Turkey rental market surges in Istanbul as students seek housing

University registration periods in Turkey have triggered significant volatility in the rental housing market. In Istanbul, districts popular with students such as Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Şişli are seeing massive price hikes. In Beşiktaş, average rents for standard apartments have risen from approximately 25,000 TL last year to nearly 45,000 TL this year, with some modern structures reaching 80,000 TL. Real estate agents have warned students about potential scams, noting that some landlords may rent out buildings even if they are slated for urban transformation.

In contrast, the rental market in Menteşe, Muğla, remains relatively stable. Due to factors such as a decrease in student numbers, new housing production, and the opening of new dormitories, rents in the Kötekli area have not seen significant year-on-year increases. Prices for 1+1 furnished apartments in Menteşe range between 20,000 and 21,000 TL, while 2+1 furnished apartments are between 25,000 and 30,000 TL.

In some regions, the economic impact of shifting student populations is being felt more acutely, with reports of local economies in university towns facing challenges due to fluctuating enrollment numbers.