Buying a House in Üsküdar

Introduction to the Location of Üsküdar and Its Areas on the Map

Üsküdar is one of the historical and important neighborhoods of Istanbul, located on the Asian side of the city, near the Bosphorus Strait. This area borders Kadıköy and Okmeydanı to the west, Üsküdar Merkez to the north, and is limited by coastal regions and the Bosphorus to the south. The strategic location of Üsküdar, which holds great historical and cultural significance, makes it one of the most attractive areas for living and visiting.

Üsküdar Central (Üsküdar Merkez): This area, which is the heart of Üsküdar, concentrates most of the commercial and social activities. Üsküdar Central features traditional markets, cafes, and restaurants, located next to historical sites such as old mosques and famous towers. It also offers excellent access to public transportation, including metro and ferry stations, which is one of its prominent features.

Üsküdar Western Area (Altunizade): The western part of Üsküdar is known for its tranquility and green spaces. Compared to the more bustling central areas, this district provides a quieter environment, making it ideal for families or those looking for a peaceful life with easy access to the city center. This area is also home to many luxury villas and modern apartments.

Üsküdar Eastern Area (Çamlıca): The Çamlıca neighborhood is located on the eastern side of Üsküdar and is primarily known for its natural landscapes and the views it offers over the Bosphorus Strait. This area is mainly considered a destination for tourism and recreation, featuring vast green spaces, parks, and beautiful leisure areas.

Üsküdar Southern Area (Beylerbeyi): The Beylerbeyi area, located in the southern part of Üsküdar, is known for its proximity to the Bosphorus and the historical Beylerbeyi Palace. This region is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful sea views and its rich historical ambiance, making it one of the favorite spots for both visits and living.

Üsküdar Northern Area (Üsküdar Yokuşu): This section of Üsküdar, known for its steep slopes, is home to old and traditional houses. With winding streets and unique views, it has preserved its historical features, making it one of the distinctive areas of Üsküdar.

Population and Distribution in Üsküdar

Üsküdar is one of Istanbul's important regions, with a population of around 500,000 people. The population is almost evenly split between men and women, with about 49% male and 51% female. In terms of age distribution, the majority of Üsküdar's population consists of adults and middle-aged individuals, particularly in the 18 to 65 age group, which accounts for about 70% of the population. This section of the population consists mainly of working individuals and families, making this neighborhood ideal for living. A smaller proportion, about 18%, is under the age of 18, indicating the presence of young families and children in the area. This statistic clearly highlights Üsküdar's importance as a family-friendly destination. People over the age of 65 make up about 12% of the population, which is a relatively higher percentage compared to many other regions of Istanbul, reflecting the peaceful environment and suitability for elderly residents. This diverse demographic composition showcases the unique characteristics of Üsküdar, which attracts families, working individuals, and elderly people alike.

Area and Composition of Different Districts in Üsküdar

Üsküdar covers an area of 36.5 square kilometers, composed of different urban layouts that make it one of Istanbul's most diverse areas. About 55% of the area is modern urban development, including residential and commercial neighborhoods. This part of the district is filled with high-rise buildings and bustling neighborhoods, housing the center of commercial and social activities. Around 10% of Üsküdar is made up of older urban areas, visible in historical neighborhoods like Üsküdar Merkez and Salacak. This part of the district, with its traditional and historical buildings, holds a special appeal for those interested in history and culture. Another 20% of the district is allocated to green and forested areas, including parks, gardens, and forests, such as the large parks like Fethi Paşa Korusu and Camlica Hill. These green spaces offer a peaceful and pleasant environment, especially for residents and local tourists. Finally, about 15% of Üsküdar is dedicated to the coastline and the Bosphorus Strait. This area includes neighborhoods like Çamlıca and Kız Kulesi, offering beautiful views of the Bosphorus and its waters, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. This diverse combination of urban, historical, forested, and coastal areas makes Üsküdar one of the most fascinating and distinctive districts in Istanbul.

Property Prices in Üsküdar

Property prices in Üsküdar, one of Istanbul’s historic and attractive neighborhoods, vary depending on the geographical location and type of property. Known for its traditional and coastal neighborhoods, along with easy access to cultural and natural attractions, Üsküdar falls into different price categories:

Middle-Class Residential Areas: In neighborhoods such as Üsküdar Merkez and Selimiye, prices typically range between 10,000 to 15,000 Turkish Lira per square meter. These areas are highly favored due to their proximity to public transport, schools, and shopping centers, providing an opportunity to buy property at reasonable prices.

Historic and Traditional Areas: Neighborhoods like Kuzguncuk and Çengelköy, known for their traditional architecture and historical charm, have property prices ranging between 15,000 to 20,000 Turkish Lira per square meter. These areas are particularly attractive to those interested in cultural attractions and natural tranquility.

Luxury and Coastal Areas: Neighborhoods like Kanlıca and Beylerbeyi, situated along the Bosphorus, have significantly higher prices. In these areas, property prices can start from 25,000 Turkish Lira per square meter and go up to 35,000 Turkish Lira or more, especially for luxury villas or waterfront apartments with sea views.

Rental Prices: Rental prices in Üsküdar also vary greatly based on location. For a 1+1 apartment in middle-class residential areas, rental prices typically range between 8,000 to 15,000 Turkish Lira per month. In coastal and luxury areas, rental prices can reach up to 30,000 Turkish Lira per month, particularly for waterfront properties or villas.

Comparison of Property Prices in Neighboring Areas

Üsküdar, with its central and historical appeal, offers different property prices when compared to nearby areas:

Kadıköy (Kadıköy): Kadıköy, located to the west of Üsküdar, often has similar or slightly higher property prices, particularly in certain upscale neighborhoods. Prices in Kadıköy typically range between 12,000 to 20,000 Turkish Lira per square meter.

Ataşehir (Ataşehir): Located to the south of Üsküdar, Ataşehir has seen rapid development and offers newer residential projects. Property prices here generally range between 10,000 to 18,000 Turkish Lira per square meter, providing a good alternative for those looking to invest.

Maltepe (Maltepe): Situated to the east of Üsküdar, Maltepe offers a quieter and greener environment. Property prices here range between 7,000 to 12,000 Turkish Lira per square meter, making it more affordable compared to Üsküdar.

Beykoz (Beykoz): To the northeast of Üsküdar, Beykoz is known for its natural beauty and luxury properties. Property prices in Beykoz range between 15,000 to 25,000 Turkish Lira per square meter, with an emphasis on spacious villas and waterfront homes.

Sultanbeyli (Sultanbeyli): Located to the southwest of Üsküdar, Sultanbeyli is one of the more economically priced areas with property prices typically between 5,000 to 8,000 Turkish Lira per square meter.

Benefits of Buying Property in Üsküdar and Future Price Trends

Buying property in Üsküdar offers a unique blend of historical charm, access to natural beauty, and excellent connectivity. Prices in Üsküdar have been steadily increasing, and the future looks promising due to ongoing developments and strategic location.

Recent Price Growth: In recent years, property prices in Üsküdar have experienced an average annual increase of around 10-15%. For example, in 2019, the price per square meter ranged between 5,500 to 7,000 Turkish Lira. By 2023, this figure had risen to 10,000 to 12,000 Turkish Lira per square meter, marking a growth of about 50-60%.

Future Predictions: Experts predict that property prices in Üsküdar will continue to rise due to high demand, new development projects, and its strategic location along the Bosphorus. It is forecasted that prices could increase by 10-12% annually in the coming years.

Long-Term Investment: Üsküdar is expected to remain a prime area for real estate investment, particularly due to developments such as new metro lines and improved access to commercial and residential hubs. The ongoing investments in infrastructure, transport, and residential projects will likely sustain and even accelerate price growth in Üsküdar.

Comparison with Other Istanbul Areas: Compared to other areas of Istanbul, Üsküdar has experienced a higher rate of property price growth, especially in the Asian side. For example, Kadıköy and Ataşehir saw increases of 30-40% over the past five years, whereas Üsküdar saw closer to 50-60%. This highlights Üsküdar's unique position as a sought-after location, particularly due to its proximity to the Bosphorus and historical appeal.

Amenities and Infrastructure of Üsküdar

Public Transportation: Üsküdar, due to its unique geographical location in the Asian side of Istanbul, has excellent access to public transportation. Metro stations such as Üsküdar and Kadıköy provide quick access to various parts of the city. Additionally, Üsküdar is popular for its ferry stations, which offer regular services to different areas of Istanbul. Furthermore, the extensive bus network in the area facilitates easy travel to other parts of the city.

Educational and Cultural Facilities: Üsküdar is one of the most vibrant areas in terms of education and culture. It is home to reputable schools and prestigious educational centers, benefiting from proximity to important universities in Istanbul. Culturally, Üsküdar hosts numerous art galleries and theaters, particularly during cultural and artistic seasons, offering a wide range of events and performances. The area is also known for the Üsküdar Cultural Center, making it a cultural hub in the Asian side of Istanbul.

Commercial and Shopping Centers: Üsküdar offers a variety of shopping options, with traditional markets like Üsküdar Market and Haliç Market being perfect for purchasing local and daily goods. Additionally, modern shopping centers like Şahin Park and Üsküdar Shopping Mall offer a range of brand-name stores and boutiques for shopping enthusiasts. The area is also known for its numerous cafes and restaurants, making it a popular spot for relaxation and socializing with family and friends.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities: Üsküdar is home to reputable hospitals and advanced healthcare centers. Üsküdar Private Hospital and Üsküdar State Hospital are among the most important medical centers in the area, providing high-quality healthcare services to residents and visitors. Additionally, many clinics and pharmacies operate in the area, offering round-the-clock medical services.

Green Spaces and Recreation Areas: Üsküdar, with its numerous parks and green spaces, is one of the best areas for recreation and relaxation. Famous parks like Çamlıca Park and Kayaşehir Park offer expansive grounds and sports facilities such as tennis courts and cycling paths, making them perfect for outdoor activities. Additionally, parks like Atatürk Park and Sencer Park are known for being ideal spots for walking and relaxing in nature.

Restaurants and Cafes: Üsküdar is known for its diverse restaurants and cafes, making it a popular destination for food and beverage lovers. Famous restaurants such as Üsküdar Seafood Restaurant and local eateries serving traditional Turkish dishes hold special places in the culinary scene. Moreover, numerous cafes like Çayhane Café and Divan Café provide cozy spaces for relaxation and friendly meetings.

Summary

Üsküdar, with its numerous advantages such as excellent public transport access, green spaces, cultural facilities, and advanced healthcare and educational amenities, has become one of the best neighborhoods to buy property in Istanbul. Besides its urban conveniences, the area’s natural beauty and tranquility make it an ideal place to live. Additionally, with the steady increase in property prices and ongoing development projects, Üsküdar is an attractive option for investors. Given its more affordable prices compared to other parts of Istanbul and easy access to central areas, Üsküdar has become a significant destination for property buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions