Istanbul: "a buy-to-let dream"

Istanbul is a "buy-to-let" dream, say agents, as the population continues to boom.

The city was ranked 20th in PWC's Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2015 report, highlighing the city as a market to watch for investors. In 2014, sales to foreigners jumped 55.6 per cent, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).

In line with this growth, three Istanbul streets are now ranked in the top ten streets in the world for rent increases by Cushman & Wakefield's 'Main Streets Across the World 2014-2015' report.

Adil Yaman, Director of property agency Universal21, highlights the district of Beylikdüzü as a key hotspot.

An upmarket shopping haven, the area is home to increasing numbers of Istanbul's middle-class population, with large international projects combined with a good infrastructure.

Indeed, the population has doubled in the last five years and rents for furnished apartments have grown by around 30 per cent to 40 per cent over the past two, meaning that increasing numbers of savvy investors are looking to this growing location to purchase buy-to-let property.

"Beylikdüzü is certainly a destination to watch," confirms Yaman. "On the Coast, with its own Marina, five universities, the largest exhibition Centre in the city, three private hospitals and as home to Istanbul's very best shopping centres, whilst offering an array of choices for luxurious property options and modern resort-style living, it is clear to see why the district has become synonymous with the upper middle-classes, and in turn with amazing buy-to-let potential."

Universal21 have a range of property options in Beylikdüzü for Istanbul residents, including Anfa Life Residence, offering 13 floors of apartments and due to open next month. Rental yields are up to 7 per cent, explains Yaman, with a 5-year rental guarantee.