A scouting trip is the cheapest part of any relocation plan. Here it has one technical task that outranks the rest, and it is not one most visitors think of.
The task that outranks the others
Look at buildings. Specifically, learn to distinguish newer construction built under updated seismic codes from older stock, and ask about each property you consider:
- Construction year and applicable building code
- Whether a seismic assessment has been done
- Whether the building has been retrofitted
- Whether compulsory earthquake insurance is in place
This is not paranoia. It is the difference between two apparently identical apartments at similar prices, and it is not visible from a listing photograph.
Narrow the search before you fly
The country is large and the cities differ enormously. Before booking, choose one or two areas based on:
- Where your business or work would be
- School availability if you have children
- Climate — coastal, continental and inland zones are very different
- Cost level, which varies several-fold between cities
Then spend two weeks in one place rather than three days in five.
Seven things to do
- View at least five properties and ask the building questions each time
- Ask what a local buyer would pay for each one
- Visit a private hospital and ask about costs and insurance networks
- Visit schools if relevant
- Meet an independent lawyer, paid, not one supplied by an agency
- Meet an accountant about the tax position in both countries
- Shop where residents shop, not in tourist areas
Item two is the discipline that protects foreign buyers here: the answer tells you how much of the asking price is a foreign-buyer premium.
The questions specific to this country
- How do military service rules apply to my sons if we take citizenship?
- Is this district open to new foreign residence registrations?
- Does this property have its occupancy permit?
- Is this area subject to foreign ownership restrictions?
All four are answerable in a single meeting with a competent lawyer, and all four are expensive to discover later.
Keeping notes
Each evening: something that worked, something that concerned you, and one unanswered question. Add a fourth column here: the building year and condition of everything you saw. It is the detail that fades fastest and matters most.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Why should families scout Türkiye before relocating?
Scouting allows comparison of cities such as Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir, viewing properties, visiting schools and meeting lawyers. It also helps identify neighbourhoods open to new foreign residents and assess daily life beyond tourism.
How long should a scouting trip last?
A trip of one to two weeks allows visits to several cities and neighbourhoods. Families should include time for school visits, meetings with lawyers and exploring residential areas at different times of day.
What should families check during a scouting trip?
Check neighbourhood safety, commuting times, school options, property prices, building quality, earthquake resilience of buildings, access to hospitals and whether residence permits are available in the chosen area.
Why is earthquake resilience important in Türkiye?
Türkiye is earthquake-prone, so buyers should prioritise newer buildings constructed under modern codes and request structural reports. Insurance against earthquakes is compulsory for many properties and should be verified.
What mistakes should families avoid while scouting?
Avoid committing to purchases under pressure, relying solely on developers' presentations, and ignoring neighbourhood residence restrictions. Taking time to compare options and consulting independent advisers prevents costly mistakes.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
