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Relocation Guide
In most areas of Turkey, finding accommodation to rent or buy isn't
difficult, providing your requirements aren't too unusual.
Accommodation accounts for around 25 per cent of the average Turkish
family's budget, but can be more in the major cities. Property
prices and rents in Turkey vary considerably depending on the region
and city. For example, a property rented outside a municipality will
cost £75.00 a month, and £150.00 a month in most municipalities on
the Mediterranean and Aegean coast.
It is very practical to have a street map of the area where you are
going to live. Check for out the local tourist information office
free copies. Even after you have found your home, you will find a
street map invaluable for getting around.
Residents Visas
If you are relocating to Turkey for more than six months then you
are well advised to apply to the Turkish Government Office for a
residents. They will issue a document for you to present to the
police neared your new home who in return will process the
application.
Rent or buy
If you're planning to stay in Turkey for a year only then renting is
usually the best solution since the costs associated with purchasing
a house can be 10% of its value. However with the upsurge in the
popularity of Turkey as a holiday destination buying is a safe and
good investment.
Furnished or unfurnished
Most rental properties in Turkey are let unfurnished, particularly
for lets longer than one year. Furnished properties are difficult to
find and generally poorly equipped. Note that "unfurnished" doesn't
simply mean "without furniture" in Turkey. An unfurnished property,
particularly is usually an "empty shell" with no light fixtures,
curtain rods or even a television aerial. There's also no cooker,
refrigerator or dishwasher and there may even be no kitchen units,
carpets or kitchen sink! Always ask before viewing as you may save
yourself a wasted trip. If the previous tenant has fitted items such
as carpets and kitchen cupboards, he may ask you to reimburse him
for the cost. You should be prepared to negotiate the price and make
sure that you receive value for money.
Areas
If you want to live in an area where there are many international
residents it is best to check out where the schools and hospitals
are. Contact your embassy or international social organizations and
ask the international residents themselves if you really want to
live in a colony of your own citizens fellow.
Costs
Rents for a 2-bedroom apartment in in the south of Turkey can be
£175 - 200 per month, while a 3-bedroom house can be around £200 -
250 per month. In addition, you might pay a real estate agent up to
1 months rent. Then you might need to buy kitchen cabinets and maybe
pay for redecoration.
Types of housing
Many Turkish families live in communal property developments where
rents are lower than in the town centers. Rents are calculated
according to the number of bedrooms and the floor area (in square
meters). Generally the higher an apartment is in a block, the more
expensive it is (you pay for the view, the extra light, the absence
of street noise, increased security and the rarified air). However,
if a block doesn't have a lift, apartments on lower floors may be
the most expensive. 1 square meter is about 10 square feet. Check
the housing needs page to help you evaluate a property.
In case of a dispute with the landlord
If you have a complaint regarding a long-term rental, you should
report it to the local municipal office (Kaymakamlik). If they're
unable to help you, they will direct you to the office where you can
make a formal complaint. Depending on the type of dispute you may be
directed towards a solicitor. |
