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 and the people we work with in associated offices around Turkey have visited every vendor and developer we deal with personally, and we work only with those people in the property business we finds to be truthful and honest in their dealings. If we hear of any new development that has not yet got planning permission, or any resale where the Tapu (title deeds) are not 'available', we will not advertise those properties. We have personally spent time in all the areas we cover from Alanya right through to Izmir and Istanbul, and most of the developers and agents whose products we advertise. As Turkey is so diverse, this gives us the experience to personally help clients with recommendations for which areas may be better suited to their needs.

Having lived and worked, as well as travelled extensively around Turkey, we are very wary of who we deal with as we know 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 understand 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! This is quite untrue as no foreigner can run a business in Turkey without a Turkish partner, therefore that Turkish partner is likely to know the local laws even if their British partner does not.

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 with both English (as opposed to Turkish people that speak English), and Turkish staff. Wherever you go in the world and whichever nationality you deal with, there are always going to be those 'bad apples', so once you have decided on a property to buy, having an independent solicitor will ensure that all the details of the purchase are carried out according to Turkish law.

See - Help and advice on how to choose the right estate agent for you >>

In Turkey, estate agents will often advise that you use their in-house lawyer, or recommend one to you. However, this is not always in your best interest as some conveyancing lawyers have a commission arrangement with the estate agents that can undermine the legal service received as the lawyer can be manipulated by the agent to act in their best interest to secure a sale. For an independent Turkish lawyer, you can get an exact online quote or advice and information from our team of associated conveyancing lawyers in Turkey , who are authorised and regulated by the Law Society. Not engaging the services of a good lawyer can prove to be a costly mistake!

For help and advice on buying property in Turkey , please contact us.

See also

Turkish Real Estate Agents >>