In Byzantium times, it used to be the main activity center and became a religious cynosure after the Ottomans conquered Istanbul.

The prominence of Turkish real estate dates back to Istanbul’s earliest times, displaying elements of the city’s awe-inspiring architecture imbued with the history of the country and the people who created it.

Important historical sites such as the Fatih Mosque and the Byzantine walls still stand tall with pride and delight.

Though it can not be denied that the region was greatly impacted by the Anatolian migration, it has successfully preserved and nurtured its high residential and commercial status.

LocationSituated on the European side, Fatih is bordered by the Sea of Marmara to the south, Golden Horn to the north, and Bosphorus Strait to the east, while the western border is demarked by the famous Theodosian wall.

The Golden Horn estuary dissects the European side of Istanbul and it is where you can find connectivity for train, sea, and foot routes in and around the entire city.

Dynamic and bustling, majestic and magical, this huge metropolis is the only city in the world that sits between two continents.

The duality is primarily reflected in its contrast of traditional heritage and the combination of European and Asian influences.

In an attempt to replicate and outmatch Rome, the powerful dynasty built Istanbul on seven hills.

Home to famous structures and locations such as Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Yavuz Selim Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, Istanbul never ceases to amaze.

The seven hills of Istanbul are:Sarayburnu HillÇemberlitaş HillBeyazit HillFatih HillYavuz Selim HillEdirnekapı HillKocamustafapaşa HillThe Princes’ Island and the exiled royaltyDuring the rule of Byzantine and Ottomans, exiled princes, as well as princesses, used to live on the Princes’ Islands.

Moreover, a separate room also holds hair from Muhammad’s beard along with an autographed letter.Apart from this, other exhibitions include royal treasury, clothing, armory, and personal belongings from the Ottoman reign and royalty.

Therefore, thinking about expanding the base of investment and allocating it to different geographical areas is the right thing that you do.In this article, we provide you with an important comparison between the real estate in Turkey and real estate in Lebanon as they are considered an amazing tourist attraction places and investment destinations in the Middle East.A general overview of the real estate in LebanonIn the heart of the Middle East, Lebanon stands out as a unique tourist destination for many Arabs and foreigners, and since the beginning of the current decade, the real estate in Lebanon has witnessed a great leap and a large increase.

Real estate sector now accounts for 25% – 30% of the total value of the Lebanese economy.But the turbulent conditions that the Arabic region has suffered from 2011, have imposed itself and created a big gap between supply and demand which put the real estate market in Lebanon in a bind, especially when comparing the purchasing power for the real estates with the real estate evaluated prices.

Despite the fact that there is a large number of construction projects in the Lebanese capital Beirut, where the flat price in some cases exceeded 1 million dollars.

Saying that the number of building permits in Beirut decreased by 8% in the first half of 2018 compared to the previous year, while the real estate deals also decreased by 17% during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year.A general overview of the real estate in TurkeyTurkey’s real estate market is a promising and ambitious market with great interactivity, especially when it comes to the flexible government laws and regulations that facilitated the foreign ownership of real estates in Turkey, where those laws and regulations shifted the real estate investment to new levels.

After only ten months of activating The law abolishing the principle of reciprocity and allowing the citizens of a number of countries around the world to own properties in Turkey, foreigners could purchase about 21691 real estates, Arabs were in the top of the foreign investors list by about 2697 properties, equivalent to 10% of the total investment value for that period.In addition to that, the real estate in Turkey has a promising future and its current market is unique due to the investment diversity and economic strength of the Turkish state, which is, in turn, related to the political and economic stability of the Turkish state.

The number of houses that have been sold to foreigners in 2017 was about 22234, which is an annual increase of 22.22%.The Turkish government’s efforts continue in supporting investments in Turkey through a package of measures and offers, including a number of tax incentives as well as reductions in investment ratios that entitle the investor to obtain the Turkish citizenship.After we had this quick overview of the real estate market in both Turkey and Lebanon, let us go deeper to see what is characterizing the real estate in both countries:Views of houses in LebanonLebanon has a unique view that makes its houses one of the most important tourism destinations in the Middle East.

 The last few years have witnessed a massive influx of foreign investors buying real estate in Turkey.

However, the situation differs when he buys a house in a foreign land.

He may face some fear or hurdles as the government policies and taxation systems vary in different countries.

By spending a little extra amount on a real estate legal advisor, you will be able to safeguard your investment capitals.Turkish regulations and laws are formulated in a way that makes it easy for property buyers and sellers to exchange money and deeds.

Since it is advantageous to be compliant with the Turkish laws, even Turkish property buyers are getting underway to hire legal advisors for shielding their real estate purchases.

With years of experience in the Turkish real estate market, we observed that people who fell victim to terrible deals or frauds neglected to seek aid from registered legal experts to complete their purchase.

 With the Turkish housing market finally softening enough to let real estate investors and homebuyers back in, many are wooed by one-bedroom apartments as an affordable and practical way to commence investing in properties.

Although nominal, traditionally, one-bedroom flats were perceived as a less desirable option, but does that opinion still hold true?The simple and straightforward answer is: No!

One-bedroom apartments in Istanbul are an attractive investment option and essentially offer high ROI in districts such as Taksim, Besiktas, Basaksehir, and Sariyer.

Ten years ago, the more rooms you could get, the better.

As a rule of thumb, you should consider a 1+1 property if it is as centrally located as possible.

If the living, kitchen, and laundry areas are very small, it will make a huge difference to have facilities that fulfill your everyday needs close by.A quick note on parking lots: An apartment without any parking space can be relatively harder to sell.

To this end, the surge in disposable incomes and investing power of a wider base has notably served to increase the discerning nature of international real estate investors.

Purchasing real estate indubitably involves making imperative decisions fraught with scaled-up concerns.

In order to purchase it, you should know where the upcoming or off-plan projects are and where you need to go.LocationAs the Turkish government and private builders are investing millions of dollars into the industry, the face of real estate in Istanbul has upscaled par excellence.

Satisfactory civic management, clean and decent spaces, and properties with well-ventilated floor plans are relevant factors to consider.

Most asked questionsWhat are the perfect locations for buying a villa in Istanbul?There are a total of 39 districts in Istanbul that spans Asian and European continents.

Before deciding to focus on a particular district, we recommend determining the purpose and needs of your investment first.

Home to financial and economical institutions as well as mega business centers, it is drawing Turkish and property investors from across the world.

Separating the districts of Bagcilar and Kucukcekmece, Basin Ekspres is steadily transfiguring from an unheard location to a global name.

With new constructions, project investments, entertainment centers, and service facilities, it is attracting tens of thousands of investors and international business associates.

Ranging from affordable housing to luxury apartments with state-of-the-art technology such as smart home systems, the most sought-after region has everything to offer.Let’s examine the factors that make properties near Basin Ekspres so appealing to real estate buyers.The strategic and dynamic locationStrategically situated in the middle of European Istanbul, Basin Ekspres sits at the crossroads of main highways with seamless connectivity to other parts of the city.

However, this new regenerating area has affordable real estate prices as compared to its neighborhoods, enabling investors to get their foot in the door.Basin Ekspres naturally lends its appeal to multinational professionals and offers solid buy-to-let investment opportunities in a fast-paced city.Transportation connectivityTaking into consideration the prime location of this region, the Turkish government has recognized the significance of Basin Ekspres.

This is the region where Istanbul’s three main highways intersect.

Istanbul is considered as an amalgamation of the modern and old city as well as Mediterranean and Islamic mixture of cultures in an engrossing atmosphere.

Ever since the government simplified the property purchasing and paperwork processes, Istanbul has witnessed a significant increase in housing sales.

Property selectionChoosing the right apartment and real estate is not always easy.

These areas represent recent urban developments and expansions in Istanbul.When you are planning to buy a property, decide if you want to spend your money on buying a completed or an off-plan project.

Opt for the right neighborhoodNo matter who or where you are, Istanbul always manages to capture our hearts.

It is best to take a city tour to decide where you wish to live, whether it’s a gorgeous villa in Maltepe or a modest apartment on the Asian side.

 With the Turkish housing market finally softening enough to let real estate investors and homebuyers back in, many are wooed by one-bedroom apartments as an affordable and practical way to commence investing in properties.

Although nominal, traditionally, one-bedroom flats were perceived as a less desirable option, but does that opinion still hold true?The simple and straightforward answer is: No!

One-bedroom apartments in Istanbul are an attractive investment option and essentially offer high ROI in districts such as Taksim, Besiktas, Basaksehir, and Sariyer.

Ten years ago, the more rooms you could get, the better.

As a rule of thumb, you should consider a 1+1 property if it is as centrally located as possible.

If the living, kitchen, and laundry areas are very small, it will make a huge difference to have facilities that fulfill your everyday needs close by.A quick note on parking lots: An apartment without any parking space can be relatively harder to sell.

In the period between 1920 to 1938, Romans and Bulgarian migrated to the central regions and settled in its northern part.

It has become a popular residential area among Turkish and foreign nationals due to the affordable budget constraints and property prices as compared to the Istanbul city center.

With a total population of 891,120, Esenyurt is the most prestigious and populous area of Istanbul offering a stream of recreational and standard-living opportunities to residents.TransportationIn terms of transportation, Esenyurt has multiple conveyance alternatives and has easy connectivity to other districts of the city.

The development is formulated to take place primarily near the TEM and D100 highways and its associated roads, thereby paving the way for new real estate developments.Places to visit in EsenyurtEsenyurt is one of the largest districts in terms of surface area and is also the most sought-after region of Istanbul.

Famous for its shopping centers, parks, and cultural centers, there are dozens of monuments and social places to visit.

Famous monuments, statues, sculpting replicas, and intricate work leaves the visitors stunned and obviously with a fetish for sweet and delicious chocolates.

 Istanbul is home to multicultural races and ethnicities, amalgamating vibrant traditions of eastern and western influences.

In recent years, it has made progressive expansions in the tourism and real estate markets, making it a billion-dollar industry.

The serene transcontinental city has witnessed a flurry of interests in property development and mega real estate constructions.When it comes to garnering foreign real estate investors from every corner of the world, Turkey’s financial and economical capital is the star performer.

To provide a transparent overview of top real estate listings, our series of Turkish Real Estate Conversations are designed to offer a detailed rundown of properties for sale in Istanbul.In an attempt to provide real estate investors with full factual insights into our project listings, our CEO Mr. Abdulhadi Alalouch puts himself in the buyer’s position tossing all the right investment concerns.

Watch his insightful interaction with the property’s Sales Manager here: bit.ly/323ieHZ  Prime Istanbul Residences Basin EkspresPrime Istanbul Residences is centrally located in Basin Ekspres and is one of the most distinctive real estate projects in Istanbul.

The Press Ekspres, Çobançeşme and Ataköy bands also adjoin the Prime Golden Axes Havalim.

Whether it is a serene port on the European side or a retreat on the dazzling Black Sea, the city never fails to cast its charm on the visitors.For those who wish to explore famous beaches near Istanbul’s idyllic locations, here are some of our favourite and highly-acclaimed coastal locations.Babylon beachIt is one of the best northern beaches near Istanbul.

The verdant greenery and surrounding mountains create a utopian atmosphere, ideal for getting away from the city’s commotion.

There are also a lot of leisure and water sports activities to do including volleyball and badminton.

The exciting trekking, motorbike racing, and caravan camping opportunities attract tourists and locals alike.

Surrounded by rolling green hills, this sandy yellow beach is located on the Black Sea coast and has bars, walking trails, and free WiFi.

Golden beachGolden beach is situated in Rumelishisari where the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea meet.

Foreign property buyers usually grant power of attorney to a recognized lawyer or real estate consultant in Turkey to handle the entire purchasing process for them.

As defined by the Turkish laws and real estate regulations, a set contract is used post-translation and is represented at the public notary office.

Specific Power of Attorney is the most used and normal route that foreign nationals take while purchasing a house in Turkey.General Power of Attorney: This furnishes a general authorisation to the solicitor or real estate consultant to represent you legally in all subjects and matters.

What to consider when giving the Power of Attorney in Turkey?Choose wisely as to who you are authorizing and giving power to.

If you do not have plans to sell your house, there is no need to inculcate the sellers’ rights in the consent.

Likewise, a general POA gives someone the authority on your behalf to gain access to credits.

 Istanbul is home to multicultural races and ethnicities, amalgamating vibrant traditions of eastern and western influences.

In recent years, it has made progressive expansions in the tourism and real estate markets, making it a billion-dollar industry.

The serene transcontinental city has witnessed a flurry of interests in property development and mega real estate constructions.When it comes to garnering foreign real estate investors from every corner of the world, Turkey’s financial and economical capital is the star performer.

To provide a transparent overview of top real estate listings, our series of Turkish Real Estate Conversations are designed to offer a detailed rundown of properties for sale in Istanbul.In an attempt to provide real estate investors with full factual insights into our project listings, our CEO Mr. Abdulhadi Alalouch puts himself in the buyer’s position tossing all the right investment concerns.

Watch his insightful interaction with the property’s Sales Manager here: bit.ly/323ieHZ  Prime Istanbul Residences Basin EkspresPrime Istanbul Residences is centrally located in Basin Ekspres and is one of the most distinctive real estate projects in Istanbul.

The Press Ekspres, Çobançeşme and Ataköy bands also adjoin the Prime Golden Axes Havalim.

Whether it is a serene port on the European side or a retreat on the dazzling Black Sea, the city never fails to cast its charm on the visitors.For those who wish to explore famous beaches near Istanbul’s idyllic locations, here are some of our favourite and highly-acclaimed coastal locations.Babylon beachIt is one of the best northern beaches near Istanbul.

The verdant greenery and surrounding mountains create a utopian atmosphere, ideal for getting away from the city’s commotion.

There are also a lot of leisure and water sports activities to do including volleyball and badminton.

The exciting trekking, motorbike racing, and caravan camping opportunities attract tourists and locals alike.

Surrounded by rolling green hills, this sandy yellow beach is located on the Black Sea coast and has bars, walking trails, and free WiFi.

Golden beachGolden beach is situated in Rumelishisari where the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea meet.