Furnishing an apartment in Turkey: where to buy, and how to furnish to live in or to let

You have bought the apartment, and now you want to make it a home. Furnishing in Turkey is relatively easy: there is plenty of choice, and most furniture and appliances are made locally. But the first decision is not the colour; it is the purpose: is it your home, or a property to let?

Three ways to furnish

1. Buying the apartment furnished

It saves time. But assess the furniture realistically, and do not pay a large premium for used furniture.

2. A ready-made furniture package

Some agencies and developers offer packages based on the size of the apartment. Convenient if you live abroad. Ask for a detailed list of the items, brands and prices.

3. Furnishing it yourself

From shops, shopping centres and furniture showrooms. Turkey is known for its furniture industry, and İnegöl in Bursa is one of its best-known centres.

Household appliances

• Turkish brands are widespread, and their after-sales service is available in every city.
• New apartments may already have built-in kitchen appliances. Check this at handover.
• Buy from authorised dealers, and keep the warranties.

Curtains and lighting

• Curtains are usually made to measure, and take a few days.
• Lighting: new apartments are often handed over without it, so include it in your budget.

To live in or to let?

To live in

Furniture to your taste, enough storage for the family, and practical children’s rooms.

To let

• Furniture that is sturdy and simple and easy to clean and replace.
• Neutral colours.
• Spare soft furnishings.
• Good photos once it is furnished: they are your main letting tool. See the long-term letting guide.

In Trabzon: damp

The rainy climate makes ventilation important:

• Leave a gap between wardrobes and outside walls.
• A dehumidifier in apartments that stay closed up.
• Easy-wash fabrics.

See the guide to winter and heating in Trabzon.

Furnishing from outside Turkey

1. Ask for a written list and budget before work starts.
2. Ask for photos of every stage: delivery, assembly and the result.
3. Pay in stages against invoices.
4. Ask for a video tour at the end. See the guide to managing your property remotely.

Summary

Decide the purpose first, then the method: furnished, a package, or doing it yourself. For letting, durability and simplicity; for living in, taste and storage; and in Trabzon, ventilation, always.

We help our clients with furniture packages and getting apartments ready to let. Contact us.