Apartments under $150,000 in Istanbul

Apartments for sale in Istanbul with starting prices up to USD 150,000. This budget is a realistic entry point for a first home or a rental investment, provided you know where to look and which goals it can and cannot support.

Listings

Property under $150k in Istanbul: where the budget goes furthest

Property under $150k in Istanbul is found mainly in the outer districts, where newer complexes are common and prices per square metre are lower. Within this budget, the choice is usually between more space further out and a compact home closer to rail lines.

Areas to consider

On the European side, Esenyurt, Beylikdüzü, Bağcılar and parts of Küçükçekmece offer one- and two-bedroom apartments in this range. On the Asian side, outer parts of Pendik and Sultanbeyli are options. Central districts rarely have suitable stock at this price.

Set expectations early

A purchase under USD 150,000 does not meet the USD 200,000 threshold for a residence permit through property, which applies to purchases since October 2023. Official permit information is published by the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Investment Office.

What drives price at this level

At this budget, the main trade-offs are distance, size and building age. A newer complex further out may cost the same as an older flat near a metro station. Running costs matter too, because pools and security raise monthly dues.

Buyers are often first-time owners, students’ families, remote workers and investors seeking a modest rental income. Since this range sits below the USD 200,000 residence permit threshold, most buyers here plan to live in, let or hold the home.

Next steps

Compare the listings above with Bağcılar and Küçükçekmece. Ask us to include total yearly costs in your shortlist. If you later want a residence permit, we can show options from USD 200,000.

Rental potential at this budget

Compact homes near rail lines tend to let steadily to students and young professionals. Yields depend on dues and vacancy, so a cheaper flat with high dues can earn less. We compare real rents nearby before recommending a unit, and we never promise a fixed return.

What USD 150,000 buys in Istanbul

At this level, most options are studios and one-bedroom apartments, with some compact two-bedroom units in outer districts. The largest choice is on the western side of the European side, in districts such as Esenyurt, Küçükçekmece and Beylikdüzü, and in parts of the Asian side further from the centre. Many of these apartments are in complexes with security and shared facilities, which affects monthly service charges.

Goals this budget can and cannot support

  • A first home or pied-à-terre: realistic, especially near metro or Metrobüs lines.
  • Rental investment: compact units close to transport, universities or business areas are the most common choice for letting. Rental results are never guaranteed and vary by building.
  • Residence permit: for purchases made since October 2023, a short-term residence permit based on property ownership requires a residential property worth at least USD 200,000. An apartment under USD 150,000 does not meet this threshold on its own.
  • Citizenship: the citizenship route requires at least USD 400,000, so this budget is not suitable for that purpose.

Costs on top of the price

Plan for the title deed fee, which is calculated on the declared value and is usually shared between buyer and seller, the official valuation report required for foreign buyers, translation and notary fees, compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) and utility connections. Our advisory service is free for buyers; these official and third-party costs are paid separately. Our guide to costs and taxes when buying property in Turkey explains each item.

How to buy well at a lower price point

Quality varies more at entry level, so we look closely at the developer, the building permit and occupancy permit, the management of the complex and the walking route to public transport. A lower price does not always mean better value if service charges are high or the location makes letting difficult.

Combine your budget with other filters in the property search, see apartments near metro stations, or ask for a tailored shortlist within your budget.

Frequently asked questions

Can I find a cheap apartment in Istanbul as a foreigner?

Yes. Studios and one-bedroom apartments in outer districts are available at starting prices up to USD 150,000. Prices are confirmed before reservation, as they can change.

Can I get a residence permit with an apartment under USD 150,000?

Not on the basis of the property alone. Since October 2023, a property-based short-term residence permit requires a residential property worth at least USD 200,000.

Which districts have apartments under USD 150,000?

The widest choice is in western districts such as Esenyurt, Küçükçekmece and Beylikdüzü, and in some outer districts on the Asian side.

What extra costs should I expect?

Typical extras are the title deed fee, the valuation report, translation and notary fees, earthquake insurance and utility connections. Your adviser provides an itemised estimate.

Can I pay for a cheaper apartment in instalments?

Some developers offer instalment plans on new projects, even at lower price points, typically with a down payment and monthly or quarterly payments. Resale apartments are normally paid in full at the title deed transfer. Read our page on off-plan property for how payment plans work.

Are smaller apartments easier to resell?

One-bedroom and compact two-bedroom apartments have a wide pool of buyers and tenants, which helps liquidity, especially near metro stations. Resale still depends on the building’s quality and location. We look at comparable sales in the same area before recommending a unit.

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