The cheaper way to retire, or why the British are moving to Turkey
Turkey is not only a country with a rich history, delicious food, and beautiful natural landscapes, but it is also a great place for retirement. According to Property Guides, a company that assists people in buying real estate abroad, the cost of living as a retiree here is £422 per month. To maintain the same lifestyle in the UK, you would need to spend four times that amount, i.e., £1,652 per month.
One of the reasons why Turkey is an affordable country to live in is the cost of real estate, as reported by the Mirror.
Istanbul is the most expensive city in the country, with the average price of a 100-square-meter property being around £54,000. The crime rate in Turkey is one of the lowest in the world, with only 214 thefts per 100,000 people, compared to 280 in England and Wales.
Britons intending to move here are unlikely to feel like fish out of water. After the pandemic restrictions were eased, more than two and a half million travelers went to Turkey.
The country's population is about 84 million. For 34,000 Britons, this sunny country has become a "second home," and they have decided to settle here permanently. They mostly choose the warm southern coast or the colorful city of Istanbul.
About life in Istanbul and Turkey in general: what the British say
The city of 15 million people is the largest in Europe and the sixth largest in the world. It has long been a center of history and culture. Among its attractions are the incredible Blue Mosque and the endlessly fascinating Grand Bazaar.
As part of the HSBC Expat Explorer survey, some Brits who have moved to Turkey shared their impressions and advice on moving here.
The respondents said: "If you live in Istanbul, don't buy a car. It's expensive, complicated, and it's easier to get around the city by public transportation or taxi." Therefore, buying a car here is more expensive than in the UK.
Istanbul has an extensive public transportation network, making it quite easy to get around without a car. The city features a network of trams and subways, and there is also an excellent public boat service.
"Be brave enough to study the culture of Turkey and live in it. I promise that you will leave with a sense of gratitude and humility for a country that has accepted you as one of its own wherever you go."
Turkish cuisine is a highlight for many expats living there, and Brits are impressed with the freshness of the food, as well as the prices in fine restaurants and markets.
