Türkiye's second-largest city with over 5 million inhabitants, Ankara is first and foremost the country's political capital. The city is home to the headquarters of the Turkish government, to all central administration services, to many foreign consulates and embassies, and to international institutions. As a result, it is an international, outward-looking city, attracting a number of foreign professionals. To help you decide where to settle in Ankara, here is an overview of the city's assets, neighborhoods, and general housing conditions.
Getting to know Ankara
Located in central Anatolia, Ankara used to be an important cultural and commerce center in ancient times and boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage.
In addition to remnants of Bronze Age civilizations like the Hittites, visible at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, for example, the historic center of the city comprises many sites of archaeological interest – the Roman theater, the temple of Augustus, the Roman baths – as well as more recent historical landmarks like the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Türkiye's founding father, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
The city is also renowned for its music and arts scene. The Ankara State Opera and Ballet and the concert hall of renowned Bilkent University regularly stage classical music concerts and dance performances by internationally reputed artists.
If you wonder about the new modern folk music of the city and upcoming gigs, then all you need to do is to tune in to Radyo Odtu. The famous radio channel was set up by a few students at the Middle East Technical University back in the ‘90s and became the voice of Ankara over time.
Ankara's neighborhoods
Ankara comprises 25 districts, the most lively and popular of which is the Cankaya. This famous district is home to many embassies, upscale restaurants, and shopping areas. Here, you will also find the official building of the Turkish Parliament and the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Cankaya is a prestigious area, centrally located and with good transportation links to other parts of the city. The biggest downside of settling in Cankaya is the rent prices, which tend to start at over 15,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 500) for studio apartments and over 30,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 1,000) for two and three-bedroom apartments. Rent prices in high-end luxury complexes can go far above 60,000 Turkish Lira (USD 2,000)
Kizilay is the heart of Ankara, with lots of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. This neighborhood also boasts excellent public transport connections to other parts of the city. Kizilay can be noisy but is generally not too crowded. One-bedroom apartments here start at over 12,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 400).
Eryaman is a modern residential area with many new apartment complexes. Shopping malls, parks, and schools are easily accessible here. This area is considered to be more affordable, family-friendly, and quieter compared to Ankara's central neighborhoods. The downsides of settling in Eryaman include its distance from the city center as well as limited options for entertainment and nightlife. Rent prices here start at over 11,000 Turkish Lira (USD 360) for one-bedroom apartments and stand at around 20,000 Turkish Lira (USD 660) for larger places.
Gaziosmanpaşa (GOP) is known for its luxury residences, fine dining, and high-end shops. This neighborhood is also popular with expats thanks to its proximity to embassies and green spaces. Gaziosmanpaşa is an exclusive, safe, and well-maintained neighborhood that would be particularly suitable for families on a generous budget. Prices here tend to be on the same level or higher than in Cankaya.
Beştepe is close to the Presidential Palace, with good schools, shopping centers, and quality housing. It is now emerging as a modern and upscale area offering a quieter environment compared to central neighborhoods. Keep in mind that this neighborhood is still developing in terms of community and amenities. However, the average rent prices here are comparable to high-end areas like Çankaya and GOP.
Bahçelievler is a well-established area offering a mix of older and newer buildings. This neighborhood has a good selection of local shops, cafes, and parks. Bahçelievler would be the perfect choice for those looking for a balanced urban living and lower rent compared to the Çankaya and GOP. Some parts of this area tend to get crowded, and older buildings may lack modern amenities. Rent prices here start at just over 10,000 Turkish Liras (USD 330).
Batıkent delivers a suburban feel with good facilities like malls, schools, and parks. This area is also well-connected to the city center thanks to the metro. Batikent offers a more spacious and quieter alternative to Ankara's central neighborhoods and is perfectly suitable for young families. The downsides of renting in Batikent are the city's distance from central areas and limited options for nightlife entertainment. The average rent price in the area is around 15,000 Turkish Liras (around USD 500) for a two-bedroom apartment.
Keçiören is a large district with a variety of shopping and dining options, parks, and cultural activities. Apartments here are more affordable, and the community is diverse. The main downside of living here is the distance from the city center — but the neighborhood is one of the most affordable in the city.
Yenimahalle has a good mix of residential and commercial areas. It has easy access to shopping centers, universities, and hospitals. Plus, the neighborhood is also well-connected by public transport. Keep in mind that the quality of living may differ greatly here in terms of buildings and environment. The rent prices are rather moderate in this area, similar to Bahçelievler.
Ümitköy is an upscale residential area with good schools, shopping centers, and leisure facilities. It's a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with a modern infrastructure. If you prefer an active urban lifestyle, this neighborhood may seem a bit too quiet. The costs of living here are on the higher side, are comparable, and sometimes more expensive than in Çankaya and GOP.
How to rent an apartment in Ankara
Renting an apartment in Ankara, like in many big cities, can be complicated and requires careful planning.
A good place to start is to consider what you need (number of bedrooms, proximity to work, schools, amenities, and other specific requirements such as pet-friendlyness and parking spaces.
Next, compare your requirements to the rent prices in the city and what you can afford. Self-budgeting is very important in Türkiye, as rent prices keep rising and the Turkish Lira keeps losing value. If your income comes in local currency, it's a good idea to keep this in mind when budgeting for rent expenses.
Ankara has diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and price range. Research areas that match your lifestyle. Consider safety, access to public transportation, local amenities, and the overall atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Next, move on to searching for apartments that match your requirements. Check out the following online property portals: Sahibinden, Hurriyet Emlak, Hepsiemlak, and Zingat.
If you are in a hurry to find a place, don't speak good Turkish, and are new to the city, consider hiring a local real estate agent. They can provide valuable insights and handle negotiations.
Note that sometimes, in Türkiye, the best deals are found through word-of-mouth. Ask friends, colleagues, or expat communities for leads.
Once you have shortlisted suitable apartments, schedule viewings and inspect the property carefully, checking for any damages or issues that need fixing. Make sure to ask your landlord about all the related specifics: what's included in the rent, rules regarding renovations or decorations, and the policy on pets if you have them.
Understanding the rental agreement in Ankara
Rental agreements in Türkiye might be different from what you're used to.
First, they typically last for one year, and most landlords will ask you to pay the year's amount of rental fees in advance. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate that amount down to half a year or three to four months of installments. However, in general, you should be prepared to pay your rent in advance — plus a two-month deposit.
If your rental agreement is in Turkish, it's best to have it translated into English (or your native language) or have an English-speaking legal professional look it over and explain the terms to you. Make sure you fully understand all the terms, including the rent amount, payment schedule, deposit and the conditions for its return. Discuss the responsibilities for repairs and maintenance.
Good to know:
Note that it is rather common in Türkiye to indicate a smaller lease amount in the rental contract than the one you will actually be paying. Due to high real estate taxes, landlords often resort to this practice to minimize related expenses. While this is a common practice with many landlords, keep in mind that this is still illegal and can be classified as tax evasion on your landlord's behalf.
Note that if you plan to use your rental agreement to apply for residency in Türkiye, you may need to have it legalized at the notary's office.
When renting in Ankara, your landlord may ask you for the following documents:
- Passport or residency permit;
- Proof of income/employment;
- Occasionally, reference letters.
Once you are sure you understand and agree with all the terms of the contract, sign it and make sure to keep a copy on record. Additionally, make sure to keep receipts of deposits and other payments you make to your landlord.
Cultural nuances about renting accommodation in Ankara
When moving to Ankara or any new city, being mindful of the cultural nuances can significantly enhance your living experience. This is particularly true in a country like Türkiye, where cultural customs and traditions play a vital role in daily life.
A good relationship with your landlord in Ankara is more than just a contractual agreement; it's a partnership that can greatly affect your quality of life. Turkish culture places a high value on respect and personal connections. Demonstrating respect and courtesy towards your landlord can pave the way for open and honest communication. This is particularly important if issues arise during your tenancy, such as maintenance needs or disputes over rental terms.
Similarly, fostering good relationships with your neighbors is crucial. In Turkish society, neighbors often form close-knit communities, looking out for each other and sharing in communal life. As an expat or newcomer, being on good terms with your neighbors can provide a sense of belonging and security. They can be a valuable source of help and information, from navigating local services to understanding societal norms and local traditions in Ankara.
Buying property in Ankara
Buying property in Ankara can be a good alternative to keeping up with the continuously rising rent prices. Purchasing property in the city valued at over USD 200,000 will give you grounds to apply for residency. And, if you are willing to invest over USD 600,000, you will be able to apply for Turkish citizenship.
The prices for apartments in Ankara start at slightly above USD 100,000 and get substantially more expensive in the city center and popular expat areas.
Important:
In 2023, Türkiye introduced a new law that requires homeowners to obtain a special permit if they want to rent their properties for a short term – for instance, on Airbnb. If you are considering purchasing property for short-term rental, make sure to take the new regulations and related consequences into account.
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