Buying real estate in Iran?

What is the average price per sqm in Tehran?

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property investment Tehran

Yes, the analysis of Tehran's property market is included in our pack

Tehran's property market shows significant price variations based on location, property type, and size, with average prices ranging from $1,100 to $1,500 per square meter for residential properties as of September 2025. Understanding these price dynamics is crucial for anyone considering buying property in Iran's capital, whether for investment or residence.

Property prices in Tehran have experienced dramatic growth, increasing approximately 1,700% over the past five years due to inflation and currency fluctuations. Northern districts like Elahiyeh and Zafaraniyeh command premium prices up to $3,000 per square meter, while southern areas offer more affordable options starting around $500 per square meter.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Iran, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How do property prices break down by type in Tehran?

Tehran's property market shows distinct pricing patterns across different property types, with apartments dominating the residential market and commanding varying prices based on quality and location.

Apartments represent the most common property type in Tehran, with standard units starting around $1,100 per square meter and luxury developments reaching $1,400-$1,500 per square meter in premium districts. New construction projects in desirable areas often exceed these averages significantly.

Villas concentrate primarily in northern districts such as Farmanieh, Niavaran, and Elahieh, typically commanding higher prices due to larger plots and private gardens. These properties often exceed $1,500 per square meter and can reach $2,500 per square meter or more for luxury villas with premium amenities and prime locations.

Commercial units show the widest price variation, with premium properties in central business districts like Shahrak-e Gharb commanding $1,800-$3,000 per square meter. Modern office buildings and retail spaces in high-traffic areas command premium pricing due to their income-generating potential.

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How do prices vary between Tehran neighborhoods?

Tehran's property prices show dramatic variations between districts, with northern areas commanding premium prices and southern districts offering more affordable options for budget-conscious buyers.

The luxury northern districts of Elahiyeh, Zafaraniyeh, and Farmanieh represent the most expensive areas, with prices ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per square meter. These neighborhoods attract diplomatic communities, international businesses, and wealthy local residents due to their proximity to embassies, high-end shopping, and superior infrastructure.

Central districts like Jordan and Vanak offer mid-range pricing between $1,200-$2,000 per square meter, benefiting from excellent public transportation access and a mix of older and newer buildings. These areas appeal to professionals seeking convenience without luxury premiums.

Southern and eastern Tehran districts provide the most affordable options, with prices starting around $500-$800 per square meter. These working-class areas offer high rental demand and represent entry-level investment opportunities, though with fewer amenities and longer commutes to business centers.

Up-and-coming areas like Sa'adat Abad show prices between $1,500-$2,500 per square meter, representing a middle ground between established luxury and emerging neighborhoods with growth potential.

How does property size affect the price per square meter?

Property size significantly influences per-square-meter pricing in Tehran, with smaller units typically commanding higher rates per square meter due to strong demand for entry-level housing options.

Smaller apartments ranging from 50-60 square meters often show slightly higher per-square-meter pricing, typically around $1,200-$1,400 per square meter. This premium reflects high demand from young professionals, students, and first-time buyers seeking affordable entry into Tehran's property market.

Larger family units between 100-150 square meters sometimes benefit from economies of scale in older buildings, though luxury developments often buck this trend by maintaining premium pricing regardless of size. Modern developments with superior amenities maintain consistent per-square-meter pricing across different unit sizes.

Villas and penthouses exceeding 200 square meters command premium pricing, especially in affluent districts where land scarcity drives up costs. These properties often include private gardens, parking spaces, and exclusive amenities that justify higher per-square-meter rates.

Commercial properties show different sizing dynamics, with larger spaces often negotiating better per-square-meter rates while prime retail locations maintain premium pricing regardless of size due to foot traffic and visibility advantages.

What are the total costs including fees and taxes?

Property transactions in Tehran involve several additional costs beyond the purchase price, typically adding 4-7% to the total investment when including registration, legal fees, and agent commissions.

Cost Type Typical Range Notes
Agent Commission 1.5-4 million tomans Clarify terms upfront
Transfer Tax Up to 5% of value Government fee
Legal Fees Variable Depends on complexity
Registration Costs 1-2% of value Official documentation
Municipal Taxes Annual Ongoing property tax

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What are the current mortgage rates and financing options?

Tehran property financing presents significant challenges, with extremely high interest rates and limited options for foreign buyers seeking mortgage products in the Iranian market.

Local buyers face mortgage rates typically ranging from 22-30% annually, offered through Islamic banking products such as Murabaha and Ijarah structures. These rates reflect Iran's economic conditions and make property financing extremely expensive compared to international standards.

Typical mortgage terms span 15-20 years with down payment requirements of 30-50% of the property value. Banks require extensive documentation and often limit loan amounts based on borrower income and property type, making cash purchases more common among buyers.

Foreign buyers typically must pay cash for property purchases, as Iranian mortgage products remain largely inaccessible to non-residents. This cash requirement significantly limits foreign investment and concentrates international buyers among wealthy individuals and investors.

The restrictive financing environment contributes to low transaction volumes and creates affordability challenges for local buyers, while foreign investors must plan for substantial cash investments when considering Tehran property purchases.

Which areas work best for personal residence?

Tehran offers distinct residential options depending on lifestyle preferences, budget constraints, and proximity requirements to work, schools, and amenities.

Northern districts including Elahiyeh, Farmanieh, Niavaran, and Zafaraniyeh provide the highest quality living standards with superior amenities, safety, green spaces, and diplomatic community presence. These areas suit expatriates, wealthy locals, and professionals seeking premium lifestyle options despite higher costs.

Family-oriented buyers often prefer Sa'adat Abad, Shahrak-e Gharb, and other uptown districts that offer modern infrastructure, quality schools, hospitals, and family amenities at more moderate price points. These neighborhoods balance quality of life with reasonable costs for middle-class families.

Budget-conscious residents can find affordable options in southern and eastern districts, though these areas typically offer fewer amenities, longer commutes, and less developed infrastructure. These neighborhoods work well for first-time buyers and those prioritizing affordability over luxury.

Central districts like Jordan and Vanak appeal to professionals seeking convenience and public transportation access, offering a mix of older and newer buildings with moderate pricing and excellent connectivity to business centers throughout Tehran.

What areas work best for short-term rental investments?

Short-term rental success in Tehran depends heavily on location proximity to business centers, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs that attract visitors seeking furnished accommodations.

Jordan, Vanak, Elahiyeh, and Farmanieh districts perform best for short-term rentals due to their proximity to business and tourist hubs. These areas attract expats, business visitors, and tourists willing to pay premium rates for convenient, well-furnished accommodations.

High occupancy rates and rental income potential make these central and northern neighborhoods particularly attractive for investors focused on daily and weekly rental markets. Properties near metro stations and major hotels often command higher nightly rates and maintain better occupancy throughout the year.

Furnished units with modern amenities, reliable internet, and parking access perform significantly better in the short-term rental market. Property owners typically need to invest in quality furnishing and regular maintenance to compete effectively in this segment.

Success in short-term rentals requires understanding local regulations, managing guest turnover efficiently, and maintaining properties to hospitality standards that justify premium pricing compared to long-term rental alternatives.

Which areas offer the best long-term rental potential?

Long-term rental success in Tehran centers on neighborhoods with stable demand from expatriates, professionals, families, and students seeking annual lease arrangements.

Central and northern neighborhoods including Jordan, Elahiyeh, Darrous, and Sa'adat Abad attract expatriates, diplomats, and international business professionals seeking quality housing with modern amenities. These areas maintain steady demand and justify higher rental rates due to their international appeal and infrastructure quality.

Districts 6 and 12 show strong student rental demand due to proximity to universities and educational institutions. These areas support smaller, more affordable apartments that generate consistent rental income from the academic community throughout the year.

Professional districts near business centers maintain steady demand from local and international workers seeking convenient commutes and modern living standards. Properties near metro lines and major employment centers typically achieve higher occupancy rates and rental stability.

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infographics rental yields citiesTehran

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Iran versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What areas offer the best capital appreciation potential?

Capital appreciation in Tehran property markets concentrates in northern luxury districts and emerging business hubs that demonstrate strong growth fundamentals and future development potential.

Northern luxury districts including Elahiyeh, Zafaraniyeh, and Farmanieh show the highest appreciation potential due to land scarcity, diplomatic presence, and consistent demand from wealthy buyers. These established neighborhoods maintain liquidity advantages and typically outperform the broader market during economic growth periods.

Business hubs like Shahrak-e Gharb and Vanak benefit from commercial development and infrastructure improvements that drive residential demand. New residential projects and commercial expansion in these areas support long-term value growth and rental income potential.

Up-and-coming areas including Sa'adat Abad and satellite city Karaj show rapid growth potential as Tehran expands and infrastructure develops. These emerging neighborhoods offer lower entry costs with significant upside potential as the city grows and transportation improves.

Properties near major infrastructure projects, new metro lines, and planned commercial developments typically outperform the broader market. Investors focusing on areas scheduled for infrastructure improvements often capture significant appreciation as projects complete and accessibility improves.

What are recent example purchase prices across different segments?

Recent Tehran property transactions demonstrate clear pricing tiers across budget, mid-range, and high-end segments, with specific examples illustrating market reality as of September 2025.

Segment Location Example Price per sqm (USD) Typical Property (60-120sqm)
Budget District 18, Yafteh Abad $500-$800 60sqm: $30,000-$48,000
Mid-range Majidiyeh, District 8 $1,000-$1,200 60sqm: $60,000-$72,000
High-end Elahiyeh, District 1 $2,500-$3,000+ 120sqm: $300,000+
Luxury Villa Farmanieh $3,500-$5,000 200sqm: $700,000-$1,000,000
Commercial Shahrak-e Gharb $1,800-$3,000 100sqm: $180,000-$300,000

Which neighborhoods are most expensive, emerging, and budget-friendly?

Tehran's neighborhood hierarchy shows distinct price categories, with northern districts commanding premium prices while southern areas offer affordable entry points for budget-conscious buyers.

The most expensive neighborhoods include Elahiyeh, Zafaraniyeh, Fereshteh Street, Farmanieh, and Velenjak, where luxury properties, diplomatic missions, and high-end amenities drive premium pricing. These areas maintain their exclusivity through limited supply and consistent demand from wealthy local and international buyers.

Emerging neighborhoods showing strong growth potential include Sa'adat Abad, Shahrak-e Gharb, and satellite city Karaj. These areas benefit from new development, improving infrastructure, and expanding business centers that drive both residential demand and property values higher over time.

Budget-friendly options concentrate in southern and eastern Tehran, including Districts 15-20, Majidiyeh, and Yafteh Abad. These working-class neighborhoods offer affordable entry points for first-time buyers and investors seeking rental income from local residents and students.

Middle-tier neighborhoods like Jordan, Vanak, and central districts provide balanced options between luxury and budget segments, appealing to professionals and middle-class families seeking convenience without premium pricing.

How have prices changed and what are future forecasts?

Tehran property prices have experienced dramatic growth over recent years, with significant changes driven by inflation, currency fluctuations, and economic conditions affecting the broader Iranian market.

Over the past five years, property prices in Tehran increased approximately 1,700% from March 2019 to August 2024, primarily due to inflation and currency shocks. For example, prices rose from 8.6 million tomans per square meter in 2018 to 76 million tomans per square meter in 2025, demonstrating the dramatic impact of economic conditions.

The last year showed a 22.9% year-over-year increase in residential prices during 2024, indicating continued strong growth despite economic challenges. This growth rate reflects ongoing demand pressure and limited supply in desirable areas throughout Tehran.

Forecasts suggest moderate price increases of 10-15% in prime locations over the next year, with analysts projecting continued strong multiyear growth averaging 10% annually through 2026 for upscale segments. Economic stability and infrastructure development will likely influence these projections significantly.

Compared to regional markets, Tehran's current prices of $1,100-$1,500 per square meter exceed Mashhad ($700-$900), remain comparable to Istanbul ($1,000-$2,500), New Cairo ($800-$1,500), and significantly exceed Karachi ($500-$1,000), positioning Tehran as a mid-tier regional market.

It's something we explore comprehensively in our Iran property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Iran House Prices Analysis
  2. Numbeo Tehran Cost of Living
  3. Iran Focus Housing Price Surge
  4. Tehran Property Market
  5. Living in Tehran Guide
  6. Tehran Real Estate Surge
  7. Moving to Iran Property Guide
  8. Iran Tax Information
  9. Iranian Rial House Prices
  10. Tehran Apartment Rentals