Average rent in Istanbul exceeded the Turkey average in August 2026
According to the August 2026 report prepared based on Emlakjet and Endeksa data, the average residential rent across Turkey was 28,040 TL, while in Istanbul this figure reached 45,510 TL.
While the average residential rent across Turkey was calculated as 28,040 TL, rents in Istanbul reached the level of 45,510 TL, exceeding the national average by 62.3 percent, and Istanbul became the only one among five major cities to experience a real increase.
Rental Situation Across Turkey and in Istanbul
While the average residential rent across Turkey was calculated as 28,040 TL as of August 2026, the average rent in Istanbul reached the level of 45,510 TL. Residential rents nationwide showed a nominal increase of 22.3 percent on an annual basis.
Real Rent Changes Against Inflation
When residential rents were adjusted for inflation, they recorded an annual decline of 7.1 percent across Turkey. In contrast, rents in Istanbul increased by a real rate of 9.4 percent, clearly diverging from the national average.
Rent Comparison Among Five Major Cities
According to August 2026 data, the highest average residential rent was measured in Istanbul at 45,510 TL. Istanbul was followed by Muğla with 40,940 TL, Ankara with 34,440 TL, Izmir with 33,369 TL, and Antalya with 29,306 TL. In Bursa, the average residential rent was 24,207 TL.
Annual Real Declines in Metropolitan Cities
Annual nominal rent increases in major cities were 20.5 percent in Ankara, 19.3 percent in Izmir, 24.1 percent in Antalya, and 17.4 percent in Bursa. According to data adjusted for inflation, rents declined annually by 8.5 percent in Ankara, 9.4 percent in Izmir, 5.7 percent in Antalya, and 10.8 percent in Bursa.
Istanbul's Market Position
Istanbul held the distinction of being the only city among the five major cities to record an annual real rent increase. The average rent in the city stood 62.3 percent above the Turkey-wide average of 28,040 TL.
Importance of Supply Increase and Housing Projects
Emlakjet and Endeksa CEO Görkem Öğüt stated that the August data highlights the importance of increasing the supply of rental housing, particularly in Istanbul. He expressed that rental social housing projects are critical for citizens to access affordably priced housing.