Why did Turkey become a popular destination for Russians in 2022?

The popularity of Turkey in Russia

The course to Turkey became the undisputed leader in the number of inquiries on our website in 2022. The number of requests from Russia, in particular, saw a significant increase. Due to the sanctions imposed against our country after the start of the conflict in Ukraine, opportunities for travel and investment in other countries have been greatly reduced. During this time, the Republic of Turkey came to the forefront.

She is not on the list of "unfriendly countries," which makes it possible to make payments from Russian bank accounts to companies in Turkey without much difficulty (except for rare cases).

Advantages of airline flights and the Russian-speaking diaspora

Cash flights between Russia and Turkey are opening new horizons for travel, which can be seen as a significant advantage in the current situation. Additionally, Turkey is known for its substantial Russian-speaking community, allowing Russians to access support and advice on various issues by reaching out to their compatriots or immigrants from other former Soviet countries.

For example, in cities like Antalya, Alanya, and Mersin, speaking Russian has become completely normal.

Migration and investments

Many Russians choose to migrate to this country as whole families, starting a new life and obtaining residency or citizenship, provided they invest in real estate or financial assets for an amount starting from400,000 dollarsThe demand for apartments in Turkey remains high, despite a significant increase in housing prices in recent years, which has risen by 1.5 to 2 times when adjusted for inflation.

• By the end of 2022, the minimum budget for purchasing property in new developments in Istanbul starts from130,000-150,000 euros.
• In Antalya and Alanya, prices start from the design stage.120,000-130,000 euros.
• In the increasingly popular Mersin, a small apartment under construction can be purchased for65,000 euros.

Buying real estate in Turkey

The process of buying real estate in Turkey is quite convenient, but, like in any other country, it has its own peculiarities. Some aspects may align with practices in other European countries, but they might seem unfamiliar to those used to the specifics of the real estate market in Russia. It is important to note that these nuances can both facilitate the process and create certain difficulties. Additionally, it is worth paying attention to the differences in terminology.

Real estate terminology

In Russia, the term "euro two-room apartment" exists, while in Turkey, it refers to an apartment with one bedroom or is designated as "1+1". Apartments with a European layout, where the kitchen and living room are combined into one space, are classified in Russia as "euro two-room" or "euro three-room" apartments. In most European countries, including Turkey, it is customary to specify the number of bedrooms, implying the presence of a living room.

• The Russian "euro two-room apartment" corresponds to a one-bedroom apartment, referred to as "1+1".
• "Euro three-room" refers to an apartment with two bedrooms, designated as "2+1".

This classification option may confuse buyers from Russia, but understanding these nuances makes it easier to navigate the Turkish real estate market. Each stage of purchasing property becomes clearer when newcomers learn the local terms and standards.

Conclusion

The growing interest of Russians in Turkey highlights the need to adapt to new conditions and update knowledge about the local culture and way of life. Thus, it can be concluded that despite existing differences, Turkey maintains its appeal for investment and living due to its unique combination of favorable conditions and cultural comfort.

Apartments with finished interiors

In all residential complexes in Turkey, buyers are offered apartments with fully completed finishes, as well as necessary kitchen furniture and plumbing fixtures. Developers are required to provide housing in such a way that new owners can move in immediately. This significantly eases the task for buyers, as they do not need to allocate additional funds for repairs or look for specialists to complete finishing work, since everything is already done by the time the keys are handed over.

Usually, before setting up a new home, residents only need to buy household appliances, beds, sofas, tables, chairs, lighting fixtures, and home textiles.

Additional services from developers

Some developers go even further and offer apartments fully furnished with furniture and appliances. This phenomenon, which is widespread in other countries, is gradually becoming popular in Russia as well.

Today, many construction companies in Russia already offer apartments with "turnkey" finishing, but this is still not a mandatory requirement, as it is in Turkey. In Moscow, among economy-class housing, about 60-70% of properties are offered with finished interiors and plumbing, while apartments with fully equipped kitchens remain a rarity.

One of the well-known construction companies in the capital that implements such projects is —“Airplane”.

Prices for furniture

The prices for furnishing an apartment in Turkey are significantly lower than in Russia. This is explained by the fact that the Turkish lira has depreciated considerably against the ruble over the past two years. As a result, when converted to rubles, the prices for most goods in Turkey turn out to be 1.5 to 3 times more affordable than for similar goods in Russia.

• Complete equipmentA small "1+1" apartment in Turkey can cost between 3000 and 5000 euros.
• To visually compare prices, it's enough to take a look at the cost of goods in Russian and Turkish online stores.
• Bosch washing machineThe item purchased at the "M-Video" store for 73,000 rubles can be bought at the online store Trendyol for 13,000 lira (which is approximately equivalent to 44,000 rubles).

Infrastructure of residential complexes

Almost all new residential complexes in Turkey are equipped with their own swimming pools on the premises. Usually, both in Istanbul and at resorts, there are "network" complexes with well-maintained grounds and outdoor pools.

In addition, gyms, indoor pools, hammams, and saunas are also offered. The presence of a pool and other additional amenities makes the apartments more attractive for rental to tourists.

Nevertheless, it is necessary to pay for the maintenance of the complex and the upkeep of its infrastructure.“Aydat”which averages around 50 euros per month. This allows for comfortable living for the residents and the maintenance of the infrastructure in good condition.

Installment payments in Turkey

In Turkey, it is quite common for buyers to be offered interest-free installment plans until the completion of construction work. This convenient solution allows buyers and developers to find mutually beneficial payment terms. However, it is important to consider several significant points that may affect financial obligations. For example, such contracts are often drawn up in euros, sometimes in dollars, which imposes obligations to make payments in these currencies or in others, based on the current exchange rate at the time of payment. For those who earn income in rubles, the need to repay a loan in euros within 1-2 years can be quite risky and economically disadvantageous.

Difficulties with mortgages for foreigners

Another significant problem for foreigners is the difficulty of obtaining mortgage loans in Turkey. A year and a half ago, the situation was much simpler, as banks offered credit lines for purchasing real estate, including in Turkish lira. Unfortunately, now such opportunities are unavailable for foreign buyers, and access to loans is closed to them.

Climate conditions and heating

It should also be noted that there is no central heating in Turkey, as is common in Russia. Although the country is known for its summer resorts, winter temperatures can be quite low. For example, in Antalya, in January, the air temperature can drop to 10°C, and the swimming season sometimes lasts until the very end of autumn. In homes that are not equipped with a heating system, it becomes noticeably damp and cool during the cold months, which can lead to mold formation and problems with drying laundry.

Heating solutions

If there is a gas network in the region, the heating problem can be resolved much more easily.

Solar energy as a source of heating

Solar energy offers a unique opportunity to utilize an accessible and environmentally friendly resource for heating your home. If you are planning to buy an apartment in a new building, you should discuss possible changes in the interior and layout with the developer.

Changes in the interior of the new building

If you are interested in purchasing an apartment that is still under construction, discussing the possibility of changing the layout can be quite beneficial. This may include the following changes:

• Rearrangement of load-bearing walls;
• Installation of modern window structures;
• The choice of finishing materials is up to you.

It is advisable to discuss these questions with the developer in advance, before signing the contract.

Total area of real estate in Turkey

It's important to remember that when buying real estate in Turkey, the total area stated during the sale includes not only the living space of the apartment but also the common areas. These areas include:

• Stairwells;
• Elevator shafts.

This total area, known as "gross," is divided by the number of apartments, and you are allocated your share. Realtors usually inform clients about the specific area that officially remains with them, that is, "net."

Issues with clarifying sizes

Please note that the exact sizes of apartments are often not specified. In some cases, the contract may not mention the area at all, only indicating the number of rooms. If you become interested in clarifying the sizes, the contract may only state the total "gross" area.

Living in Turkey

For long-term residence in your new apartment in Turkey, you need to obtain a residence permit or citizenship. You should know the following:

• The visa-free stay period for Russian citizens is 60 days.
• The total time spent cannot exceed 90 days in a half-year period.

This means that after two months of stay, you will be able to leave the country and return for 30 days, but not earlier than the next day. To stay in the country for a longer period, you will need to obtain an "ikamet" – a residence permit.

Rules for obtaining a residence permit

Purchasing an apartment or renting a property with the owner's consent allows for the issuance of this document, but only in "open" regions.

Restrictions on residence permits

Since July 2022, restrictions have been imposed on obtaining the primary residence permit in several cities in Turkey. This entails the following conditions:

• When purchasing property in a restricted area, you will not be able to reside there for more than 90 days.
• After that, a six-month trip will be required.

If you decide to purchase property in an "open area," you will be eligible for a "tourist" residence permit for a period of one to two years, with the possibility of extension. This will give you the legal right to stay in the country, but employment will be prohibited in this case.

Conclusion

Therefore, before making a decision to purchase real estate in Turkey, it is important to thoroughly study all the living conditions and document processing requirements to avoid misunderstandings in the future.

Investment in real estate in Turkey

Investing in real estate in Turkey, both residential and commercial, with an amount starting from $400,000, presents an enticing opportunity for investors and their families to obtain citizenship in this country. This process is quite flexible, making it especially appealing to foreign nationals.

The procedure for obtaining a certificate of ownership

Clients have the opportunity to obtain a certificate of ownership for an apartment, known as "tapu," even before the construction work is completed. Depending on the agreement with the developer, this procedure can be finalized approximately six months before the expected commissioning of the property. At this stage, a potential buyer can contact the cadastral office to arrange for the ownership certificate.

It's worth hurrying with this in order to start the process of obtaining a residence permit through real estate purchase at an early stage. However, this procedure can also be carried out later, three months before the completion of construction, but then you will need to provide a temporary address according to the rental agreement.

Early document processing

Some major developers have taken on the responsibility of negotiating with local authorities so that buyers can apply for a "tapu" at earlier stages of construction.

• For example, one company in Alanya offers such an opportunity when three floors have already been built in the building.

Opening a bank account

To obtain a certificate of ownership, it is necessary to open a bank account in a local bank. This requirement is due to new legal regulations that came into effect in January 2022 and is related to the process of converting an amount equal to the cadastral value of the apartment from euros to lira and back.

After opening the account, the developer transfers funds to it, which are then converted into lira. The next day, it is necessary to convert the received lira back into euros and hand them over to the developer.

Key document and tax number

The key pointIn this procedure, obtaining a conversion certificate from the bank is essential. This document is required for the cadastral chamber and confirms that the foreigner has transferred funds for the purchase of real estate. Another important point is the presence of...tax numberwhich can be obtained online, which significantly simplifies the entire process.

Advantages of investing in real estate

Thus, investing in Turkish real estate offers a wealth of opportunities, allowing not only to improve your financial situation but also to provide your family with a chance to live in a wonderful country with a rich historical heritage and culture. Proper preparation of documents and timely organization of the process significantly simplify the entire journey, making it more accessible for foreign buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that Turkey continues to be not only a popular tourist destination but also a profitable place for real estate investments. Considering that in 2022 it became the absolute leader in the number of inquiries from Russia, we can confidently say that the country attracts attention and interest.

Sanctions and restrictions related to military actions in Ukraine have made other countries less accessible for Russian citizens, and Turkey has been able to take advantage of this situation. Direct flights, the presence of a Russian-speaking diaspora, and a simplified process for purchasing real estate make the country particularly attractive. I have encountered some interesting nuances that may surprise newcomers to the real estate market.

Features of buying real estate in Turkey

• Apartment formats:The apartments are handed over for use with finished interiors, which eliminates the need for major renovations right after purchase.
• Additional amenities:Construction companies often offer pools and gyms, which makes the housing more attractive for rent.
• Cost of furnishing:Furnishing an apartment in Turkey is significantly cheaper than in Russia, thanks to the decline in the value of the lira.

Against the backdrop of the lira's decline, many products are noticeably cheaper than their counterparts in Russian stores.

Conclusion

Thus, the choice of Turkey as a place to live or invest is becoming increasingly obvious. Considering all these factors, one can confidently say that Turkey will secure a strong position in the real estate market in the coming years, maintaining high demand and demonstrating its appeal to Russians. This gives confidence that life here can be both comfortable and successful for new residents.