04 December 2023 , 14:06
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The cheapest country in Europe to retire in costs half the UK state pension to live in.
Not only is Turkey a country with rich history, delicious food and beautiful natural landscape, it is a great place to retire. According to Property Guides, a company that helps people purchase houses overseas, it costs £422 a month to be a retiree in the sun-soaked hotspot.
To live the same life in the UK, you'd need to spend £1,652 a month - four times as much - as the UK state pension is currently £203.85 a week. A large part of the reason Turkey can be so much cheaper to live in is the cost of property.
The average price for a 100 square metre property in Istanbul - the most expensive city in the country - is about £54,000. Crime levels in Turkey are some of the lowest around, with just 214 records of theft per 100,000 people. This compares well to the 280 in England and Wales.
Brits who make the move and settle down to enjoy their golden years in the country aren't likely to feel too much like fish out of water. Turkey has seen a surge in visitors since the end of pandemic travel restrictions, with 2.5million travellers from the UK heading there last year.
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Around 34,000 Brits have decided to make Turkey their home (Getty Images)The country is home to around 84 million people - with a whopping 34,000 Brits deciding to make their home there full-time. Most of them chose to live on the south coast in one of the nation's many sunny beach resorts, or in Istanbul.
The sprawling city of 15 million people is the largest in Europe and the sixth biggest in the world. It lies on the Bosphorus River - the boundary between the two continents - and is a melting pot of history and culture. Among its remarkable landmarks are the incredible Blue Mosque and the endlessly fascinating Grand Bazaar.
As part of the HSBC Expat Explorer survey, some British people who have made the move to Turkey shared their tips and advice for settling in there. While many items in Turkey are cheaper than they would be in the UK, one expat shared something they found “expensive”.
They said: “If you are living in Istanbul, don’t buy a car. It’s expensive, complicated and it’s easier to move around the city by public transport or taxi.”
Istanbul has an extensive public transport network so it’s fairly easy for most expats to get around without a car. The city has a reliable tram and subway network and even an excellent public boat service.
One advised: “Be brave enough to learn and live the culture. I promise that you will leave with a sense of gratitude and humility for a country that adopted you as one of its own, wherever in the world you go.
Another added: “If you are a foodie, make friends at your neighbourhood pazar, market and butcher. Their customer service is outstanding once they know you.” A pazar is a weekly market held outdoors on the streets and is a long held Turkish tradition.
Turkish food is a highlight for many expats living there and Britons can expect to enjoy incredible fresh ingredients for very good prices, whether in restaurants or from the market.
When making the move, it is important to consider the smaller differences between the countries that could end up costing a little to remedy. Another expat added: “Take a look at the difference between voltage/household items to avoid bringing equipment you cannot use. A good relocation company is a must.”