The cities where Istanbul residents migrate to most have been revealed

Rising costs and the fear of earthquakes have accelerated migration from Istanbul.

According to relocation data for 2023, nearly 350 thousand moving requests from 81 provinces were analyzed, and it was determined that the highest number of requests came from Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir.

The Istanbul earthquake is also highly influential in citizens' decisions to move.

Data also revealed that there is intense interest in coastal cities with metropolitan status.

Muğla ranks first in the list of provinces receiving migration, which also includes coastal provinces such as Balıkesir, Samsun, and Ordu.

The period that saw the second-highest increase in demand occurred last July and August, following minimum wage hikes.

BALIKESIR STANDS OUT

According to a report by Sibel Gülersöyler from Haber Global,

Balıkesir, which is Turkey's second most popular destination for migration after Muğla, receives the highest volume of migration from Istanbul. When looking at the distribution of migration to Balıkesir, it is observed that coastal districts with summer homes are preferred over the city center.

Those migrating to Balıkesir most frequently choose Edremit and Ayvalık. Turkey's third most popular destination for migration is in the Black Sea region.

The coastal districts of Samsun, Atakum and İlkadım, stand out as areas where migration from metropolitan cities is intensifying.

Another trend of 2023 is the shift toward larger homes. There is an increase in demand for 3+1 and larger house types.

The demand for moving into 4+1 homes has increased by 22 percent compared to the previous year. Demand for 5+1 homes rose by 13 percent, and demand for 3+1 homes increased by 10 percent. July and August are the most preferred months for moving, influenced by salary and wage increase periods.

When examining the data in detail, the districts in Istanbul that meet the demand for large homes are listed as follows: While Kadıköy and Pendik lead in the search for 3+1 residences, Başakşehir and Beylikdüzü stand out as the primary destinations for those looking to move into homes with 4 or more rooms.

In Ankara, 5+1 apartment types were the most preferred with a 26 percent growth, while Çankaya remains the top choice by a wide margin for residents of Ankara looking to live in large homes.

Residents of İzmir also favored 3+1 apartments in 2023. While Karşıyaka was the preferred location for 3+1 homes, those looking to live in houses with 4 or more rooms decided to move away from the city center to Urla.

EVEN TOKAT WILL RECEIVE MIGRATION

Examining the ranking of the top 10 cities, Zaimoğlu continued: “The places receiving migration are provinces with industrialization and job opportunities. Citizens have started to prefer provinces where housing sales and rental prices are more affordable instead of Istanbul.

Looking at the current data, we estimate that Kocaeli, Tekirdağ, Ankara, İzmir, and Bursa will maintain their presence on the list in the coming years. We also believe that Tokat, which has been on the list in previous years, will be able to maintain its presence. Migration from Istanbul to Muğla and Antalya continues to maintain its place on the list.”

EVA Real Estate Appraisal Specialist Yasemin Zaimoğlu stated that Istanbul is among the leading provinces receiving the most migration, noting, "According to TUIK data, Istanbul stands out in the ranking of the top 10 cities for migration between 2019 and 2023.

Kocaeli ranks first. It is followed by Ankara, Tekirdağ, İzmir, and Bursa. Sakarya and Antalya, which had been on the list for 4 years, do not appear in the 2023 migration data," she said.