Renovating a Home in Turkey: Costs, Permits & Contractors

Renovating a home in Turkey can be an exciting process. While often associated with buyers looking for affordable opportunities, this strategy is also popular among investors looking to buy and sell.

Whether you are looking to make an investment or own a beautiful home at an affordable price, Turkish home renovation can be the best path to reach your goals.

In this Turkish home renovation guide, we offer all the details of renewing an old home in Turkey. From cost estimates and renovation permits to the top renovation companies in Turkey, you will find everything you need here.

What Is a Fixer-Upper Property in Turkey?

In the simplest terms, a fixer-upper property is one that requires maintenance, repairs, or a detailed makeover. Priced significantly lower than newly built homes, these properties are very popular among both investors and first-time homebuyers.

We can generally categorize these homes into three types:

1. Cosmetic Fixer-Uppers

This category represents the homes with the lowest risk and the fastest return on investment. The columns and general structures of these homes are in solid condition: you only need to do small touches. The work might involve replacing kitchen cabinets, bathroom tiles, and fixtures. Updates to flooring, interior doors, windows, and a fresh coat of paint also fall into this group.

These types of property renovation in Turkey don’t require a formal permit. Therefore, these homes do not require excessive time or expense.

2. Medium-Scale Renovation Projects

Homes under this category often have a decent general structure, but some functional or technical changes may be required to increase comfort. For instance, you might want to renew aging electrical and water plumbing, upgrade roof insulation, or knock down a wall to merge the kitchen with the living room.

These operations require more than just simple decoration; you must work in coordination with a skilled team. The difficulty level and cost are moderate.

3. Extensive Renovation Properties

This group generally covers older buildings. The building may have dampness, drainage issues, or require structural reinforcement against earthquake risks. Since it needs serious work from foundation to roof, it is crucial to know all the defects and have a clear action plan before purchasing these homes.

In these projects, obtaining a Renovation Permit (Tadilat Ruhsatı) is mandatory, and the process follows the supervision of an architect. The difficulty level, time, and budget requirements are higher than other types.

Is Buying a Fixer-Upper in Turkey a Good Idea?

Yes, buying and renovating property in Turkey is a good idea. Here are the advantages of renovating a property in Turkey as a foreigner:

• Cost Savings

The most obvious perk of renovating a home is the purchase price. Buying an older property in Turkey is significantly cheaper than buying a brand new one. Therefore, you can save drastically by handling the home renovation in Turkey instead of buying a home in great condition.

• Value Appreciation

Often, buying a fixer-upper and financing the renovations is much cheaper than opting for a home that is in great condition. Moreover, at the end of the renovations, the property’s value naturally increases. This is a great tactic to enter the market.

For detailed information on maximizing this value, you can also take a look at our guide on staging a home to sell it faster.

• Location Opportunities

In many of Turkey’s top neighborhoods, empty land is nonexistent. The best spots are usually occupied by older buildings with the best views. Buying and renovating property in Turkey allows you to secure a prime location that you could’t afford (or find) in the new-build market.

• Total Personalization

Unlike ready-to-move homes, fixer-uppers come with a vast space for personalization. Renovating allows you to choose every tile, kitchen layout, and add smart home features.

If you want total freedom, building from scratch might also be a great option. If you are undecided, you can visit our blog post comparing the process of buying vs. building a home.

Do I Need a Permit to Renovate my Home in Turkey?

In many cases, you can renovate your Turkish home without a permit. To clarify, you do not need municipality permission for simple repairs such as painting, replacing flooring, or renewing kitchen cabinets. However, if you plan to alter the building's load-bearing system, external appearance, total square footage, or architectural plan, you must obtain approval. Otherwise, you may face legal fines.

If you are renovating an apartment unit, it is best to notify the site management and ask about the legal scope to be safe. Also note that certain sites (like heritage zones) have further requirements and regulations. In such cases, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice and acting in accordance with local regulations.

Understanding Renovation Permit (Tadilat Ruhsatı) in Turkey

If you are planning to change the foundation, beams, or general architectural structure of the property, obtaining a Construction Renovation Permit (Tadilat Ruhsatı) is a legal requirement. This also applies to structural reinforcement or changing the building's intended use.

When working with the right experts, this process can be completed smoothly. Here are the steps to obtain a renovation permit in Turkey:

Step 1: Architectural Project Preparation

First, you need to partner with an architect or a specialized renovation firm to manage the process. They will examine the current condition of the house and draft a new architectural project that meets technical regulations.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documents

The application file typically requires the following documents:

• Copy of the Title Deed (Tapu)
• The prepared renovation project drawings
• Zoning Status Document (İmar Durumu)
• Earthquake performance report
• Building safety report
• Notarized contract between the property owner and the contractor/firm
• Application petition for the renovation permit
• Approval letter from the Building Control Directorate confirming the structure is legal

Step 3: Application to the Municipality

After collecting all documents, you can apply for tadilat ruhsatı in the municipality where the property is located. Officials will review the documents. Once the project is deemed suitable technically and legally, you pay the necessary fees and receive your renovation permit.

Home Remodeling Costs in Turkey (2026)

There is no single answer to the question “How much does it cost to renovate a house in Turkey?” In fact, many factors determine the Turkey interior design fees. The home's current condition, size, material quality, and the scope of work all directly impact the price. Therefore, we highly recommend consulting with multiple firms to get accurate quotes before finalizing your budget.

However, based on market averages, here are the home renovation costs in Turkey 2026:

• Comprehensive Renovation

The average price range for a complete renovation of a 70 m² - 100 m² apartment is between 500,000 TL and 800,000 TL. This process typically covers renewing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, replacing countertops, installing shower cabins, painting, parquet and ceramic flooring, suspended ceilings, and lighting works.

• Structural Renovation

If the home's plumbing/wiring, walls, or layout will undergo a change, Turkey renovation price per square meter may range from 100,000 TL to 120,000 TL.

• Minor Renovation

If you are planning only simple repairs like replacing doors/windows or updating the flooring of a single room, your budget may vary between 50,000 TL and 100,000 TL, depending on the coverage and quality.

*Important Note: The cost of renovating a property in Turkey depends on many factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date quotes, we recommend directly contacting the reliable renovation firms listed below.

Finding Reliable Renovation Contractors in Turkey

Working with the right team during the renovation process is the most critical step. Make sure that you are working with licensed renovation companies in Turkey. Before making a decision, we recommend examining the firms' past references, checking online reviews, and, if possible, verifying municipality records.

Here are some of the prominent firms in:

• Plan Yapı: Specialized in historical building restorations, they also offer expertise in earthquake safety and disaster risk-focused reinforcement projects.
• Tadilatla: Based in Izmir, this firm offers comprehensive solutions in all areas of the house, from roof to kitchen. It is a strong option for projects in the Aegean region.
• Tadilatsepetim: Active in the İstanbul (especially Kadıköy) region, they professionally manage the entire process from project drawing to the final details.
• Acar Yapı: A licensed and corporate firm serving throughout Turkey. They are particularly experienced in the renovation of detached villas and mass housing projects.
• Metart İnşaat: A team specialized in residential projects. They provide reliable service in both partial repairs and demolish-and-rebuild processes.

*Note: Renovating a property in Turkey as a foreigner can seem complicated, but if you are an Antalya Homes ® customer, you do not need to manage the home renovation process in Turkey alone. As part of our after-sales services, we guide you through the transformation process of your home with our trusted solution partners.

Conclusion

Thanks to the low prices and high potential, a fixer-upper home is a logical route for buyers. Whether you are investing or designing your dream home, these homes allow you to enter the market below standard prices. Even with renovation costs, the total investment is usually far more economical than purchasing a turnkey property.

If you are looking for a property with high renovation potential in Turkey, fill out the contact form below. Our expert team will prepare a personalized portfolio best suited to your budget and goals.

From furniture tours to the Turkish renovation permit process, we are by your side with over 20 years of experience. Contact us today to seize opportunities!

Bilgesu Soytürk

AUTHORBilgesu SoytürkEditor

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