Why did Kristina choose to live in Turkey after studying in Italy?

Kristina's move to Turkey

Having completed her studies in Italy, Kristina, our heroine, didn't want to part ways with the warm Mediterranean coast and decided to move permanently to Turkey. Now she has settled into her new apartment in Antalya and is ready to share her impressions of life in this welcoming country, as well as her experience of buying real estate.

What prompted the move?

Kristina, you studied in Italy, and you were drawn to Turkey for permanent residence. What prompted you to make this decision?

I started thinking about the possibility of moving to Turkey about two years ago. My first visit to this country was at a young age when I was a teenager, and at that time, I never even considered the idea that I would one day become a property owner here. After finishing my studies in Italy, where I studied fashion design, I returned to Russia for a while and realized that I longed to live in a warmer climate, close to the seaside.

Despite the fact that Italy attracts with its beauty and atmosphere, it doesn't quite feel like my homeland. In Turkey, however, I feel much more at home.

• The locals are known for their friendliness and willingness to help.
• It's nice to see so many fellow countrymen around.

In addition, among the obvious advantages of Turkey, it is important to highlight:

• convenience of transportation links,
• visa-free entry for Russian citizensRelatives don't need to worry about visas to visit me.

Choosing Antalya for living

Why did you choose to live in the resort city of Antalya instead of, for example, Istanbul?

I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul, and it didn't leave a strong impression on me. The city is undoubtedly beautiful and colorful, but at the same time, it's too hectic and chaotic, like a typical megacity. If I were 18, I might have enjoyed living in Istanbul, but at this stage, I prefer Antalya – I'm not at all attracted to the stress of a big city.

Antalya is a magnificent place for permanent living. It has all the conditions for life, work, and leisure, including:

• the opportunity to ski at the nearby resorts,
• well-developed infrastructure,
• the authorities' concern for people with disabilities.

At the moment, I don't see any drawbacks to living here. Unlike the chaotic Istanbul, Antalya creates an atmosphere for a comfortable and peaceful life.

Housing search

How did you start the process of looking for housing — did you contact an agent?

I started my research on the Turkish real estate market by exploring the internet. Not long ago, I came across a website and submitted an inquiry about a property I was interested in. The next day, I received a call from Maria Zharkaya, a manager at your company specializing in Turkish real estate. At that time, I wasn't able to make a firm decision about buying and relocating, but I began actively communicating with Maria and looking for real estate options for myself.

My experience shows that the enthusiasm I have helps in quickly and effectively finding the right offers in the market. Now, after everything I've been through, I am confident that my choice is exactly what I need. In my life in Turkey, I have found my harmony and happiness, and I hope that my story inspires others to follow their dreams.

Turkey truly deserves attention and love. Although the journey to finding my own home was not easy, the feelings of a new life and the opportunity to be closer to the sea have exceeded all expectations. I hope that you too can find happiness in this beautiful corner of the world.

Real Estate in Turkey: Introduction

Real estate in Turkey is currently in high demand among potential investors and buyers. At the moment, there are over 10,500 listings for properties for sale, starting from a price of201,000 dollarsIn a comfortable residential complex located in Üsküdar, Istanbul, modern apartments are for sale, which are scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter.2025In this project, 148 apartments are available, with prices starting from259,000 dollars.

Modern residences in Istanbul

For those interested in modern residences, options are available near the metro in Istanbul, where the selection includes781 apartmentwith prices starting from411,000 dollarsThe completion of construction is scheduled for2024 yearAlso, for those looking for more spacious housing, options are available.1,441 apartmentin a picturesque area with developed infrastructure, built inin the year 2023starting from246,000 dollars.

New residence with amenities

Among the offerings is a new residence with swimming pools and well-maintained gardens, located near major highways and a subway station, which is expected to be completed in2026.Here it is presented686 apartmentsat a price starting from644,000 dollarsIf you want to live in one of the historic districts of Istanbul, you should pay attention to a new residential complex with pools and green areas, which is also expected to be completed in...in 2024This residence includes1,050 apartments, the cost of which starts from184,000 dollars.

Interest in visa and citizenship

For those looking to obtain residency or citizenship in prestigious areas of Istanbul, new buildings are available with completion dates in...in 2024, a total of167 apartmentsstarting from305,000 dollarsA residential complex with a picturesque view of the park is also presented, located close to the city's financial center; its construction was completed inin the year 2023Here it is suggested2,750 apartments.

The influence of political relations

How has the deterioration of relations between Russia and Turkey affected your choice?In response to this question, I recalled the events of November 2015, when I managed to move to Antalya. I felt significant anxiety, but my acquaintance Maria calmed me down, assuring me that there was no reason to worry. I experienced firsthand that life in Turkey remained the same: in Antalya, I did not encounter negativity or hostility from the local population. Interestingly, there are many Russians living here, as well as mixed Russian-Turkish families, all of whom hope for an improvement in bilateral relations.

Organization of property viewings

How did your property viewing tour go?I was amazed at how organized my tour turned out to be. I visited many places, and each of them left a positive impression in terms of quality. Maria and her husband Anton, who guided me through the showings, took all my wishes into account and didn't make any promises, which was extremely important to me. I had heard on forums that some buyers encounter problems, but in my case, everything went smoothly without a hitch.

Real estate selection

Which objects did you choose and which one did you ultimately settle on?After the recent fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate, I had to reassess my expectations. Initially, I dreamed of a small villa, but in the end, I chose a duplex, which is usually referred to as a two-level apartment. This apartment is located on the top floor, which gives the feeling of living in my own house.

Moving to a new house

When I moved into my new duplex, it was in a nearly empty modern building. However, now our residence is filling up with new neighbors, and I've already had the chance to meet a few of them.

Conclusion

In concluding my story about moving to Turkey, I want to emphasize that the decision I made has become not just a step into a new life for me, but a true rebirth. Every day, waking up under the bright rays of the Mediterranean sun, I feel how this place fills me with energy and inspiration. Turkey is not only picturesque landscapes and a rich culture, but also a warm atmosphere where I feel at home.

I have combined my main values here: love for the sea, comfort, and the opportunity to do what I love. The process of buying real estate, although not without its challenges, turned out to be much easier than I expected. Thanks to the professionalism of the manager who assisted me at every stage, I avoided the stresses that I had heard about from other buyers.

Advantages of living in Turkey

• Wonderful climate:Bright sun and warm sea.
• Friendly people:The locals are always ready to help.
• Developed infrastructure:Amenities for living and relaxation.
• Ease of transportation communication:Simplicity in visa matters for Russians.

In addition to the stunning nature and well-developed infrastructure, I love how welcoming this place is for anyone looking to create their own living space. Friends and family can now visit me freely, which makes my life here even more comfortable and fulfilling.

Why Antalya?

Living in Antalya has become my conscious choice, as this city perfectly combines the tranquility of the sea with urban comfort. I enjoy both working and relaxing here — for me, it's just the perfect balance.

Recommendation

In conclusion, I want to say that anyone considering a move should think about the possibility of living in Turkey. It's not just a country; it's a true treasure for the soul and body. I'm glad I dared to take this step, and I recommend everyone to try this amazing way of life by the sea, even if just for a while. Perhaps, like me, you will find your happiness here.