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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 out the local tourist
information office. Even after you have found your home, you
will find a street map valuable for getting around.
Residents' Visas
If you are relocating to Turkey for more than three months then you are well
advised to apply to the Turkish Government Office for a residents' visa.
They will issue a document for you to present to the police closest to your new home who
in return will process the application.
Rent (Kiralik) or buy (Satilik)
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
fellow
citizens.
Costs
Rent for a 2-bedroomed
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 centre. Rent
is calculated according to the number of bedrooms and the
floor area (in square metres). 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 metre 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
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