Turkey’s Best Apartments: Differences Between Luxury Real Estate in Istanbul and Antalya

The Turkish real estate market is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Developers build up new neighbourhoods with top-tier homes and villas in dynamic Istanbul and in coastal cities popular with tourists. In this country of five-star hotels, developers create luxury properties taking many factors into consideration, such as the design, the views, the interiors and the infrastructure. Read on to learn more about the best apartments in Turkey, about their features, costs and purchase conditions.

• Features of Luxury Apartments in Turkey
• Where to Find the Best Apartments in Turkey
• The Advantages of Buying Elite Apartments in Turkey
• Luxury Apartment Property Taxes in Turkey
• Best Apartments in Turkish New-Builds

Features of Luxury Apartments in Turkey

A buyer can move into high-end Turkish apartments as soon as the keys are handed over, or begin looking for tenants immediately if the property was bought as an investment. The property is usually sold fully furnished, and the cost of the furniture is included in the total.

Developers carefully consider the internal infrastructure of each residential complex: the closer the complex is located to the amenities of fashionable hotels, the more prestigious the housing complex. In such compounds, residents may have access to different leisure areas:

• swimming pools;
• saunas and hammams;
• playgrounds and nurseries;
• walking areas;
• fitness centres;
• spa centres;
• tennis courts;
• underground parking;
• private beaches (in coastal areas).

Modern compounds often stand out with their eye-catching architectural solutions and unique interior designs created by well-known professionals. Round-the-clock security guards, concierges, video surveillance and emergency notification systems ensure the safety of residents and their property.

Apartments with panoramic views are always popular among Turkish property buyers. These flats can be significantly more expensive.

Where to Find the Best Apartments in Turkey

Foreign nationals consider their own goals and personal needs when picking a location in Turkey to buy property. The coastal provinces of Antalya and Mugla, where the famous city of Bodrum is located, are in high demand among buyers looking for resort areas. The climate here is mild: there is almost no snow, and the sea is warm enough to swim in for most of the year. These resorts are especially attractive to tourists. From April until the end of October, investors can expect a steady income from renting out their properties

However, Istanbul remains the most popular city among home buyers in Turkey. The city accounted for about 17% of all property transactions in the country in 2022. Life in the metropolis is more dynamic and exciting than in coastal regions. Istanbul is also the country’s largest transport hub — from here you can take a flight to anywhere in the world. This feature attracts expats, primarily employees of international companies. For those who appreciate luxury real estate, Istanbul offers dozens of options from internationally-known developers.

The most luxurious apartments can be found in these Istanbul neighbourhoods:

• Beyoğlu;
• Üsküdar;
• Kadıköy;
• Küçükçekmece;
• Atasehir;
• Beşiktaş;
• Princes’ Islands.

The Advantages of Buying Elite Apartments in Turkey

Turkey is one of the few countries that offers citizenship to foreigners for buying property. The property investment threshold for obtaining instant naturalisation in Turkey is $400,000. The amount was previously $250,000, but due to high demand and a high level of inward migration in 2022, the authorities decided to increase it. It is important to note the following points:

• It is necessary to buy the property from a Turkish citizen or company to obtain a passport.
• Any property is suitable, with the exception of properties that have already been used to obtain citizenship.
• Payments must be made in US dollars.

The property can be sold within three years of purchase without passport cancellation. However, the new buyer cannot be a former owner of the property. 

Both the buyer of the property and their family are eligible for citizenship, including spouses and children. Children over 18 and parents of the buyer are eligible to apply for residence permits.

Luxury Apartment Property Taxes in Turkey

There are several property taxes in Turkey. Two of them apply to all buyers:

• one-off transfer tax — 4% of the cadastral value of housing.
• annual tax —  0.1% to 0.6% of the cadastral value.

Elite property buyers pay a wealth tax annually: 0.3 to 1% of the cadastral value.

Best Apartments in Turkish New-Builds

Turkey offers luxury apartments that suit the taste of every buyer. There are plenty of options for those who want to stick to big cities and also for people who prefer a quiet and private environment. Here are several luxurious projects in different parts of the country:

Penthouse overlooking an old shipyard, Tersane Istanbul

Tersane is part of a project to renew Istanbul's ancient shipping yard, which is over 600 years old. FTG Development is building an entire neighbourhood where centuries-old landmarks will sit alongside residential complexes, shopping centres and a recreational space.

The residential buildings will be located in the Beyoğlu district, on the hillside and on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay. The complex will include 600 apartments ranging from 190 to 1712 square feet. Among the premium options are penthouse lofts with personal access to the roof, and duplexes with private gardens.

Residents are provided with hotel-like services such as apartment cleaning and 24-hour security and concierge services.

The project is delivered in stages, the partial completion of the buildings is due in the third quarter of 2024. The whole quarter is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Apartment prices in Tersan start from $734,000 and go up to several million dollars. There is an instalment plan with a down payment of 35% of the cost of selected apartments, with the remaining 65% to be paid within 20 months.

Apartments in a skyscraper facing the old town, Bomonti Residences

The new Beaumonti district is located in Şişli and has a number of commercial and shopping centres, and its own park. The neighbourhood’s 44-storey skyscraper developed by Rotana offers panoramic views of Istanbul's historic centre and the Bosphorus.

The complex will comprise elite residences with an area of 68 to 242 square metres, costing from $600,000 to $4.1 million The most spacious apartments have four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living room and a balcony. The apartments are equipped with a smart house system and residents will have a fitness centre and a swimming pool at their disposal.

Purchases can be paid in equal instalments: 50% immediately, and the remaining 50% within three years. Construction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Garden apartments, OBA Privilege

This is a low-rise residential complex built by BestHome Construction, with a scenic garden and the infrastructure of a resort hotel. 

Apartments in this elite residential complex range in size from 167 to 354 square feet. Prices range from $1.9 million to $4.7 million. Purchase options include penthouses, duplexes with accessible gardens and one- or two-bedroom apartments.

The complex has a swimming pool with a sunbathing zone, an exotic garden, and a barbecue area. Other facilities include a spa centre, a gym, a yoga centre, an open-air cinema, a pool room, a playground and a playroom. 

Construction should be completed by the end of 2024.

Terrace apartments on the edge of Belgrade Forest, Privé Keme

This complex is located in Belgrade forest in the north of Istanbul, a short stroll away from the golf country club. A number of Turkish celebrities live in this area. Privé Kemer's concept is unity with nature, tranquillity, and stress-free living. The complex is surrounded by greenery; the windows are facing the forest, and the buildings are soundproofed.

There are several six-storey buildings of premium apartments with two to four bedrooms, with living areas ranging from 344 to 2211 square feet. Prices range from $1.1 million to  $3.2 million. The most spacious options have terrace access and a private lawn.

Şenkaya İnşaat is the developer behind this complex and it is expected to open by the end of 2023.

Apartment in an ultra-modern residential complex, Fortis Sinanlı Yeni Kadıköy

This luxury compound by Yigit IDK Group in Istanbul's prestigious Kadıköy neighbourhood is an ultra-modern mixed-use project with residential and commercial buildings standing side by side, with an open-air shopping centre.

Fortis Sinanli is completed but some housing options are still available — one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, costing from $2.4 million to $7.5 million.

Residents can enjoy themselves in a spa area, a swimming pool and a fitness centre onsite.

Apartment with resort hotel infrastructure, The Cruise Collection

The Cruise Collection blueprint recreates the shape of a cruise liner. It is being built in Antalya's Altınşaş area and the 12-storey building comes with 173 flats with south-facing windows. The list of amenities for residents includes a swimming pool, a fitness centre, sports and children's playgrounds, a spa zone and a healthcare centre. The developers have also provided equipped barbecue areas and charging stations for electric vehicles.

Cruise Collection will offer free shuttles to beaches and shopping centres. Residents can entertain themselves by playing bowling and pool.

The complex is being built close to Antalya Airport. It should be noted that during the peak season there will be quite a lot of planes flying overhead, which may cause some discomfort.

The developer behind the project, KA Collection, plans to complete the complex by the end of 2023. Elite flats with areas varying from 305 to 1000 square feet are for sale with prices ranging from $252,000 to $1.6 million.

Bosphorus View Apartment in Emaar Square, Address Residence Istanbul

This complex was built by Emaar Turkey, the local branch of Emaar Properties, one of Dubai's foremost developers. The compound is a part of the prestigious Emaar Square neighbourhood in the Asian part of Istanbul.

The tower’s first 11 floors are occupied by the fashionable Address Istanbul hotel. Apartment residents can make use of its services, including a full concierge service. There’s also a swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre, and a charging station.

The 46-storey skyscraper has already been completed. One-bedroom apartments with floor space starting from 672 square feet and priced from $1.75 million are still on sale. Buyers are offered an individual instalment plan: the first payment is 25%, the rest can be paid incrementally.

In a Nutshell

Those looking for deluxe apartments in Turkey should consider both Istanbul and Antalya. Elite residential complexes in coastal areas resemble five-star hotels: they have the same level of service and the same wide range of activities on offer. Choosing locations popular with tourists will benefit investors looking for a good return. The most expensive and luxurious apartments in Istanbul can be found in modern skyscrapers or in country villages.

Cover photo: Desert Morocco Adventure (Unsplash)