Whether you’re purchasing a permanent residence, investment property, or holiday home, Turkey’s well-developed cities are an excellent choice. These diverse locations range from busy metropolitan business hubs to relaxed coastal areas close to superb beaches.
Many foreign national buyers need to weigh up several factors, such as the average property price, local amenities and facilities, the distance to the closest international airport, the availability of high-quality housing, and the types of business or employment opportunities nearby.
The Turkish real estate experts at Property Turkey have summarised the cities with the highest demand from property buyers, highlighting the advantages of each and sharing insights into the property market.
Istanbul: A Large, Populous City With a Rich Heritage
Alongside being the best-known city in Turkey, Istanbul is the largest in the country. It has a buoyant tourism sector and a busy commercial district. With a broad range of properties, from period architecture to modern new builds, there is sustained high demand, particularly for homes in premium locations or with stunning panoramic views.
Families relocating to Turkey also choose Istanbul to access prestigious universities and countless malls and shopping areas. History lovers also aspire to purchase a holiday home in a city previously the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Key Facts About Buying a Property in Istanbul
- Average price per square metre for a central property: 113,493 TL (£2,645).
- Average price per square metre further out: 57,639 TL (£1,343).
- Closest airport: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (50 minutes by car) or Istanbul Airport (one hour by car) – travel times are estimated from Istanbul city centre.
- Living costs: A family of four living in Istanbul requires a monthly budget of around 76,112 TL (£1,774), excluding accommodation. The city is 53.1% more affordable than London, while rental prices are 72.7% lower.
Istanbul is often considered the best city in Turkey for investment and rental properties, owing to the returns available, the continued demand for accommodation, and the opportunity to use an Istanbul property as a holiday home while generating rental earnings.
Ankara: The Cultural Capital City With Excellent Amenities and Ample Green Spaces
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the second biggest city, and it has benefited from significant investment and redevelopment. Today, the safe, family-friendly city is filled with parks, modern high-rise apartment buildings, and heritage real estate in the Old Town. It also benefits from lower living and property prices than Istanbul and considerably less traffic.
Located in Ankara Province, this area is popular with investors and businesspeople keen to launch or expand a company in Turkey and professionals working at the many embassies and universities within the city limits.
Key Facts About Buying a Property in Ankara
- Average price per square metre for a central property: 52,495 TL (£1,223).
- Average price per square metre further out: 36,719 TL (£856).
- Closest airport: Ankara Esenboğa International Airport, around a 37-minute drive from the city centre.
- Living costs: Ankara is 9.6% more affordable than Istanbul in terms of general outgoings, with rental prices 38.2% lower. The average family of four requires a monthly budget of 66,632 TL (£1,553) without accommodation.
Although Ankara is less tourist-focused, being away from the coast, it remains a popular destination, with several art galleries, theatres and museums, including The Museum of Anatolian Civilization and the Ankara Opera House.
Izmir: A Tranquil Maritime City With a Laid-Back Atmosphere
Izmir offers great value for money as a maritime rather than a beach-side city that maintains strict building rules that sustain a peaceful, quieter lifestyle to the west of Turkey. The city is of huge historical importance and is near the ancient site of Ephesus and a famous shrine to the Virgin Mary.
Modern Izmir has two free-trade zones, attracting international investors, businesses, exporters, and importers. It is also the location of varied global trade exhibitions that contribute to the healthy business sector.
Key Facts About Buying a Property in Izmir
- Average price per square metre for a central property: 64,616 TL (£1,506).
- Average price per square metre further out: 37,144 TL (£866).
- Closest airport: Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport, roughly 40 minutes from the city centre.
- Living costs: Izmir is an affordable city, with a single person requiring a monthly budget of around 19,259 TL (£449) a month, excluding rent, and with general costs 56.5% lower than in London and rental prices over 19% cheaper than in Istanbul.
The port city is less crowded than some of the bigger tourist destinations. Still, it remains a stunning location, with historical ruins, bustling local markets, and a wonderful dockside promenade that is perfect for evening walks, bike rides and watching the sunset.
Antalya: A Popular Tourist City on the Gorgeous Mediterranean Coast
Buyers looking for a holiday home or residence overseas with a typical beach lifestyle often pick Antalya in southwest Turkey, nestled between the coast and the Taurus Mountains. The beach is pristine, and with over 300 days of sunshine a year and the warm seawater for swimming and water sports, it attracts thousands of visitors.
Investors can hire one of many property management firms to handle short-term rental agreements, and those settling in Turkey will find themselves part of a multicultural expatriate community with residents of almost every nationality.
Key Facts About Buying a Property in Antalya
- Average price per square metre for a central property: 68,794 TL (£1,603).
- Average price per square metre further out: 37,187 TL (£867).
- Closest airport: Antalya International Airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre.
- Living costs: A family of four living in Antalya requires a budget of around 69,220 TL (£1,613) a month without accommodation, or a single person will spend around 19,307 TL (£450) on everyday outgoings.
Away from the beach, property owners in Antalya can enjoy hiking around the countryside, visiting historic sites, and enjoying fine dining and culture in the city’s many museums, restaurants, nightlife venues, and galleries. They can also travel to Belek for a relaxed round of golf.