Expat Advice: Moving to Istanbul, Turkey
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Istanbul
Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.
Brought:
1) english food ingredients 2) sky satellite system 3) more books and reading material
Left:
1) microwave 2) large furniture 3) cars
International Moving Quotes
What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
I absolutely recommend contacting a specialist company, as we did. They made the whole process of finding a home, moving and settling in a fun process - rather than a stressful experience!
What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?
3 bed modern Apartment, centrally located on a compound. Most expats go for compound living as all the facilities are there (swimming pools, shops, tennis etc.) and also because it is an easier enviornment to make friends. There are many compounds that have villas also with the same facilities.
How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?
We were recommended to contact a local Real Estate agent, who specialize in ex-patriates and what we need
Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?
Housing costs in Istanbul are expensive compared to the UK - even compared to London. The average cost of, for example, a 3 bed apartment on a compound would probably be approx. US$ 3,000 per month. Villas on similar compounds can be rented for anything between US$ 4,500 - 10,000 per month.
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Comments about this Report
guestThe rents of course depends on the compound, the luxury, the size and the tenant! If you are a foreigner or an expat, you expect that the rent would be higher and I think this is true for the most part of the world. The price indicated here tells me that this apartment is in a very well-maintained compound, perhaps with many expats or high levels and large apartments. Even perhaps with some view of the Bosphorus (a beautiful sea channel with a great view). Otherwise, a decent, good shape apartment in another compound with good neighbourhood should cost you around 2500 TL (app. 1700 USD). Make sure you have a local friend who knows the rental market with good negotiation skills. Otherwise, you would pay $3000.
