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A 15-square-meter studio apartment in Istanbul has drawn widespread attention after its monthly rent was listed at ₺24,500 (approximately $553), exceeding the country’s lowest pension and highlighting ongoing concerns over housing affordability.
The listing, located in the Kaynarca neighborhood of Istanbul’s Pendik district, features a compact 1+0 studio apartment, a term commonly used in Türkiye to describe a single-room unit that combines living and sleeping areas. The apartment measures just 15 square meters, roughly the size of a small bedroom.
Despite its limited space, the property has been advertised at a monthly rent of ₺24,500 ($553). Images from the listing show that the ground-floor unit can only fit a sofa, while a raised mezzanine level accommodates a bed, underscoring the tight living conditions.
The asking price has fueled debate in part because it exceeds key income benchmarks in Türkiye.
The country’s lowest pension stands at ₺20,000 ($452), meaning the rent alone would surpass a retiree’s monthly income. At the same time, it accounts for more than half of the minimum wage of ₺28,075 ($634).
These comparisons have amplified concerns over affordability, especially for individuals on fixed or lower incomes, as housing costs continue to rise.
The listing quickly spread across social media, where users reacted strongly to both the size of the apartment and its price.
Some described the unit using the phrase “prison cell," pointing to the confined layout and limited functionality of the space.
As the discussion continues, the apartment has become a focal point in broader conversations about housing conditions and rental prices in Istanbul.
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