Renovating an older flat in Turkey: what is allowed and how to plan without surprises

An older flat in an excellent location can become your dream home with a well-planned renovation. But renovating in a shared building has rules, and mistakes can be costly or dangerous.

What is usually allowed without a permit?

• Painting and flooring.
• The kitchen and bathrooms.
• Replacing interior doors.
• Lighting and sockets.

While respecting the building’s rules on working hours, noise and removing debris.

What needs consent or a permit

• The façade: enclosing balconies or changing the external windows to a different design.
• Common areas: any alteration to them.
• Change of use: from residential to office, for example.

Check the building’s management plan (Yönetim Planı) and the building management before you start.

What is forbidden

Load-bearing walls, columns and beams: touching them endangers the whole building’s safety in earthquakes and exposes you to legal liability. Get an engineer’s opinion before removing any wall. See the guide to earthquake safety.

Installations

• Electrics: old wiring may not cope with modern appliances.
• Plumbing: old pipes are a source of leaks.
• Gas and heating: any change must be made by a certified technician. See the heating systems guide.

Insulation and windows

New windows and interior insulation improve comfort and lower the bills, especially in Trabzon. See the guide to winter and heating.

The contractor and the contract

1. Quotes from more than one contractor for the same items.
2. A written contract: the items, the materials with their brands, the schedule and the payments.
3. Payment in stages against documented progress.
4. A warranty on the work after handover.

The budget

• Add up the items with the cost of materials and labour.
• Add a margin for surprises, especially with old installations.
• Budget for furniture after the renovation. See the guide to furnishing a flat.

Renovating remotely

• A reliable supervisor on site.
• Photos and videos of every stage.
• A visit or video tour before every payment. See the guide to managing a property remotely.

Before buying to renovate

• Check the building first: do not renovate a building that may soon enter urban transformation. See the urban transformation guide.
• Work out the price including the renovation, and compare it with a new flat. See the guide to buying a resale property.

In short

A smart interior renovation raises an older flat’s value and comfort. Follow the building’s rules, leave load-bearing walls alone, write a clear contract and keep a margin for surprises.

Contact us and we will help you estimate the renovation cost before you buy.