Istanbul: 300 Million Lira Land Tender in Kemerburgaz Despite 24-Year Zoning Absence
Istanbul, April 16, 2026 – The Eyüpsultan Municipality has announced the sale of agricultural land parcels in the Kemerburgaz neighborhood, which have been without a zoning plan for 24 years. The tenders, with a combined estimated value of approximately 300 million Turkish Lira, are scheduled to take place on April 29, 2026.
Controversial Sale of Unzoned Land
The land, located in the Istakoz Sırtı area of Kemerburgaz, Eyüpsultan district, is currently classified as agricultural. This sale has raised questions due to the prolonged absence of a zoning plan for these specific parcels, dating back to November 13, 2002.
The municipality will conduct the tender through a closed bidding process. Two significant parcels are involved:
- Parcel 1396: Spanning 2,260 square meters, with an estimated value of 110 million 740 thousand Turkish Lira.
- Parcel 2840: Covering 2,840 square meters, with an estimated value of 115 million 183 thousand Turkish Lira.
The tenders are set to occur on April 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM respectively.
No Zoning Plan for Over Two Decades
A key point of contention is the fact that neither of these parcels has had an approved zoning plan for over two decades. This raises concerns about future development potential and the implications for prospective buyers. The lack of a zoning plan typically means that construction or significant changes to land use are restricted, potentially limiting the immediate utility and value for investors.
Despite this, the municipality proceeds with the sale, indicating a potential long-term vision for the area or an expectation that zoning changes may occur in the future. However, the current status presents a unique challenge for any developer looking to acquire and utilize these properties.
Implications for Istanbul’s Real Estate Market
This tender highlights the complex nature of real estate in rapidly developing cities like Istanbul. While the city experiences continuous growth and demand for land, the sale of unzoned parcels at such high values underscores the speculative nature of some investments. It also brings into focus the role of municipal authorities in managing urban development and land use planning.
The outcome of these tenders will be closely watched by real estate developers, investors, and urban planners, as it could set a precedent for future land sales in areas with similar zoning challenges. The substantial financial figures involved also reflect the continued high valuation of land in strategic locations within Istanbul, even when immediate development prospects are unclear.
The Eyüpsultan Municipality has not yet released further details regarding the rationale behind selling unzoned land or any prospective plans for future zoning changes in the Kemerburgaz area. The tenders will proceed as scheduled, offering these unique parcels to the highest bidders.
Source: https://www.ntv.com.tr/ntvpara/istanbulda-300-milyonluk-tarla-ihalesi-24-yildir-imar-yok-1720285
