Your Complete Guide to Apartment Hunting in the City of Two Continents
Looking for an apartment in Istanbul? You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. With a massive city layout, language barriers, and unfamiliar rental processes, finding a home in Istanbul can be tricky—especially for expats. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to make your apartment search smoother and stress-free.
🔍 Why Apartment Hunting in Istanbul Can Be a Challenge
After countless Google searches and chatting with Turkish friends, do the listings still feel confusing? You’re not imagining it. Unlike many European cities, Istanbul has limited rental listing platforms, and most apartments are still handled by local real estate agents (“emlakçı”), many of whom speak only Turkish.
Most agents:
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Don’t speak English or other foreign languages
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May not fully understand your needs
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Aren’t always up-to-date with apartment availability
This makes navigating the rental market a real challenge for newcomers—and that’s exactly why we’re here to help.
🗺️ Where to Look for Apartments in Istanbul
✅ 1. Airbnb (for Short-Term Stays)
If you’re visiting Istanbul for a few weeks or months, Airbnb is your best bet. Whether you need a private room or an entire apartment, it’s fast, reliable, and offers instant booking—great for short-term flexibility.
✅ 2. Real Estate Portals (for Long-Term Rentals)
Two of the largest nationwide platforms are:
You can browse apartments for rent or sale across Istanbul. Keep in mind:
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A single apartment may be listed multiple times by different agents
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Listings may not always be current
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Many agents listed may not speak English
Still, these platforms offer a good starting point.
✅ 3. Local Realtors and Small Agencies
You’ll find plenty of neighborhood-based real estate offices. These agents usually focus on properties nearby, so options may be limited, but you might find hidden gems this way.
📄 Rental Contracts in Istanbul – What You Should Know
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Most rental contracts are for 1 year (standard duration)
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Longer contracts have no legal binding (more like a handshake deal)
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Shorter rental periods can be negotiated directly with the landlord
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Most apartments are unfurnished
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Utilities are not included, and you’ll need to subscribe individually
💰 Common Costs When Renting in Istanbul
Before moving in, here’s what you’ll typically need to budget for:
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First month’s rent
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Security deposit (usually equal to 1 month’s rent, but varies by landlord)
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Agency commission – Typically 12% of one year’s total rent
🔌 Setting Up Utilities in Istanbul
You’ll need to apply for each utility individually. Here’s how:
🔥 Natural Gas (IGDAS)
Required documents:
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Passport + copy
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Turkish residence ID (“ikamet”)
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Rental contract
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Equipment Number (assigned by IGDAS)
➡️ Visit your nearest IGDAS office on the European side.
💡 Electricity (BEDAS)
Required documents:
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Passport + copy
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Turkish residence ID
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Rental contract
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Equipment Number
➡️ Apply through BEDAS on the European side.
🚿 Water (ISKI)
Required documents:
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Passport + copy
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Turkish residence ID
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Rental contract
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Equipment Number
➡️ Submit your application at an ISKI service center.
🛋️ Pro Tips for a Smooth Experience
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If possible, bring a Turkish-speaking friend when meeting agents
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Use WhatsApp to communicate with agents—they prefer it over email
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Always ask for photos/videos before visiting the property
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Double-check the availability before making any decisions
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Be ready to act fast—good apartments rent quickly
🔑 Ready to Start Apartment Hunting in Istanbul?
Whether you’re planning a short-term stay or settling in long-term, instabul.co offers hand-picked rental apartments with full support during your lease. We partner with trusted local providers to make your move smooth, safe, and stress-free.