The largest city in Türkiye, Istanbul is one of the most popular travel destinations for foreigners. There is a blend of modernism, culture, and history in this metropolis. Istanbul, a city that lies on both the European and Asian continents, is a place where East and West collide to create a distinctive cultural atmosphere that is both enthralling and historically fascinating.
Getting to know Istanbul
Getting to know Istanbul is an adventure in itself. This sprawling metropolis, rich in history and culture, offers a unique experience for expatriates who choose to call it home. The key to settling in Istanbul lies in understanding its diverse neighborhoods, embracing its cultural nuances, and engaging with its vibrant lifestyle.
Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus Strait, distinguishing the European side from the Asian side. Each side has its own character and charm. The European side is known for its historic sites, bustling business districts, and vibrant nightlife, while the Asian side offers a more laid-back atmosphere with a mix of modern and traditional neighborhoods.
Visiting historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace provides insights into Istanbul's rich past. Additionally, exploring local bazaars like the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar can be a sensory adventure, offering a glimpse into the daily life and commerce of the city.
Getting around Istanbul is an experience in itself. The city's public transportation system includes buses, metros, trams, ferries, and the iconic dolmuş minibuses. Using public transport is an excellent way to explore different parts of the city and understand its layout. The Istanbulkart, a rechargeable card, is used for all modes of public transport, making travel convenient and affordable.
Life in Istanbul can be fast-paced and dynamic, particularly in the business and commercial districts. However, the city also offers tranquil retreats in its coastal areas and green spaces. Understanding and adapting to the rhythm of life in Istanbul – balancing the hustle and bustle with the more relaxed aspects—is key to enjoying life in this multifaceted city.
Istanbul's neighborhoods and rent prices
Istanbul's neighborhoods are as diverse as its history. Areas like Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Beyoğlu on the European side are popular among expats due to their central locations, proximity to cultural attractions, and vibrant social scenes. On the Asian side, Kadıköy and Üsküdar are known for their local markets, cafés, and a more relaxed lifestyle. Each neighborhood has its own unique ambiance and community, offering different experiences and lifestyles. Let's look into this in a bit more detail.
Located on the European side, Beşiktaş is a bustling district known for its vibrant street life, historical landmarks, and proximity to the Bosphorus. It's popular among younger expats and students due to its lively atmosphere and cultural diversity. The best things about living here include easy access to cultural hotspots, lively nightlife, good public transport links, and a variety of dining options. On the downside, it's not a quiet neighborhood and tends to get crowded, especially during peak hours and weekends. Because of its central location, Beşiktaş also has some of the highest rent prices in the city. Rent here starts at over 20,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 660), with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment standing at around 50,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 1,600)
Situated on the Asian side, Kadıköy is a favorite among expats who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. It's known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and Moda, a neighborhood within Kadıköy with a strong expat community. Kadıköy is substantially more affordable than European side neighborhoods like Beşiktaş and offers a vibrant arts scene, a good selection of cafes and bars, and a relaxed atmosphere. The main disadvantage of living in Kadıköy is the long commute time to the European side, which can be something to take into account if this is where you work. The average rent price in Kadıköy is around 25,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 820).
Şişli is a central district on the European side, housing several foreign consulates, businesses, and shopping centers. It's a mix of old-world charm and modern urban life. This area is known for excellent shopping and dining options, easy access to public transportation, and proximity to business centers. Renting accommodation in Şişli can be expensive, and the neighborhoods can also get noisy and busy due to high traffic and commercial activity.
Cihangir is a trendy neighborhood in Beyoğlu, known for its artistic community, vintage shops, and charming cafes. It's favored by creative expats and those looking for a vibrant yet quaint urban experience. This area has a truly unique character with a bohemian flair, is close to Taksim and Istiklal Avenues, and is home to diverse international cuisine cafes. As this is a highly popular neighborhood, both with expats and tourists, rent here tends to be on the expensive side.
Levent is a major business district, complete with skyscrapers and shopping malls. It's preferred by professionals for its modern apartments and proximity to work. Here, you will find modern infrastructure, upscale shopping and dining, and excellent transport links. Compared to the other neighborhoods of Istanbul, Levent may be somewhat lacking in historical charm.
On the Asian side, Üsküdar is an older, more traditional neighborhood. It offers stunning views of the Istanbul skyline and is known for its religious and historical sites. Üsküdar is a more traditional and quieter area and offers a lower cost of living compared to most neighborhoods favored by expats. For some, the downsides of renting in Üsküdar include fewer nightlife and entertainment options compared to European side neighborhoods. Rent prices in Üsküdar start at around 12,000 Turkish Lira (around USD 400).
Arnavutköy and Bebek are upscale neighborhoods along the Bosphorus known for their Ottoman-era waterfront mansions and fish restaurants. They attract a wealthier expat crowd. Here, you will find scenic views, an exclusive and peaceful environment, and high-end dining options. These areas of the city offer a somewhat removed lifestyle from the city's main hustle and bustle, and the rent prices are high.
How to rent an apartment in Istanbul
Finding a rental property in Istanbul can be a straightforward process when you know where to look. From 2021 to 2023, the city experienced a shortage of rental options due to the high influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe. However, these days, things seem to have normalized, and finding an apartment in Istanbul shouldn't be particularly complicated.
With that said, good places at good prices go fast. So, it's important that you cleverly use all the house-hunting resources available to you to land the apartment of your dreams.
The best place to start your apartment hunt in Istanbul is online property portals, such as Sahibinden, Hepsiemlak, and Zingat. Here, you will get a good general overview of the city's rental market and will be able to evaluate your requirements and budget against what is available.
Working with a local real estate agent can make your search easier, especially if you're unfamiliar with Istanbul. Agents can provide valuable insights into different neighborhoods and help you find a place that meets your criteria much faster—and sometimes at a bargain. Keep in mind that if you choose to work with an agent, you will also need to pay agent fees.
Word of mouth is another great way to look for apartments in Istanbul. Check with colleagues and friends to see if they know of any available options in your preferred neighborhoods. It's also a good idea to check with local expat communities and forums.
Rental agreements in Istanbul
To rent an apartment in Istanbul, you will need to sign a rental agreement. Here are some key things you should know:
- Most rental agreements are for one year. Most landlords will ask you to pay for a full year in advance once you sign the lease. This is a common practice in Türkiye — but you may be able to negotiate a different payment arrangement, such as paying for six months or in installments of three to four months.
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 something many landlords do, keep in mind that this is still illegal and can be classified as tax evasion on your landlord's behalf.
- Most landlords will expect you to pay a deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent. Get the receipt for the deposit amount you pay and ensure you fully understand the conditions for the deposit return.
- Tenants are usually responsible for paying utility bills, adhering to community rules, and maintaining the property. If you live in a gated community, you will also need to pay management fees, which have increased significantly in recent years. Make sure to discuss with your landlord who will be responsible for the payment of management pees and how to handle price increases.
Good to know:
Because of the current volatile nature of the Turkish Lira, most landlords will set rent prices in USD or EUR. In a lot of cases, you may also be asked to pay your rent in cash in foreign currency.
It's important to read and understand all clauses in the rental agreement. If your rental agreement is in Turkish, consider having it translated. Make sure you keep a copy of all the receipts as well as a signed copy of your rental agreement.
Types of accommodation in Istanbul
Like most big cosmopolitan cities, Istanbul offers a variety of accommodation options to its residents, fit for any style and budget.
The most common type of accommodation in Istanbul is apartments. These vary significantly in size, style, and price. In central areas, you'll find everything from compact studio apartments to spacious multi-bedroom options. Apartments in newer buildings often come with amenities like security, parking, and sometimes a fitness center or pool.
For those seeking more space and privacy, villas are a popular option, especially in suburbs or areas further from the city center. These often come with gardens and offer a more tranquil living environment. Villas are ideal for families or those who prefer a quieter lifestyle.
For students or single expats, shared apartments or houses are a cost-effective option. This arrangement involves renting a room in a larger apartment or house, with common areas shared among tenants. It's a great way to meet people and split living expenses.
In older neighborhoods, you will often come across traditional Turkish homes. These homes usually feature distinct architectural elements like courtyards, ornate woodwork, and tiled decorations. While offering a truly unique living experience, they might lack some modern amenities.
Buying property in Istanbul
If you plan to settle in Istanbul for a while, purchasing property may be a good way to avoid paying the ever-increasing rent. One of the key benefits of buying property in Istanbul is that this may give you grounds to apply for a residence permit. To be eligible, you will need to buy a property valued at over USD 200,000. Moreover, purchasing a property valued at over USD 600,000 will allow you to apply for Turkish citizenship.
Prices for apartments in Istanbul start at over USD 50,000 – these are typically located on the outskirts of the city and in developing districts. However, apartments in central areas and popular districts like Beyoğlu can easily cost upwards of USD 400,000 and higher.
Keep in mind that real estate regulations in Türkiye frequently undergo changes and updates. For instance, in 2023, the country introduced a new law that requires homeowners to obtain a special permit to list their homes on platforms like Airbnb to make them available for short-term rent.
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