Relocation Guide:
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. For example, a property rented outside a municipality will cost 75.00 a month, and 150.00 a month in most municipalities on the Mediterranean and Aegean coast.

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

Residents' Visas
If you are relocating to Turkey for more than three months then you are well advised to apply to the Turkish Government Office for a residents' visa. They will issue a document for you to present to the police closest to your new home who in return will process the application.

Rent (Kiralik) or buy (Satilik)
If you're planning to stay in Turkey for a year only 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, particularly is usually an "empty shell" with no light fixtures, curtain rods or even a television aerial. There's also no cooker, refrigerator or 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 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 themselves if you really want to live in a colony of your own fellow citizens.

Costs
Rent for a 2-bedroomed apartment in in the south of Turkey can be 175 - 200 per month, while a 3-bedroom house can be 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 centre. Rent is calculated according to the number of bedrooms and the floor area (in square metres). 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. 1 square metre is about 10 square feet. Check the housing needs page to help you evaluate a property.

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