With the ongoing boom in real estate investment in Istanbul and its transformation into a major destination for investors and residents alike, a crucial question arises: Should you buy an apartment in Istanbul or a villa in Istanbul? Answering this question requires a careful comparison between the two options, considering the advantages of buying an apartment in Istanbul and the advantages of buying a villa in Istanbul, as well as the disadvantages of buying an apartment in Istanbul and the disadvantages of buying a villa in Istanbul.
In this article, we will make a comparison between apartments and villas in Istanbul, focusing on the cost of apartments versus villas in Istanbul, the return on investment (ROI) in apartments in Istanbul versus the ROI in villas in Istanbul, and we will review the best apartment areas in Istanbul and the best villa areas in Istanbul, with practical advice from Mbany Real Estate to help you make the best decision when buying property in Istanbul for foreigners or locals.
The Difference Between an Apartment and a Villa in Turkey
Differences in Design and Space
- Buying an apartment in Istanbul means acquiring a living space designed practically and integrated within a residential complex, reducing construction and operating costs.
- Buying a villa in Istanbul offers vast interior and exterior spaces, including a private garden or backyard, providing greater freedom for interior and exterior design.
Differences in Location and Services
- The best apartment areas in Istanbul are often in the heart of the city, such as Şişli, Başakşehir, and Kadıköy, where buying an apartment in Istanbul facilitates access to transportation and commercial centers.
- The best villa areas in Istanbul are distributed in quiet suburbs like Sarıyer, Beylikdüzü, and Büyükçekmece, where buying a villa in Istanbul provides a quieter environment and green spaces.
Comparing Apartments and Villas in Istanbul in Terms of Cost
Cost of Apartments vs. Villas in Istanbul
- The average cost of apartments versus villas in Istanbul shows that apartments start at relatively low prices (from 1.5 million Turkish Lira), while villas start from 4 million Turkish Lira and up.
- When calculating the cost of apartments versus villas in Istanbul, you must factor in the shared service fees and long-term maintenance for each residential complex or villa resort.
Maintenance and Operating Costs
- Disadvantages of buying an apartment in Istanbul include fixed monthly maintenance fees paid by all residents.
- Disadvantages of buying a villa in Istanbul include bearing the costs of garden maintenance, pool maintenance, and any additional private services.
Advantages of Buying an Apartment in Istanbul
Proximity to Services and Transportation
Buying an apartment in Istanbul ensures easy access to shops, restaurants, schools, and hospitals, making it ideal for families and young people alike.
Less Maintenance and Lower Operating Costs
The advantages of buying an apartment in Istanbul are evident in the simplified property management, as the homeowners association maintains the public facilities.
Quick Rental and Investment Opportunities
The ROI in apartments in Istanbul is usually higher in the short term, especially in areas like Beşiktaş and Şişli.
Advantages of Buying a Villa in Istanbul
Privacy and Ample Space
Buying a villa in Istanbul gives you complete privacy and space for guests, in addition to the possibility of creating private outdoor spaces such as playgrounds or small pools.
Private Facilities and Integrated Luxury
Among the advantages of buying a villa in Istanbul is the availability of luxurious amenities such as a sauna and Jacuzzi, in addition to private parking and an equipped garden.
Possibility of Modification and Expansion
Unlike the disadvantages of buying an apartment in Istanbul, in a villa, you can make architectural modifications, add a new floor, or build a guest unit.
Disadvantages of Buying an Apartment in Istanbul
Limited Privacy
In residential complexes, you share walls and ceilings with neighbors, which can lead to mutual noise.
Legal Restrictions on Modifications
Buying an apartment in Istanbul does not allow for major structural changes without the approval of the joint parties and the management of the complex.
Monthly Service Fees
Service and management fees can reach 1–2% of the apartment's value annually, affecting the ROI in apartments in Istanbul.
Disadvantages of Buying a Villa in Istanbul
High Maintenance and Operating Costs
The disadvantages of buying a villa in Istanbul include the need to hire workers to maintain the garden and swimming pool, which increases annual costs.
Distance from the City Center
The best villa areas in Istanbul are often in distant suburbs, requiring reliance on a car for daily commuting.
Relatively Low Liquidity
Villas are less liquid than apartments when it comes to quick sales, affecting real estate investment in Istanbul for those who need to convert funds quickly.
Best Apartment Areas in Istanbul
City Center (Şişli – Beşiktaş – Kadıköy)
These neighborhoods top the list of the best apartment areas in Istanbul due to their developed infrastructure and availability of transportation.
New Areas (Başakşehir – Bahçelievler)
They offer a combination of reasonable prices and modern services, making buying an apartment in Istanbul in these areas a promising investment.
Best Villa Areas in Istanbul
Quiet Suburbs (Sarıyer – Beylikdüzü)
These best villa areas in Istanbul are known for their lack of congestion and vast green spaces.
Luxury Projects (Büyükçekmece – Şile)
Integrated villa complexes that provide security and continuous services, enhancing the advantages of buying a villa in Istanbul for upscale families.
ROI in Apartments and Villas in Istanbul
ROI in Apartments in Istanbul
The annual rental rate ranges from 4% to 6% of the apartment's value in central areas, making buying an apartment in Istanbul a profitable option for investors.
ROI in Villas in Istanbul
The rental yield starts from 3% to 5%, but in the long term (5–10 years), the yield may reach 8% due to the increase in land value.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comparing Buying an Apartment vs. a Villa in Istanbul? Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Option
Which option is better for short-term and long-term investment?
- For short-term investment: buying an apartment in Istanbul.
- For long-term investment and luxury: buying a villa in Istanbul.
What are the price limits for apartments and villas for foreign investors?
Apartment prices start from 1.5 million Turkish Lira, while villa prices start from 4 million Turkish Lira and up when buying property in Istanbul for foreigners.
Does Mbany Real Estate provide after-sales services?
Yes, Mbany Real Estate offers property management, maintenance, and rental services to ensure the ROI in apartments in Istanbul and the ROI in villas in Istanbul.
How do I choose between a private garden or a balcony in an apartment?
If the priority is privacy and outdoor space, consider buying a villa in Istanbul; a balcony is a good option when buying an apartment in Istanbul.
What are the legal procedures for foreigners when buying?
Registering property in Turkey requires obtaining a tax identification number, opening a local bank account, and concluding a purchase contract notarized in the Land Registry.
Conclusion: Comparing Buying an Apartment vs. a Villa in Istanbul? Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Option
In conclusion of the comparison: Should you buy an apartment in Istanbul or a villa in Istanbul? Advantages and disadvantages of each option, it is clear that buying an apartment in Istanbul meets the needs of investors looking for the ROI in apartments in Istanbul and ease of maintenance, while buying a villa in Istanbul ensures privacy and luxurious living space with the possibility of long-term real estate investment in Istanbul.
It is necessary to consider the cost of apartments versus villas in Istanbul and consult with Mbany Real Estate to obtain an accurate analysis of returns and choose the best apartment areas in Istanbul or the best villa areas in Istanbul according to your goals and budget. Today's decision determines your level of luxury and investment tomorrow.
22-05-2025 
