Living in Başakşehir: A Family Guide for Property Buyers

Başakşehir is one of the youngest districts in Istanbul and one of the most planned. Wide boulevards, large residential compounds, a major city hospital and new metro lines have turned the northwest of the city into a popular choice for families and long-term residents. This guide looks at what living in Başakşehir is like: its neighbourhoods, transport, daily life, housing types and what the district offers from an investment point of view.

Last updated: November 2026.

Başakşehir at a Glance

Başakşehir became a separate district in 2008, formed largely from land that previously belonged to Bakırköy, and it now has a population of more than half a million. It sits on the European side, northwest of the historic centre, between Küçükçekmece, Esenyurt, Arnavutköy and Eyüpsultan.

The district is made up of very different neighbourhoods:

• Başakşehir (Başak) centre: the original planned town with mid-rise blocks, parks and established schools.
• Bahçeşehir: a garden-city area with lower-density housing, villas, townhouses and green spaces around its lake.
• Kayabaşı (Kayaşehir): the newest and fastest-growing part, with large compounds and high-rise residences near the city hospital.
• Altınşehir, Şahintepesi, Güvercintepe and Ziya Gökalp: more mixed areas with a larger share of older and more affordable housing.

Transport and Connections

Transport has improved significantly in recent years, which is one of the main reasons buyer interest has grown:

• M3 metro: runs from Kayaşehir Merkez through Başakşehir to Kirazlı and, since March 2024, continues to Bakırköy on the Marmara coast.
• M11 metro: since June 2026, stations in Kayaşehir and Olimpiyatköy connect the district directly to Istanbul Airport in one direction and to Halkalı in the other.
• M9 metro: links the Olimpiyat area with the southwest of the city.
• Roads: the TEM (O-3) motorway and the Northern Marmara Motorway give fast road access to the airport, the Bosphorus bridges and the west of Istanbul.
• Buses: direct routes connect Bahçeşehir and Başakşehir with Taksim, Mecidiyeköy, Bakırköy and Yenikapı.

The trade-off is distance. Reaching the central business districts such as Levent or Maslak usually takes longer than from central districts, so check the commute from the specific project before you buy. Our guide to buying property near metro stations explains why walking distance to a station matters for both daily life and resale.

Daily Life, Healthcare and Education

• Healthcare: Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, opened in 2020, is one of the largest hospital complexes in Turkey. Private hospitals and clinics are also spread across the district.
• Shopping: Mall of Istanbul is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres in the city, and most compounds have markets and cafés within walking distance.
• Green space: planned parks, cycling paths and Bahçeşehir's lake area make the district attractive for children and outdoor activities.
• Education: a wide choice of state and private schools, plus university campuses such as İbn Haldun University in Kayaşehir.
• Sport and events: Atatürk Olympic Stadium, the largest stadium in Turkey, hosted the 2023 UEFA Champions League final.

Day to day, Başakşehir feels quieter and more suburban than districts such as Beşiktaş or Kadıköy. Nightlife and historic streets are limited, while space, parking and family facilities are much easier to find.

Housing Types in Başakşehir

• Gated family compounds: the most typical product, with security, pools, playgrounds, sports areas and underground parking.
• High-rise residences: concentrated in Kayaşehir and along the main boulevards, often with city or lake views.
• Villas and townhouses: mainly in Bahçeşehir, for buyers who want a garden and more privacy.
• Older apartment blocks: in established neighbourhoods, usually at lower prices but with more variation in building quality.

Because many compounds offer extensive facilities, compare the monthly maintenance fee (aidat) as well as the price. Building age, construction standards and earthquake resilience also differ from project to project, so read our guide to building standards before buying property in Turkey.

Başakşehir from an Investment Point of View

• Infrastructure-led growth: the city hospital and the M3 and M11 metro links have strengthened the district's position in recent years.
• Family rental demand: tenants are often families, hospital staff and professionals working in western Istanbul or at the airport.
• Economic base: the İkitelli Organised Industrial Zone and nearby business areas support local employment.
• Long-term projects: the planned Kanal Istanbul route runs along the western edge of the district. Its timing and impact remain uncertain, so it should not be the only reason to buy. See our analysis of the impact of the Istanbul Canal on the property market.
• Supply to consider: the district has a large volume of new housing, which keeps competition between projects high. Location within the district, distance to metro and project quality make a real difference to rental demand and resale value.

Is Başakşehir the Right Choice for You?

Başakşehir suits buyers who want a modern home with space and family facilities, good healthcare access and an easy connection to the airport. It is less suited to buyers who want to walk to historic sights, the Bosphorus or the city's nightlife every day. To compare it with other districts, read our guide to the best areas to buy property in Istanbul or nearby Halkalı.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Başakşehir on the European or Asian side of Istanbul?

Başakşehir is on the European side, in the northwest of the city.

How do you get from Başakşehir to Istanbul Airport?

Since June 2026, the M11 metro connects Kayaşehir and Olimpiyatköy stations directly with Istanbul Airport. By car, the Northern Marmara Motorway is the usual route.

Is Başakşehir good for families?

Yes. Its compounds, parks, schools and healthcare facilities make it one of the most family-oriented districts in Istanbul.

What types of property are available in Başakşehir?

Mainly apartments in gated compounds and high-rise residences, plus villas and townhouses in Bahçeşehir and older apartments in established neighbourhoods.

Find Your Home in Başakşehir

Browse current property for sale in Başakşehir, for example family compounds such as Başakşehir Harmony Residences and Başakşehir Garden Residences, or compare all property for sale in Istanbul. New to buying in Turkey? Start with our Property Turkey guide or ask our team for a shortlist.