Rent first. And here the usual advice comes with a specific technical addition: check the building before you check the view.
The building check comes first
Because of seismic risk, the questions that matter most about any home here are structural:
- What year was it built, and under which building code
- Has it had a seismic assessment, and what did it conclude
- Has it been retrofitted if it is older
- Is compulsory earthquake insurance in place
- What is the ground condition of the area
Newer construction built under updated codes behaves very differently in an earthquake from older stock. This is not a technicality — it is the most consequential decision in choosing where to live here, and it should outrank price, view and finish.
Renting — six things to establish
- The indexation clause — how much rent can rise each year
- Deposit amount and return conditions
- Building management charge — who pays, and how much
- Heating type — central, individual gas or electric, and the cost implication
- Whether the landlord will provide a notarised lease, needed for some administrative purposes
- Utility connection — accounts usually need to be in your name with your tax number
Buying — beyond the structural checks
- Title deed — ownership type, encumbrances, any mortgage on the land
- Occupancy permit — its absence is a recurring problem in this market
- Restricted zones — foreign ownership is limited in defined areas
- District restrictions — some districts are closed to new foreign residence registrations
- Local comparables — what would a local buyer pay for this?
Item five is the discipline that protects foreign buyers: the price asked in the foreign-buyer segment can exceed the local market price for equivalent property. Ask, and treat the gap as a cost.
Choosing a district
- Building stock age — the seismic question again
- Commute time in a city where traffic is heavy
- School proximity
- Whether the district lives year-round or is seasonal in coastal areas
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Related articles
- Türkiye through a migration lens: pros and things to note
- The Türkiye investor residency roadmap: from filing to settling
- Living Guide
Frequently asked questions
Should newcomers rent or buy in Türkiye?
Many newcomers rent first to understand neighbourhoods and residence permit availability. Investors pursuing citizenship must buy qualifying property, but they may still rent elsewhere if the purchased property is not their preferred home.
How do people find rentals in Türkiye?
Rentals are found through property websites, local agents, social media groups and personal referrals. Viewing properties in person, checking the landlord's ownership and understanding contract terms protect tenants from scams.
What should a Turkish rental contract include?
Contracts should specify rent, deposit, duration, rent increase rules, responsibility for building fees and utilities, maintenance obligations and furniture inventory. A registered address is required for residence permits.
What features matter in Turkish homes?
Important features include earthquake-resistant construction, heating and cooling systems, insulation, parking, elevator access and proximity to transport and schools. Newer buildings generally meet higher safety standards.
What should buyers know if they purchase later?
Buyers should verify the title deed, building permits and occupancy certificates, obtain independent valuations, check earthquake insurance and understand taxes. Using a lawyer independent of the seller is essential.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
