Life after buying property in Turkey

Turkey, as a real estate market, enjoys great and deserved popularity among immigrants from the CIS. One of the reasons for its popularity is the total openness and accessibility of this market for foreigners.

With the onset of the pandemic, the Turkish real estate market received even more well-deserved attention from Russian-speaking guests, which is quite logical and expected.

Contrary to popular belief, Turkey is often chosen for permanent residence not because of its resort features, but because of the ability to live and feel safe during a pandemic: the standard of living and medicine here is really high.

But is everything as good as it might initially seem? Let's try to consider the most significant aspects of life in Turkey.

Religious issues

Türkiye is known throughout the world as a Muslim state. However, it was and remains the most secular of the countries whose population professes Islam, and this feature negates many of the difficulties and barriers of a religious nature. In addition, in large cities of the country there are Russian-speaking religious communities, including Orthodox ones. Religion is separated from the state at the legislative level, and this is quite concretely and unambiguously implemented in practice.

Using public services in Turkey

A foreigner who owns real estate in Turkey is required to enter into agreements on the use of utilities. If we are talking about a new building that has not yet been connected to communications, then you will have to pay for their connection.

The approximate amount is 400-600 liras for water and electricity and approximately 1200 liras for gas. Part of these amounts is a refundable deposit, when/if you decide to sell the property, part of the money will be returned to you. If communications are carried out to a secondary property, then the connection will be cheaper.

In order to become a full subscriber and install meters, you will need the following documents:

1. A copy of the owner's passport.
2. Copy of TAPU.
3. A copy of the building's operating permit.
4. A copy of the compulsory earthquake insurance policy.
5. Turkish TIN.

Applications for connection of services are submitted to the relevant organizations.

Use of communications and the Internet

Turk Telekom is Turkey's largest telecommunications operator. Call his hotline to find out if services are possible for a particular property you are interested in. To connect, you can invite a field manager or stop by the office to choose a convenient tariff and sign an agreement.

Please note: to use communication services, you must have a residence permit in Turkey. The approximate cost of the Internet, depending on the chosen tariff, will be from 140 to 210 liras. As a rule, the contract is concluded for 24 months. In case of early termination of the contract, the service user will pay a fine approximately equal to $100.

If the proposed operator does not work in the area you are interested in, a reasonable solution would be to talk with neighbors who are already using the services you are interested in; from them you will receive all the necessary and, most importantly, reliable information about the quality, cost and connection procedure.

Medical assistance for foreigners in Turkey

Perhaps one of the most significant questions. As in most other countries, all medical institutions in Turkey are clearly divided into public and private. Traditionally, those who use work insurance called “Sigorta” turn to public clinics. Please note: it applies not only to the employee, but also to his children and spouse.

This type of insurance is convenient and interesting because it involves the use of not only planned, so-called traditional services, but also those that are rarely used, for example, modern vision correction.

If, for any reason, work insurance is not suitable, but you stay in the state for more than 12 months, you will have to take out an insurance policy privately. Without such a policy, it will not be possible to obtain a residence permit, which, in fact, makes it mandatory in some cases.

In turn, such insurance is divided into 2 types:

1. S.S.K. Suitable for officially employed Turkish citizens and foreigners.
2. Bağkur. This type of insurance was originally designed for entrepreneurs.

Insurance is really necessary, not only because in many areas of activity in Turkey its presence is mandatory, but also because we cannot know in advance when and under what circumstances we will need medical care. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance immediately after arriving in Turkey. Ultimately, this step will save you a lot of trouble and hassle.