Turkey continues to be a preferred destination for global real estate investors. Whether you’re aiming for high rental income, long-term appreciation, or Turkish citizenship through property investment, understanding the right cities is key.
This guide highlights the top five cities in Turkey that offer the most strategic real estate opportunities in 2025—backed by verified data, performance trends, and economic fundamentals.
1. Istanbul
Istanbul remains the top destination for real estate investors. As Turkey’s largest city, it contributes over 30 percent of the national GDP and plays a central role in business, finance, tourism, and infrastructure.
More than 21,000 real estate transactions took place in Istanbul in September 2025 alone, showing strong market activity. Districts like Beşiktaş, Şişli, Kadıköy, and Ataşehir continue to offer steady rental yields between 5 to 8 percent. In developing areas such as Kağıthane and Küçükçekmece, annual capital appreciation can exceed 15 percent.
What makes Istanbul particularly attractive is its liquidity, global connectivity, and diverse investment options—from residential to commercial to luxury developments.
Sources: residencetr.com, mimary.com, SelectTurkey
2. Antalya 🌊
Antalya is a Mediterranean city known for its tourism-driven real estate market. With over 15 million international visitors in 2023, demand for short-term rentals remains high throughout the year.
Areas like Konyaaltı, Lara, and Belek yield between 7 to 10 percent annually. Many investors see capital appreciation of 10 to 20 percent in tourism-heavy neighborhoods.
Antalya also offers more affordable entry points for citizenship-eligible properties, making it ideal for investors focused on rental returns and vacation property markets.
Sources: parments.com, residencetr.com
3. Izmir
Located on the Aegean coast, Izmir combines coastal beauty with urban convenience. It has a population of over 4 million and is a growing center for trade, tourism, and technology.
Key investment districts include Karşıyaka, Alsancak, and Bornova. Average rental yields range from 5 to 7 percent, while property values in many neighborhoods have appreciated by around 12 percent annually.
Izmir attracts investors looking for a more relaxed lifestyle than Istanbul, with the benefit of modern infrastructure and strong tenant demand.
Sources: SimplyTR, residencetr.com
4. Ankara
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, offers investors a stable and reliable real estate market. As the center of government, education, and foreign institutions, Ankara attracts long-term tenants like professionals, students, and diplomats.
In September 2025, over 13,000 real estate sales were recorded in the city. Districts such as Çankaya, Yenimahalle, and Eryaman offer strong fundamentals, with rental yields between 4 and 6 percent.
While not driven by tourism like Antalya or Istanbul, Ankara provides consistency and lower volatility—ideal for investors prioritizing long-term security over rapid gains.
Sources: 4kgroup.com.tr, realestateallturkey.com
5. Bursa 🌿
Bursa is located near Istanbul and benefits from its industrial base and proximity to major urban centers. Known for its manufacturing and thermal tourism, Bursa is increasingly popular among both domestic and foreign buyers.
Rental yields in areas like Nilüfer, Osmangazi, and Mudanya typically range from 6 to 8 percent. Capital appreciation has been steady, averaging 10 to 12 percent annually.
Bursa offers a quieter environment with lower property prices compared to Istanbul, making it a practical option for investors who want both lifestyle and value.
Sources: residencetr.com, SimplyTR
Summary Comparison
| City | Rental Yield | Capital Growth | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 5–8% | 12–20% | Largest market, high liquidity |
| Antalya | 7–10% | 10–20% | Tourism-driven income |
| Izmir | 5–7% | ~12% | Coastal living with urban advantage |
| Ankara | 4–6% | 8–10% | Stability and low risk |
| Bursa | 6–8% | 10–12% | Affordable and industrially backed |
Citizenship Investment Eligibility
All five cities offer real estate options that meet the Turkish citizenship-by-investment threshold of $400,000 USD. The legal process is well-structured, and Ottoman Real Estate can guide you through every step with full transparency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right city depends on your goals. If you want exposure to a large and fast-moving market, Istanbul leads the way. Antalya is ideal for short-term rentals. Izmir offers balance between lifestyle and growth. Ankara provides long-term stability. Bursa stands out for its affordability and proximity to major hubs.
Reach out to Ottoman Real Estate to explore personalized investment plans, vetted listings, and legal support from experts who understand the Turkish market inside and out.
Let us help you turn your investment into a long-term legacy.
