Buying property and houses in Kartal

Kartal District, Istanbul

Kartal is one of the rapidly developing districts on the Asian side of Istanbul (Istanbul) that has gained significant attention from homebuyers and investors in recent years. Thanks to its modern urban transformation projects, newly developed residential complexes, and attractive coastal location along the Marmara Sea, Kartal has become a popular choice for both living and real estate investment. The district offers a unique combination of sea views, green spaces, and modern city planning, making it one of the most desirable residential areas on the Asian side.

Geographical Location of Kartal

Kartal is located on the eastern side of Istanbul in the Asian part of the city. It shares borders with Sancaktepe to the north, Maltepe to the west, and Pendik  to the east.

With its long coastline along the Marmara Sea, Kartal offers a peaceful coastal lifestyle combined with urban convenience. The district also features various parks, walking paths, and recreational areas, making it an ideal location for families seeking a calm and balanced living environment in Istanbul.

Transportation and Accessibility in Kartal

One of the key advantages of Kartal (Kartal) district is its strong connectivity within Istanbul’s public transportation network. The Istanbul Metro Line M4 runs through the area, providing fast and direct access to Kadıköy (Kadikoy), one of the main hubs on the Asian side.

In addition to the metro, the E-5 Highway , one of Istanbul’s most important road arteries, passes close to the district, ensuring easy access to other parts of the city. Another major benefit of Kartal’s location is its relatively short distance to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Sabiha Gokcen International Airport), making both domestic and international travel highly convenient.

Climate and Natural Environment

Kartal enjoys a mild and relatively pleasant climate due to its proximity to the Marmara Sea. Sea breezes throughout most of the year help make the air cooler and more comfortable compared to central districts of Istanbul.

The long coastline, seaside parks, and walking paths are among the key natural features of the area, making Kartal a highly attractive district for family-friendly living and outdoor activities.

Entertainment and Tourist Attractions in Kartal

In addition to its coastal beauty, Kartal offers a variety of recreational and natural attractions, including:

• Aydos Forest (Aydos Ormanı): The largest natural green space in East Istanbul, ideal for hiking, picnics, and nature walks.
• Aydos Hill (Aydos Tepesi): The highest point in Istanbul, offering panoramic views of the city and the Marmara Sea.
• Aydos Castle (Aydos Kalesi): A historical Byzantine-era castle located on Aydos Hill with scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere for photography.
• Kartal Coastal Park (Kartal Sahil Parkı): A seaside park with cycling paths, walking trails, and recreational areas along the Marmara coast.
• Dragos Hill (Dragos Tepesi): One of the best viewpoints in Kartal to enjoy sunsets and views of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands.
• Kartal Coast (Kartal Sahili): A long seaside promenade filled with cafés, restaurants, and walking paths.
• Yakacık Square (Yakacık Meydanı): A historic and refreshing hillside area known for its clean air and past as a summer retreat.

Thanks to its proximity to the Princes’ Islands (Princes’ Islands), residents can also easily enjoy short ferry trips and coastal getaways.

 Shopping Centers and Amenities

In recent years, Kartal has developed strong urban infrastructure with several modern shopping centers, including:

• İstMarina Shopping Mall (İstMarina AVM): One of the largest seaside malls in Istanbul, featuring branded stores, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, and Marmara Sea views.
• Anatolium Marmara Mall (Anatolium Marmara AVM): A large shopping center near the E-5 highway with international brands, supermarkets, and diverse retail options.
• Meydan Kartal Mall (Meydan AVM): A local shopping center offering daily needs, shops, and services for residents.
• Avrasya Mall (Avrasya AVM): A smaller commercial center providing local retail stores and essential services.

 Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in Kartal

Residents of Kartal have access to a wide range of modern healthcare services and well-equipped hospitals. Some of the most important medical centers in the district include:

• Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital (Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Şehir Hastanesi)

One of the largest public hospitals in Istanbul, with more than 1,000 beds and multiple specialized departments. It serves as a major healthcare hub for the entire East Istanbul region.

• Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital (Kartal Koşuyolu Yüksek İhtisas Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi)

A leading specialized center focusing on cardiovascular diseases and advanced surgical procedures, known for its high-level medical expertise.

• Acıbadem Kartal Hospital (Acıbadem Kartal Hastanesi)

A modern private hospital under the Acıbadem Group, offering advanced medical technologies and international-standard healthcare services.

• Avicenna Umut Hospital (Avicenna Umut Hastanesi)

A private hospital providing a wide range of specialized medical services for residents in the Kartal area.

• Megapol Hospital (Megapol Hastanesi)

A private healthcare center offering general and specialized medical treatments for patients in the district.

•  Kartal Red Crescent Medical Center (Kartal Kızılay Tıp Merkezi)

A healthcare facility affiliated with the Turkish Red Crescent, providing medical consultations and laboratory services.

Educational Institutions in Kartal

Kartal and its surrounding areas host several universities and international schools, making it a suitable district for families and students in the Asian side of Istanbul.

Universities in Kartal

• Istanbul Medeniyet University (İstanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi)

    A reputable public university with campuses located near Kartal.

• Istanbul Gedik University (İstanbul Gedik Üniversitesi)

    A private university offering programs in engineering, business, and social sciences, with its main campus located in Kartal.

• Marmara University (Marmara Üniversitesi)

    One of Istanbul’s oldest and largest universities, with several faculties located near the Kartal area.

International Schools in Kartal

Pelita International School

    An international school offering English-based education for foreign students.

• Istanbul British International School

    A British curriculum school with a strong international student community.

• Future International School

    A private school offering an international curriculum with English-based education.

• Al Jazeera International School

    An international school offering Arabic and English programs, popular among expatriate families.

 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Kartal District

Kartal district consists of around 20 neighborhoods, but for foreign investors and buyers looking for a modern lifestyle and strong investment potential, the following areas are the most preferred:

• Atalar Neighborhood (Atalar Mahallesi)

Atalar is a developing residential area in Kartal that has gained attention in recent years due to its proximity to the Marmara Sea and convenient access to public transportation. The presence of newly built residential projects and well-developed urban infrastructure makes it attractive for both homebuyers and investors.

• Kordonboyu Neighborhood (Kordonboyu Mahallesi)

Kordonboyu is one of the most popular coastal neighborhoods in Kartal. It stands out for its sea views, seaside location, and modern residential developments. Easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and coastal leisure areas makes it one of the most valuable and relatively upscale districts in Kartal.

• Esentepe Neighborhood (Esentepe Mahallesi)

Esentepe is a quiet and family-friendly residential area with an organized urban structure. Its proximity to schools, public services, and main transportation routes makes it a convenient place to live. In recent years, the neighborhood has also seen new residential developments.

• Karlıktepe Neighborhood (Karlıktepe Mahallesi)

Karlıktepe is a well-known residential area in Kartal located at a slightly higher elevation, offering panoramic views of the city, Marmara Sea, and the Princes’ Islands. Modern residential complexes and good access to city facilities make it one of the most desirable areas for property buyers.

Property Prices in Kartal Istanbul

Kartal is one of the modern and rapidly developing districts on the Asian side of Istanbul. Thanks to new residential projects, proximity to the Marmara coastline, and strong transport connections, it has become increasingly attractive for both local and foreign investors. Property prices here are still more affordable compared to premium districts, but they continue to show steady growth.

Average Property Prices in Kartal

• Older standard apartments: approximately 3.5 to 5.5 million TRY
• New and modern apartments: around 5.5 to 8 million TRY
• Units in residential complexes (sites) and modern projects: 7 to 12 million TRY
• Luxury apartments or sea-view properties: starting from 10 million TRY and above

What Affects Property Prices in Kartal?

Property values in Kartal are influenced by several key factors:

• Proximity to the coastline and sea view
• Access to metro and Marmaray lines
• Quality of construction and project brand
• Distance to main highways and transportation hubs

Generally, properties closer to the sea or located in branded modern projects have significantly higher value.

Conclusion

Kartal is one of the most promising real estate districts on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering a rare balance between coastal living, modern urban development, and strong investment potential. With its ongoing urban transformation, expanding transportation network, and increasing demand for new residential projects, the district continues to attract both end-users and long-term investors. For foreign buyers, purchasing property in Kartal can also provide an opportunity to obtain residency in Turkey by buying property, depending on the property and applicable requirements.

Whether for family living or capital growth, Kartal stands out as a smart choice for those looking to benefit from Istanbul’s evolving property market with relatively affordable entry prices and strong future appreciation potential. If you are considering buying property in Istanbul and want to explore suitable options in Kartal, Hometurkie’s experienced consultants can help you find properties that match your budget and investment goals. For investors seeking a higher level of investment and Turkish citizenship and a passport, Kartal also offers a range of property options that may be worth considering.