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.

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 for free
copies. Even after you have found your home, you will find a street map
invaluable for getting around.

Residences Permits
According to the provisions of Law no.5683 of 15 July 1950, persons who
come to Turkey as tourists may stay Four months without a residence
permit, unless there is a restriction in their visa or a separate
provision in the visa agreement between Turkey and their country of origin.
Generally the period stipulated in visa agreements is three months. ( NOTE
IT SAY'S THREE MONTH'S ON YOUR VISA THE ACTUAL REAL TIME IS 90 DAYS..!!
)Persons who wish to stay longer in Turkey are required to apply to the
security authorities for a residence permit.

Rent (Kiralik) or Buy (Satilik)
If you're planning to stay in Turkey for only a year 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 is usually an
"empty shell" with no light fixtures, curtain rods or even a television
aerial. There's also no cooker, refrigerator, 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 your 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.

Costs
Rents for a 2-bedroom apartment in the south of Turkey start at £175 -
200 per month, while a 3-bedroom house start 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.

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.

This is to provide basic information about relocating to Turkey.
The information in this post is of a general nature and does not
constitute legal advice.