How to Renovate After Purchase?

Where to Begin Renovations After Buying Property in Turkey

Buying an apartment or house in Turkey is an important step that for many is just the beginning of the journey. Often the purchased property needs updating: from light cosmetic finishing to a full-scale overhaul. While in Russia or Europe the process is more or less familiar, in Turkey it has its own specifics — from legal nuances to local features of the building materials market and contractors. Let’s walk through the entire path step by step: what to consider before starting work, how to plan the budget, find contractors, and avoid common mistakes.

Check the İskan — the Key Property Document

Before tackling the finishing, make sure the property has the İskan (Yapı Kullanma İzin Belgesi) — a building occupancy permit. This is a technical passport confirming that the building is constructed according to standards, is safe, and is fit for habitation. Without an İskan, you cannot officially connect water and electricity in your name, which makes renovation work problematic. If the document is missing, first resolve this issue with the developer or the previous owner — otherwise any investment in renovation may be in vain.

Do You Need a Renovation Permit?

One of the most common questions new owners have: do you need an official permit for the renovation? The answer depends on the scale of the planned work.

• Cosmetic renovation — painting walls, replacing flooring, updating plumbing and electricals without touching load-bearing structures — generally requires no permits.
• Reconfiguration — demolishing or erecting walls, changing the location of “wet zones” (kitchen and bathroom) — will require approval from the municipality and the residential complex management.
• Additions and extensions — balconies, terraces, extra floors — are impossible without a full set of permits, including an architectural design.

Before starting any work that goes beyond cosmetic, be sure to visit your complex management (site yönetimi) and clarify exactly what is allowed in your building. This will save you from fines and orders to restore the premises to their original condition at your own expense.

Types of Renovation and Their Real Costs

The Turkish renovation market is roughly divided into three levels, each with its own price range. Estimated figures for 2024–2025 are as follows:

1. Economy renovation (€150–300/m²) — basic local materials, minimal work, replacement of finishes without complex engineering solutions. Suitable for properties intended for long-term rental.
2. Standard renovation (€300–600/m²) — quality materials, replacement of plumbing and electricals, wall leveling, air conditioning installation. The best choice for a personal apartment.
3. Luxury renovation (€600–1000+/m²) — designer project, expensive finishing materials (marble, natural wood, Italian tiles), custom built-in furniture, smart home systems.

The final price is influenced by several factors: the size of the property, the condition of the original finishes, the complexity of engineering works, material logistics, and, of course, the contractor’s reputation and rates. On average, a turnkey renovation of a standard 1+1 apartment in Alanya or Antalya costs from €7,000 to €15,000, including materials and labour.

How to Choose a Contractor and Not Get It Wrong

Finding builders in Turkey is a task that requires caution. The market is full of offers, but the quality of work varies greatly. Here is what to pay attention to when choosing:

• Language barrier. If you don’t speak Turkish, look for a team where at least the foreman speaks Russian or English. Misunderstandings during the renovation can be costly.
• Portfolio and reviews. Request photos of completed projects, preferably with the possibility of contacting previous clients. Genuine recommendations are worth more than a flashy website.
• Contract and estimate. An official contract (sözleşme) with a detailed estimate is a must. Turkish law protects both sides, but only with a written agreement.
• Phased payment. Never pay 100% upfront. The healthy practice on the Turkish market is to split payment into stages: an advance of 20–30%, then payments upon completion of each block of work.
• Deadlines and penalties. Fix the completion date and responsibility for delays in the contract. Without this clause, the renovation may drag on for months.

Where to Buy Materials: Turkish Realities

Turkey is one of the largest producers of building materials in the region. Ceramic tiles, plumbing fixtures, flooring, interior doors — all are locally produced and of high quality. Main purchasing points:

• Building hypermarkets — Koçtaş, Bauhaus, Tekzen. Similar to familiar Russian hypermarkets. Convenient for bulk purchases, often have promotions.
• Specialty stores — for tiles, plumbing, lighting fixtures. Wider selection, prices can be lower, especially for wholesale purchases.
• Local markets and building material bazaars — every large city has industrial zones (sanayi bölgesi) where you can find unique items and bargain.

An important nuance: add 15–20% more to the planned budget for materials. Prices in Turkey, like everywhere, fluctuate, and during renovation, unforeseen expenses almost always arise.

Step-by-Step Renovation Plan: From Idea to Furnishing

To prevent the renovation from turning into an endless story, follow a clear sequence of steps:

1. Planning and design. Create a floor plan, determine which walls will be affected, where sockets and plumbing points will be placed. For a luxury renovation, it is strongly recommended to order a design project from a local architect (cost — from €500 to €2,000 depending on area).
2. Demolition and preparation. Removing old finishes, taking down unnecessary partitions, hauling away construction debris. Check with the management company where you are allowed to store waste and how its removal is organized.
3. Rough finishing. Plastering and leveling walls, floor screed, electrical and plumbing rough-in, window installation (if necessary). At this stage, the quality of all subsequent finishing is established, so supervision must be especially thorough.
4. Finish work. Laying tiles and flooring, painting walls or wallpapering, installing interior doors, mounting plumbing fixtures and lighting.
5. Furnishing and decor. Assembly and arrangement of furniture, connecting household appliances, decorating with textiles and accessories. In Turkey, the custom-made furniture segment is well developed — this allows you to make the most of the space, especially in small apartments.

Important Things to Know

Renovations in Turkey have a number of features that are not obvious to foreigners:

• Summer heat. If the renovation falls in July–August, keep in mind: working in an unconditioned space is extremely difficult, and some materials (paints, plasters) dry too quickly. The best times for renovation are spring and autumn.
• Seismic regulations. Turkey is in a seismically active zone, and building codes strictly take this into account. Under no circumstances interfere with load-bearing structures, columns, or beams — this is not only illegal but also life-threatening.
• Religious and cultural considerations. During Ramadan and Kurban Bayramı, construction crews may work reduced hours or take a break altogether. Factor this into your project timeline.
• Utility registration. After the renovation is completed, you need to register electricity and water subscriptions in your name. This is done through local offices of the relevant services; the procedure is paid (on average €300–500, including deposit fees).

Conclusion

Renovating after buying property in Turkey is a project that, with a smart approach, turns a standard apartment into a comfortable home that fully meets your tastes and needs, and in an investment scenario, also substantially increases the property’s market value. The key ingredients for success: checking the İskan before starting work, a realistic budget with a buffer, careful selection of contractors with a mandatory contract and phased payments, and respect for local building regulations. By following these rules, renovation in Turkey becomes not a stress but an exciting process, resulting in your very own corner on the sunny coast. İyi şanslar — good luck!