Property in Istanbul: Real Estate Hotspots in Istanbul

The metropolis of Istanbul, which will be European City of Culture in 2010, offers a myriad of interests and activities for visitors. Istanbul is situated to the northeast of Turkey, separating both the Black and the Mamara Sea and is the only city to be split by two continents. Asia and Europe are narrowly separated by a stretch of water and just a short ferry boat ride will take you from East to West. Contrary to popular belief Istanbul is not the capital city yet whilst Ankara is the political capital Istanbul is widely recognised as the cultural centre of Turkey.

Figures show that a quarter of all holidaymakers visiting Turkey spend time in Istanbul. There are a host of museums and cultural attractions that are well worth a visit. Experience the historic area of Sultanahmet with the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine church of Haghia Sophia. Visit Topkapi Palace the residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years and the Grand Bazaar with its estimated 5,000 shops where haggling is a must! Istanbul has excellent shopping opportunities - the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are not to be missed plus the biggest shopping centre in Europe, Cevahir.

Beyoglu with its many bars and restaurants is at the heart of modern Istanbul. Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll down the long street of Istiklal Caddesi which starts at the top of Taksim Square and is lined with shops and cafes. Ortakoy is a short bus ride from Taksim and is a popular spot for Sunday breakfast where you can savour stunning views of the Bosphorus waters.

Istanbul hosts one of the most popular events on the international sporting calendar Formula One racing at the state of the art circuit at Istanbul Park. However the most popular sport in Turkey is football and the city is home to three key teams – Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasary. Everyone in Turkey be they from Bodrum, Fethiye, Altinkum, or wherever supports one of these teams.

In Summer time Istanbul comes to life outdoors. Soak up the sun in this exciting city or just relax in a tea garden or watch the world go by from a table at one of the many eateries. By night many Istanbul residents head for the bars and nightclubs along the Bosphorus, which provide sophisticated dining and dancing! Throughout the city establishments open rooftop restaurants and bars. Istanbul nightlife can be compared to Bodrum, which is though on a much smaller scale.

Istanbul is just as enjoyable during the winter months and especially memorable is the smell of the roasted chestnuts being cooked by the street sellers. You get a real taste of authentic Turkey in Istanbul in a similar way to destinations such as Kas and Kalkan. It is still possible to sit outside at the end of October in Istanbul as winter doesn’t truly set in until December/January time. In Istanbul you experience all seasons – from summer heat to winter snow.

This vibrant city, with its minarets dotting the skyline, will keep you occupied from dawn till dusk. Istanbul is frequently cited as one of the most stylish and coolest cities and is seen as a world-class destination offering sightseeing and a sophisticated nightlife few can match. It has a population of approximately 16 million and is bustling with life. Approximately 700,000 people relocate to Istanbul every year. An increasing number of international companies are establishing bases in the city elevating its position in the corporate world. There is a thriving ex-pat community in Istanbul and plenty to keep you occupied all year round. Despite its size Istanbul bucks the trend for cities to be cold and unwelcoming. You are guaranteed a warm welcome in Istanbul whatever time of the year you visit.

Golf in Istanbul

Istanbul offers great opportunities for golf enthusiasts. Within a short distance of Istanbul’s busy centre there are two international standard golf courses.

The Klassis Golf and Country Club is PAR 73, 6033 metres and was the first International standard course to open in Turkey. It offers top class golfing in a beautiful green setting. This 18-hole course was designed by world-renowned golfer Tony Jacklin, and hosted the European Challenge Tour in 1997 and 1998 It is 65 km from Istanbul to Silivri where the Golf and Country Club is located.

Golf in Turkey attracts many to the country with many Turkey property owners choosing to enjoy the game during their stay. The resort of Belek is a major golfing hotspot, however there are also courses in Dalaman and Bodrum and courses planned for Altinkum.

top

---

Istanbul Property: Property in the metropolis

In terms of the number of foreigners owning property in Turkey, Antalya tops the list with 26,031 people, followed by the Mugla region home to hotspots Bodrum and Dalaman (12,865). However the third destination is Istanbul with 8,830 foreigners opting to buy there (stats. from Land Registry General Directorate). Purchasing property in Istanbul is becoming increasingly popular and now is the time to invest.

Complexes offering all the facilities you could need for day to day living are very popular with Turkish families and young professionals and this is where the main investment potential is. These developments offer fitness centres, shops, restaurants, swimming pools and even schools and health centres and are rather like small towns. Public swimming pools and sports centres are rare in Turkey so developments offering such facilities are very attractive.

These developments are usually located in suburbs yet are often less than 30 minutes from the centre of town via the metro links. As well as being ideal commuter homes, as they afford easy access to the city’s sights and attractions they are an ideal holiday base. These developments often have green space and features such as lakes and outdoor swimming pools, an oasis in the city.

Istanbul has always been popular with the British and many people are opting to purchase property there. Other magnets for the British include Bodrum, with its sophisticated nightlife and the lively Altinkum, also lesser known areas such as Gocek, and Kalkan, Istanbul property offers property owners access to a wealth of culture and tourist attractions ,even the opportunity to play golf in Turkey. Istanbul provides affordable high-tech developments with excellent facilities for everyone to enjoy.

Click here to find out more about Istanbul property

top

---

More information on Property in Istanbul

• Your guide to property in Istanbul
• Traveling to Istanbul
• Investing in Istanbul property
• Additional services in Istanbul