Should I buy or rent a home in Turkey?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Turkey, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...

"Buying a home in Turkey can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a growing real estate market. However, it is important to consider the costs associated with buying a home, such as closing costs, taxes, and other fees. Additionally, it is important to consider the length of time you plan to stay in Turkey, as buying a home may not be the best option if you plan to move in the near future. Renting a home in Turkey can be a great option for those who are looking for a more flexible living situation. Renting can be more affordable than buying, and it allows you to move more easily if you decide to relocate. Additionally, renting can provide access to amenities such as pools, gyms, and other facilities that may not be available when buying a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Turkey should be based on your individual needs and preferences," remarked another expat who made the move to Turkey.

"I had a house built after buying a plot of land with a Turkish friend. It is not difficult to buy property here, but despite what UK and Turkish real estate agencies that you do not need to use a Avukat (lawyer) i recommend you use one. It is best to ask other expats which lawyer they used, as like anywhere, some are better than others. Renting is quite straightforward, although in some cases you are required to pay upfront a payment for anything from one month to one year in advance," explained one expat living in Antalya, Turkey.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Turkey?

If you live in Turkey, newcomers to Turkey would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.