A rental year is still the reversible decision in an unfamiliar country. Neighbourhoods change character once the tourist season ends, and nearby construction only becomes obvious once you live there. A year of renting is far cheaper than unwinding a bad purchase.
Buying earns its place over a long enough period. Entry and exit costs are significant, so a two-year plan seldom covers them. The usual rule of thumb involves a horizon of several years before the maths turns favourable.
Getting a mortgage changes the picture considerably. Foreign buyers often face larger deposit requirements and shorter terms than residents. Where local lending is unavailable, the purchase turns into a full cash commitment, property management paphos which changes what else that capital could do.
Renting protects mobility. A shift cheap houses in istanbul circumstances, a family situation or a change in immigration policy is manageable with a notice period, rather than an exit that depends on finding a buyer. In markets where prices move slowly, the ability to leave quickly has real value.
Ownership brings advantages a rental never will: stability of costs, control over the space, and a tangible asset that may appreciate. In some countries, ownership may also strengthen a visa application. The honest answer for most people remains a rental year followed by a purchase.