Makro Life's analysis before the university registration period revealed the course of the rental housing market in 20 provinces with a dense student population in Türkiye. According to Makro Life data, as of August 2025, housing rents in these cities increased less than annual inflation. Makro Life General Manager and Co-Founder Görkem Öğüt said that shared houses are still a reason for preference among students in most cities due to high rental prices.
With universities starting the new academic year, accommodation costs for students and their families have become a priority agenda item. While new students who will settle outside the city and current students and their families are still looking for a rental house, real estate valuation platform Makro Life has scrutinized the situation of the housing market in student cities.
Makro Life examined the rental housing market in the 20 provinces with the highest number of students in Türkiye. According to August 2025 data, residential rents in the majority of these cities increased below the annual inflation rate.
The annual change rates of rents in student-dense cities are as follows:
Standing out with its universities providing quality education and student-friendly venues in Samsun rents compared to last year %41 showed a nominal increase. Average unit rent in Samsun 191 TL/m2 While average rental housing prices 18 thousand 946 TL happened. In Van, rents are lower than last year %37 While nominal increase, average unit rent 178 TL/m2 If the average rent is 16 thousand 905 TL happened.
Standing out with its universities with high education and research quality and student-friendly cafes, libraries and cultural venues. in Ankara rents compared to last year %37 showed a nominal increase. Average unit rent in the capital 249 TL/m2 While the average rent is 28 thousand 588 TL happened as.
In recent years, students have had great hesitations when choosing a university due to the high cost of living. IstanbulDespite this, it is still the second city with the largest student population. As of August 2025, rents in Istanbul are nominally lower compared to the same month last year. %36 While the average unit rent is increasing 333 TL/m2 While the price of rental housing is 32 thousand 932 TL happened. Among the 20 cities Makro Life examined, the highest average rental price is in Istanbul.
Facing a serious price increase in recent years due to post-pandemic migration trends and high foreign housing demand, in Antalya Housing rental prices have entered a period of normalization. As of August 2025, rents in Antalya are nominal on an annual basis. %36 happened. Average unit rent in the tourism city of Antalya 243 TL/m2 While the average rent is 24 thousand 346 TL was detected as.
The average rent in the student city Eskişehir is 17 thousand 420 TL
Eskişehir, which has 3 state universities and is known as the "student city", is also the city with the highest number of registered university students in Turkey. Rents in Eskişehir are nominal on an annual basis as of August 2025. %14 While the average unit rent increases 191 TL/m2 The average rental price is 17 thousand 420 TL happened.
The average rent in Kocaeli is 23 thousand 485 TL
Rents in Kocaeli, which is preferred by students due to its location close to Istanbul, will increase nominally in August 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year. %27 increased by . Average unit rent 214TL/m2 If the average rent is 23 thousand 485 TL happened.
In Izmir, which is in high demand, rents remained at the level of 21 thousand 978 TL.
In Izmir, which promises an attractive education process for students with its 6 public and 3 foundation universities and its lively cultural life, rents are nominally lower than the same month last year, according to August 2025 data. %31 increased. Average unit rent in the pearl of the Aegean 280 TL/m2 If the average rent is 27 thousand 978 TL occurred at the level.
The lowest average rents are in Kütahya and Kayseri
Among the cities Makro Life examined, Kütahya and Kayseri, which have the lowest average rental prices, stood out as cities where students can easily afford the rent. Average rent in Kütahya 13 thousand 552 TL, in Kayseri 16 thousand 659 TL remained at the level.
Rental stock increased in 4 provinces
Among the cities examined, rental housing stocks increased in only 4 cities. Stocks in Kütahya %14, in Eskişehir %12, in Çanakkale %6 and in Sivas %5 increased. The city with the highest rental housing stock was Istanbul.
Speaking on the subject, Makro Life General Manager and Founding Partner Görkem Öğüt: "Renting a house for students on their own requires a high budget in most cities. For example, the average rent for a 100 square meter house in Istanbul is 33 thousand TL at the level. For this reason, many students prefer to live in shared houses. However, there has been a real downward trend in prices since the beginning of the year, when adjusted for the effect of inflation. If this process continues, housing may become more accessible for students, but this is something that will take time. At this point, it is critical for students and their families to follow the right location and budget-friendly options.” he said.
