Turkey - Estate Agents

Finding a good estate agent in Turkey can be quite difficult. Browsing the internet is fine initially, but at least 50% (probably more) websites advertising Turkish property are run by ‘sub agents’, who generally advertise overseas property on a commission basis which would be split between themselves, and whoever they send their clients to in Turkey.

Many may never have been to Turkey, or if they have, may not have visited the areas or developments that clients request information on or met the developers and agents that they send their clients to. In our opinion, it is essential for clients to know where they are going, who they are meeting, and most importantly, who they can trust.

Our offices in Belek and Antalya are managed by Recep, who is an official translator and fluent in English but was born and bred in Turkey. He has visited every vendor and developer we deal with personally and will work only with those people in the property business he finds to be truthful and honest in their dealings. Although I currently live in Spain, I too have visited all the areas we cover, and many of the developers whose products we advertise. As Turkey is so diverse, this gives me the experience to personally help clients with recommendations for which areas may be better suited to their needs.

As a Turkish citizen, even Recep is very wary of who he deals with as he knows that in Turkey, estate agents and developers are not always trustworthy. Their culture is very different from European, and it is always advisable to purchase through agents who are aware of these differences and understands the law thoroughly.

For instance, a friend of mine bought a property through an estate agent in Turkey whilst over there on holiday. The agent spoke a little English, but the lawyer did not. They were unable to understand her reluctance to pay a deposit or sign the paperwork, because they thought that the agents rough translation would be enough to reassure her. They did not understand that despite the millions of overseas property transactions that now take place, we are still very wary of dealing with foreigners – especially in the property market.

I realised that the Turkish people must feel the same about us, when I notice in an estate agents in Fethiye, that there was a notice on the wall advising people not to deal with English estate agents in Turkey. It warned that the English are known not to tell the truth and may not be compliant with the laws of Turkey. I would not regard this as their best marketing strategy, especially when they have British clients sitting their office – it could be considered quite offensive!

In Turkey, Estate Agents are open from early morning until late at night and buying property is a relatively straightforward and quick process. However, visitors should be aware that things are done differently and the best agents to deal with are usually those actually based in Turkey, with both English (as opposed to Turkish people that speak English), and Turkish staff. For help and advice on buying property in Turkey , please contact us.

See also

Turkish Real Estate Agents >>