The importance of using an estate agent in Turkey

When you are planning a visit to Turkey to buy a property, consider carefully whether you want to use an estate agent or not. Be sure that there is always going to be someone ready and willing to take advantage of foreign buyers if you are not careful!

An estate agent in Turkey will have a team of professionals to watch over your interests, make sure the procedures are completed legally and help with after sales queries.

Do you get a better price if you buy directly from the owner or developer?

Bargain hunters often try to avoid estate agents in Turkey, thinking that they will get a better price if they buy directly from a seller or developer and don't appreciate an agents sound advice until they get burned. It is essential when buying a property that you know about the local area and builders/developers in that area in order to make a sound investment and are competent enough to know the procedures and Turkish language to be absolutely sure you that you will be the legal owner of a property once you have paid for it.

Furthermore, where do you go to get the best legal advice - do you know how to get everything set up, utilities installed, find the best price for furniture & equipment, holiday home or property insurance - without getting ripped off and where to get these things done?

If you pay the full price, are you paying too much?

Not necessarily, there are many developers in Turkey who sell off the last properties on a development at a bargain price which may be less than those properties sold before completion. Researching current market values in the area before you go to Turkey will give you a good idea of what you are likely to pay. However, not all internet sites and prices are kept up to date so you may find discrepancies once you arrive.

If you don't know what a fair price for any given property is, you are likely to miss out on a good deal by trying to bargain on a house that's already priced well. If the property is what you are looking for, is within your budget, and is priced competitively, you should make a strong offer. Getting assistance from an estate agent to help you recognize and negotiate a good deal will help you snap up that property before it's gone.

If the sellers are trying to avoid using the expert advice of estate agents they may price their homes above market value by pricing similar to other properties they have seen for sale, however just because the house down the road has the same number of bedrooms as their own, does not necessarily mean that their house is worth the same amount. If a buyer has no idea of the local market value, you may find you pay well over the odds.

Wherever you go in Turkey, it is likely that as soon as you mention that you are looking to buy property, someone is picking up the phone to call their 'friend' who has some 'cheap property' for sale. These are not usually Turkish Estate Agents, but waiters, shop keepers, market stall holders, bar workers ect. If you want to protect your money - steer clear!

Okay, we know that buyers who go through an estate agent in Turkey WILL pay a commission (usually 3% of the agreed purchase price, but sometimes on off plan property or new developments this can be avoided) but in terms of £100,000 property, £3,000 is not a lot to pay for complete peace of mind.

The Turkish legal system is very strict in its procedures and your money will be secure as long as you follow the correct guidelines. Using a solicitor and a trustworth agent is a must. Buyers should bear in mind that real estate agents do come armed with local and buying information and negotiate prices for a living. Because our emotions do not guide us and we do know the local market, we can usually assist buyers in getting a better deal than they would be able to get on their own.