Istanbul's real estate market is undergoing a significant transformation: concerns about earthquakes, skyrocketing repair costs and high housing management fees are forcing buyers to increasingly abandon the secondary market in favor of new apartments. According to the results of the first half of 2026, sales of primary housing reached 221,487 units, which is the highest figure in the last four years.
According to experts, the key factor of change has become price. In the central areas of the metropolis, the cost of land and the age of the housing stock make the purchase extremely expensive. For example, in the prestigious Kadikoy, the price of an old apartment in a 40-year-old building is comparable to the cost of two brand-new apartments in developing areas such as Basaksehir. This difference dramatically changes the calculations for both those who are looking for a home for themselves and for investors focused on long-term investment.
Another powerful incentive for the transition to the primary market was the high costs of putting old housing in order. According to experts, the basic renovation of an average apartment with an area of 100 to 120 square meters, with the replacement of communications, plumbing, windows, doors, flooring and heating equipment, costs the owners up to 1 million Turkish lira. These expenses, together with the constant problems of energy efficiency and worn-out structures, make old houses unattractive even at a lower initial price.Buyers are increasingly choosing new complexes not only for safety reasons (primarily earthquake resistance), but also for economic feasibility. Apartments in modern houses allow you to avoid unforeseen expenses for repairs and utility bills, and also offer a more comfortable living environment. Flexible payment schemes add additional attractiveness to the primary market: according to analysts, about 80% of new housing transactions take place without a mortgage. Buyers use cash or installments provided by developers and financial companies.
The greatest interest from buyers today is concentrated in 14 developing districts and zones of Istanbul.
- Basaksehir
- Beylikduzu
- Arnavutkey
- Bahcesehir
- Kajaxehir
- Sanjaktepe
- Checkmekey
- Pendik
- Tuzla
- Sultanbeyli
- Byukcekmedje
- Avcilar (especially Ispartakule district)
- Kartal (in the zone of active urban transformation)
- Kucukcekmeje;(along the Atakent-Khalkaly line)
20 districts of Istanbul for buying real estate
Source: Türkiye Gazetesi
