The real estate market, like many other markets, is mostly moved and dictated by investors, i.e. buyers. And investors are more often than not are attracted to a particular opportunity by other investors. The logic is simple: if many people are buying into it then it’s good and will likely benefit me as well. It’s true not only for investment, but for any everyday products or services.
If you take a glance at the Turkish real estate market and the most popular provinces among foreign property investors you may – or may not – notice something. Among big and “attractive” provinces (cities) that are traditionally popular for real estate, like Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and Bursa, there is another place that for years has consistently appeared in the top five or ten. It’s Yalova.
It’s OK if you’ve never heard of Yalova before, it is not the most famous place outside of Turkey. So it could be pretty surprising to see it among the most popular property markets within Turkey, right? Well, not if you know about Yalova.
Where is Yalova and what is it?
Dry statistical data and facts will tell you that Yalova is a province in northwestern Turkey on the coast of the Marmara Sea. The province is quite small – in fact it’s the smallest Turkish province by area. Nothing remarkable in terms of population either. It’s home to estimated 270,000 people, which puts it toward the low end of provincial population rankings.
So what’s with the popularity? Let’s dive deeper into it.
Green haven
Yalova boasts beautiful nature and is known locally as a “green haven” of sorts. Forests, bush groves and waterfalls all around is what you will find here.
It’s hard to identify a particular natural landmark like a lake, a big nature park or a mountain, instead it is the general natural setting of this small province.
The steep slopes in the south of Yalova are completely covered with a dense forest cover. In fact, these forests cover more than half of the provincial area.
Meanwhile, the climate of Yalova is a combination between Mediterranean and Black Sea climates. Summers in the province are dry and hot, while winters are mild and rainy.
Comfortable city
Just over half of Yalova’s population lives in the eponymous provincial center.
Though maybe relatively a small city, it would be unfair to call Yalova underdeveloped or unsophisticated.
The city offers its inhabitants and guests the means to lead a comfortable small-city life from everyday shopping to dining to recreation and more.
And if something may be missing, Yalova is in close proximity to some of the largest cities in Turkey.
Between Istanbul and Bursa
From north and south, Yalova is sandwiched between Istanbul and Bursa. Both metropolitan areas are just an hour-long drive away from the province.
Yalova is so close to Istanbul that until 27 years ago, it was a part of the Turkish megapolis. The numerous transit links to Istanbul remain to this day.
As mentioned above, central parts of Istanbul can be reached from Yalova by car or bus in a little over an hour.
Moreover, commuters can also take advantage of the sea transport. There are fast ferries available several times a day that carry both passengers and vehicles. They operate on both European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Getting to the metropolis by sea takes nearly as much time as by land and is arguably far more enjoyable.
Such great connectivity to Istanbul in particular makes Yalova an ideal location for those who seek a more tranquil life far away from the bustle of a multimillion city, yet occasionally want to enjoy the perks offered by such metropolises.
Resort
Mostly unknown to foreigners, Yalova has long been a major destination for local tourists, especially for Istanbulites and people from the rest of Marmara Region.
The aforementioned rich nature enables Yalova to be a perfect setting for a nature getaway for the residents of nearby large cities.
The Marmara coast attracts beachgoers in the summer or others who just want to hang out by the sea.
And there’s something else.
That something else is Yalova’s thermal springs. Numerous hot springs and thermal baths can be found across the province. The springs here are rich in calcium, fluoride and sodium chloride that make for a perfect relaxation as well as healing experience. Some baths in the area are hundreds of years old and were preserved since the Byzantine period.
The array of recreational opportunities in Yalova is what made the province a popular choice among those buying a vacation home in Turkey.
Investment value
Coming back to the real estate market, Yalova offers good value to people investing here. However close Yalova may be to Istanbul, it’s not a part of the city and there is some commute involved. This means property prices have remained more reasonable despite high demand.
Apartments, detached houses, villas or land – costs for similar real estate are considerably lower in Yalova than in nearby Istanbul or Bursa.
Yalova is a lucrative opportunity for potential buyers in the Turkish property market whether it’s for a long-term investment, personal use or both.
The province’s long-standing popularity among overseas investors also means that there are many real estate professionals who are ready and able to assist foreigners with their investments.
Together all the aforementioned factors make Yalova not only a great place to own property in, but also a quite lucrative investment opportunity.
