Maltepe and Kartal: Living on Istanbul's Asian Coastline

Maltepe and Kartal stretch along the Marmara Sea on Istanbul's Asian side, east of Kadıköy. With a long coastal park, sea views towards the Princes' Islands and fast rail links, they have become popular with families and buyers who want a coastal lifestyle at prices below the most expensive shoreline districts. This guide explains what living there is like, how the area is connected and what to check before buying.

Last updated: November 2026.

Maltepe and Kartal at a Glance

Maltepe borders Kadıköy and Ataşehir, and Kartal lies further east between Maltepe and Pendik. Both districts run from the coast up into the hills, so they combine waterfront neighbourhoods with residential areas inland. Over recent years, older industrial sites and buildings have been replaced by new residential projects, especially in Kartal and along the coastal axis.

Transport and Connections

• Marmaray: coastal stations in both districts connect directly with Kadıköy's Söğütlüçeşme area, Üsküdar and, under the Bosphorus, the European side.
• M4 metro: runs inland through Maltepe and Kartal, linking Kadıköy with Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Roads: the E-5 (D-100) and the TEM motorway cross both districts.
• Airport: Sabiha Gökçen Airport is close by, which suits frequent travellers.

With two rail lines, many homes are within reach of a station. Read why that matters in buying property near metro stations.

Daily Life on the Coast

• The coastal park: a long reclaimed shoreline with walking and cycling paths, sports areas and event spaces is the centre of outdoor life.
• Shopping and dining: Bağdat Avenue continues from Kadıköy into Maltepe, and both districts have large shopping centres and local markets.
• Healthcare and education: large public and private hospitals, including the city hospital in Kartal, plus universities and schools.
• Atmosphere: residential and family-oriented, more relaxed than central Kadıköy.

Housing Types

• Sea-view residences: newer towers and compounds along the coast and on the slopes above it.
• Gated family compounds: inland projects with pools, playgrounds and parking.
• Older apartment blocks: in established neighbourhoods near Bağdat Avenue and the E-5, many being renewed through urban transformation.

Sea views can add a significant premium, so compare carefully by floor, orientation and whether the view could be blocked. See why apartments in the same Istanbul building have different prices.

Maltepe and Kartal from an Investment Point of View

• Value compared with Kadıköy: coastal living and rail access at generally lower prices than the most expensive Asian shoreline.
• Family rental demand: schools, hospitals and parks attract long-term tenants.
• Renewal: new projects are steadily improving the housing stock.
• Supply: the number of new projects, particularly in Kartal, means competition between developments.

Things to Consider Before You Buy

• Building age and safety: check construction standards, especially in older blocks. Read building standards before buying property in Turkey.
• Noise: homes close to the E-5 or the motorway can be noisy.
• Running costs: compare monthly fees in compounds with extensive facilities.
• Legal checks: carry out full due diligence before paying.

Compare the two sides of the city in our guide to the European vs Asian side of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maltepe and Kartal on the Asian side?

Yes. Both are on the Asian side of Istanbul, along the Marmara Sea east of Kadıköy.

How do you get from Maltepe to the European side?

Marmaray runs directly under the Bosphorus to the European side, and the M4 metro connects with Kadıköy.

Do homes in Maltepe and Kartal have sea views?

Many coastal and hillside properties have views of the Marmara Sea and the Princes' Islands, which usually adds to the price.

Are Maltepe and Kartal good for families?

Yes. The coastal park, schools, hospitals and rail links make both districts popular with families.

Find Property on the Asian Coast

Browse current property for sale in Maltepe and property for sale in Kartal, for example Kartal Coast Residences, or compare all property for sale in Istanbul. Start with our Property Turkey guide or ask our team for a shortlist.