Moving expenses in Istanbul have climbed past 250,000 Turkish liras, according to a report from NTV Haber published on Monday.
The figure covers the full cost of switching homes, including a new rental deposit, real estate agent fees, and moving services. NTV Haber, along with other outlets such as Mynet Finans and T24, highlighted that the total burden on tenants has grown significantly as housing-related expenses rise together.
The 250,000 lira threshold is not a single fee but a combined estimate. Renters typically must pay a deposit upfront, often equivalent to one or two months of rent, plus the first month's rent and an agency commission. On top of that, professional movers charge separately for labor and transport. When added together, these costs now exceed a quarter of a million liras for many households in Turkey's largest city.
The report did not specify a precise breakdown of each component, but the overall figure reflects how inflation has pushed up prices across the housing market. For comparison, the minimum wage in Turkey stood at 22,104 liras per month in 2025, meaning the moving cost alone would consume more than a year's earnings for a minimum-wage worker. However, that comparison is not included in the source material and should be treated as context only.
NTV Haber's report did not indicate whether the 250,000 lira figure applies to a typical apartment or a larger home, nor did it provide data on how quickly costs have risen. The headline suggests the amount has "exceeded" the threshold, implying recent increases have pushed it past that mark.
What to watch next: Whether landlords and agents adjust their practices as tenants face mounting upfront costs, and if any policy response emerges to ease the financial strain of moving.
