience, which also has a residential tower of 24 luxury apartments boasting unparalleled views.
From bustling street life to exclusive restaurants and world-class shopping centres, to buy in Etiler is to tap into fine luxury residences that make for ideal investment opportunities. The reputation is solid, and there is convenient access to the Beyoglu Centre. Nispetiye Street is where the wealthy flock for upscale boutiques and the showcase of international standards but with Turkish twists.
Bosphorus Yali Houses - Most Expensive Properties
These waterfront properties and beautiful scenery attract the most attention when considering luxury residential homes for sale. Although they are not modern buildings, they are still a focal point for upmarket social circles and a destination for tourists who want to see Turkey's most expensive homes. Prices are often undisclosed until buyers prove intention and, more importantly, have the cash to follow through.
Due to its strategic position, the Bosphorus is one of the world's most important waterways with amazing views, which automatically bumps the price of any property up considerably. However, the history of this area also contributes to the hefty purchase prices.
Often built from wood and handed down through generations of families, Yali houses' elaborate architecture, accompanied by luxurious furnishings, antiques, and waterfront transportation, is a historical feature and a statement of wealth and influence. Such is the high-profile status of Yali houses and the secret world regarding selling and buying them, which the mainstream housing market rarely features.
In an article from 2013, the Wall Street Journal said…
"Possibly the most expensive home for sale is the 19th century Zeki Pasha Yali, in Rumelihisari, the narrowest point of the Bosporus, near a historic castle. French architect Alexandre Vallaury built the mansion for Zeki Pasha, an artillery commander during Sultan Abdulhamid II's reign. The 150-year-old, five-story Baroque-style mansion is about 32,280 square feet, with a 43,000-square-foot garden and a pier about 425 feet long. The owner is asking $155 million."
Glance at Istanbul Property Prices and Colourful Streets
Of course, to buy a luxury property in Istanbul, you would want an affluent residential neighbourhood to match. Some exciting results come in if we look at the latest average prices per square meter. To date, the most expensive neighbourhoods with residential communities are...
- Sariyer at 3,224 €/m2
- Beşiktaş at 3,146 €/m2
- Kadikoy at 2,714 €/m2
- Beykoz at 2,667 €/m2
- Bakırköy at 2264.
Certain city centre streets also stand out thanks to their shopping and nightlife scenes alongside the vast range of properties that promote city living at its finest. Bagdat Avenue has been the perfect destination for luxury real estate since the 1960s and has seen massive increases in property values. Modern apartments here give doorstep access to high-end shopping, upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, luxurious hotels, designer boutiques, and popular tourist destinations in Asian Istanbul.
Of course, Istiklal Avenue in European Istanbul commands a more famous international reputation. The area also offers cultural significance, as high society and embassy staff mixed during the 19th and 20th centuries when it was called Pera. You won't find any residential complexes here, but rather homes with exceptionally architectural details sitting alongside cultural institutions and historical monuments. Hosting millions of tourists and locals weekly, it isn't somewhere to go if you don't like crowds.
Abdi Ipekci Street is another attractive destination. Sitting in the Sisli district and boasting of active nightlife scenes and many cafes, this is where to go for high-end social networking opportunities. This is the ideal destination for luxurious living.
Our Luxury Homes and Services in Istanbul
We are Turkey Homes, selling luxury villas and apartments throughout the city. Whether you want to buy in a popular destination or historic streets or tap into the luxurious amenities of Turkey's largest city, we can help. Istanbul's strategic location makes it the most prominent market for elegant homes in Turkey, and navigating it can be stressful unless you have us by your side.
Our expert knowledge of development projects and promising investment opportunities has enabled us to help hundreds of buyers. Call us today and chat with an agent about luxury areas of Istanbul, or see our range of private villas and apartments in this ideal location.
Istanbul
