Cost
Turnkey home and villa renovation in Istanbul: what drives the cost in 2026?
· 2 min read · SG Concept Architecture
"How much does renovation cost per square metre?" is one of the most common questions. But the right question is: what will be done in that square metre? There is a huge difference between renewing paint and floors and redoing the services, wet areas and cabinets from scratch.
Why do renovation prices vary so much?
For example, real requests shared on Armut's 2026 turnkey renovation page show a range of 60,000 TRY to 500,000 TRY for a 100 m² Istanbul apartment; the platform's overall range runs from 11,110 TRY to 2,500,000 TRY. The gap comes from the same floor area corresponding to very different work.
The main items in the budget
- Strip-out and structural work: demolition, rubble, wall changes
- Services: electrical, water, natural gas, climate control
- Wet areas: bathroom and kitchen, waterproofing
- Floors, walls and ceilings: plaster, paint, parquet, tiles, suspended ceilings
- Windows and doors
- Custom furniture, cabinets and worktops
- Lighting, fixtures and sanitaryware
- Design, site management and cleaning
What is different in a villa?
Villas have several floors, stairs, garden and terrace connections, larger wet areas and often central climate control. In villas in Göktürk and Kemerburgaz the site management plan also matters: changes to facades, windows and outdoor areas may need the management's approval.
Work that needs a permit
Work that touches the structural system, or changes the facade or the building's use, may require municipal permission. Always have a structural expert check before removing a wall. Interior work such as paint, flooring and furniture renewal usually needs no permit.
How to set a realistic budget
- First a list of needs and a design
- Then quantities: how much of each type of work
- At least two or three quotes on the same quantities
- 10 to 15 per cent of the total for unexpected work
- Early orders for materials with long lead times
“Most renovations that go over budget start not on site, but with an incomplete design.”
Getting the whole process from concept design to build from one team reduces the gap between design and site, and budget surprises. Let's define the scope for your villa or apartment together.
Frequently asked questions
What does turnkey renovation mean?
All work, from design to final cleaning, is managed by one company and handed over to you ready to use.
How long does renovating a 100 m² apartment take?
It depends on scope. Paint and flooring alone can be done in a few weeks; a full renovation including services, bathroom, kitchen and custom furniture can take several months.
Do I need a municipal permit to renovate in Istanbul?
Work that touches the structure, the facade or the building's use may need a permit. Most interior renovations do not; however, villas in gated communities may require management approval.
How much should I set aside for unexpected costs?
We recommend 10 to 15 per cent of the total budget. In older buildings this can be higher.
From the Journal
All articles →- Cost
· 2 min read
Interior designer fees in Istanbul (2026): how interior design services are priced
Per square metre, a percentage or a fixed fee? How interior design fees are calculated in Istanbul, what drives the price and what to check when you get a quote.
- Guide
· 3 min read
Bathroom renovation guide: the right order, from waterproofing to fixtures
The most expensive mistake in a bathroom renovation is made where you cannot see it. Waterproofing, falls, plumbing, ventilation and fixtures, in the right order.
- Guide
· 3 min read
Small apartment interior design: 9 ways to make a small space feel larger
In one- and two-bedroom apartments you cannot add square metres, but you can enlarge the perception of space. Layout, storage, colour, light and multi-purpose furniture.