There are plenty of reasons to relocate overseas: work, retirement, a change of lifestyle. And those with the freedom to decide just where, exactly, they would like to live have a lot of countries at their disposal. Europe is always an attractive option, but those from the U.S. may be more than a little reticent to pick up and move to a place where they immediately lose money in the currency exchange. But not all countries in the euro zone have as steep a cost of living of, say, France or Switzerland. In fact, there are a couple of hidden gems that enjoy positive real-estate growth as well as some picturesque coastline. One such example is Turkey.
- Moving to TurkeyKıvanç Niş / Foter.com / CC BY
The rich culture, beautiful beaches, temperate climate, low cost of living and opportunity for prime property acquisition make Turkey an ideal spot for those from the U.S or Britain who are looking to move to another country.
With that in mind, here are some relevant facts and figures that should help those considering relocating to Turkey to make their decision.
Language
English is widely spoken in the tourist areas of Turkey, as is German. These two languages are even more common than French or Spanish.
Cost of Living
In general, a couple who wish to own an apartment in Turkey can expect to pay between 500-700 euros per month, or around $675-$950. Of course, these figures can increase threefold depending on the type of lifestyle the couple wishes to lead. For example, eating out on a daily basis, maid service, spending time at bars and pubs – these things will all add significantly to the overall cost of living.
As for property prices, the average cost of an apartment – depending on location – ranges between $20,000-$40,000, and the average cost of a single-family home ranges between $100,000-$200,000.
Food
Those who enjoy the bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine are in luck in Turkey. The food is famous for its use of fresh, organic ingredients that include everything from homegrown vegetables to delicious seafood straight out of the ocean.
Shopping
Turkey boasts enough modern amenities and shopping options that expats and retirees should feel right at home. For instance, chain groceries such as Carrefour and Tesco are in abundance on the west coast of Turkey, and Ikea even has store locations in the country.
Healthcare
Those from the U.S. will find the healthcare system in Turkey comparable to their own. Because while the country offers public healthcare to its citizens, foreigners must purchase private health insurance. This may be a bit jarring to those from England who are used to the NHS, but the good news is that a comprehensive, universal coverage in turkey costs an average of just $180 per month.
Activities
Turkey offers no shortage of activities for all tastes and age groups. Those spending most of their time at the beach can enjoy myriad watersports such as sailing, cruising, scuba diving, snorkeling paragliding, as well as some great sport fishing. Those who enjoy landpbased activities can opt for tennis or golf at any one of the number of world-class courses, including four premium options on the Bodrum and Didim Peninsulas.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when considering making that leap and relocating to Turkey. Aside from cheap property prices and cost of living, most new arrivals to this country end up falling in love with the people and the culture.
Cameron Deggin of Place Overseas – An independent agent assisting overseas property buyers with all aspects of purchasing property in Turkey and investing in Turkish real estate
I have a friend who is actually thinking of relocating to Turkey for many reasons and I will pass this onto her, thanks!
Fascinating to know, thanks!