Job Discussion Forums

[beets]

Hello everyone!

I'm moving to Istanbul at the end of June. I haven't found an apartment yet, but I've been actively looking for a one/two bedroom on sahbinden.com and hurriyetemlak.com/ in the Levent region (I want to avoid Taksim). Do you guys think it would be better to just arrive and look around the neighborhoods?

My colleagues have told me to avoid first floor flats (for safety issues) and to be close to a metro station for easy access around the city. Is there any other advice or personal experiences that you can share with me?

Cheers!

[Eagle Eyes]

Just arrive and look around the neighborhoods....to see where you would like to live and make sure it is NOT noisy. Istanbul suffers from chronic noise pollution which at times can be seriously deafening to the ears...thus making it quite difficult to get a good nights sleep in most neighboorhoods. Also note it can be quite expensive to live in Istanbul so you might consider sharing with another roomate to meet costs. Good luck in your search!

[beets]

Thanks Eagle Eyes! Yes I've noticed that to find a decent place in the neighborhoods I'm considering is almost 2000TL/month and I don't plan on having a roommate

Did any of you deal with the "emlakci"? Would it be a good idea to contact one of them to get help? Or is that costly?

[Caterinamh]

Hi Beets,

I just sent your a pm to respond to some of your questions. I would just like to share some info for others who might have the same type of questions in the future. Istanbul is expensive, but you do get a bigger place than you would in a city like NYC or Chicago. You should expect to pay a min. of 1100-1500 TL (Unfurnished) if you want to live in the center of Istanbul on the European or Asian side. That's not the low end but closer to low than middle. In addition you should be ready to pay a deposit equal to the amount of the rent and sometimes more depending on the owner, furnished or unfurnished etc.

In terms of an Emlak, (normally about a months rent) you may or may not be able to rent directly from the owner. It's mostly luck and opportunity. I'd say "most" places require it but it's not impossible to find a place without an EMLAK. I will say without some Turkish it will be very difficult. There is also the issue of being "single", "male" and "yabanci". This brings a whole different set of dynamics into play.

If you are living in areas in the center this may not be an issue but certain areas in the city frown upon singles renting their flats. You should also keep in mind that the standard is very different than what you might be used to at home. You have to bargain, be firm and demand to see TEMIZ (clean) flats!

Pictures can be misleading and emlaks just like some brokers in the states can be dishonest so be wary! If you have a Turkish "friend" it's best to let them accompany you on this journey to finding your new home.

[Eagle Eyes]

Regarding accomodation in Istanbul it is best to meet and/or find Turkish friends who will let you move into their homes or apartments so you will be able to find a good financial arrangement then. I know many Turks who are looking to offer rooms in their homes etc. for about TL 500 Monthly to EFL teachers. The problem is most of these plalces are located in the heart tof Istanbul on the European side (Grand Bazaar area) where it is very noisy and chronic noise pollution can deafen your ears..especially on weekends! Good luck on your search!. [/u]