How to Choose a Real Estate Agency in Turkey: An Expert Guide

For most foreign investors, purchasing real estate in Turkey is not only an opportunity to preserve and grow their capital but also a way to obtain residency or even citizenship. However, a lack of knowledge of local legislation, a language barrier, and the specific nature of the Turkish market create significant risks for buyers.

How to choose a real estate agency in Turkey – we'll find out in this article.

Contents of the article:

1. Why Alanya is an ideal choice for families with children
2. The real situation on the Turkish real estate market in 2025
3. Choosing a Real Estate Agency: Required Documents and Licenses
4. Key Signs of a Good Real Estate Agency
5. Professionalism
6. Website
7. Communication format
8. Services and full transaction support
9. Benefits of buying an apartment through a real estate company
10. A wide selection of properties on the Altop Real Estate website

The real situation on the Turkish real estate market in 2025

The Turkish real estate market has intensified, as confirmed by official statistics from TUIK. In the first eight months of 2025, 978,070 properties were sold, representing a 21.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. However, home sales to foreigners decreased by 13.2%, totaling 13,077 sales transactions. Among foreign buyers, Russians, Iranians, and Germans remain the most active.

Turkish housing prices in national currency still haven't compensated for the high inflation rate. However, the rate of this process is gradually slowing. According to statistics from the Central Bank of Turkey, the residential real estate price index (RPPI) in the summer of 2025 increased by more than 32% compared to the same period last year, which, when adjusted for inflation, translates to an actual decline of 0.52%.

In Ankara, the price growth index reached 42.91%, making the capital the only major city to record a real property appreciation of 7.03% year-on-year. The Istanbul market saw a 33.54% increase, which translates to virtually no change in real purchasing power. Izmir recorded the smallest nominal increase among the top three sales cities, at 30.99%; in actual terms, this corresponds to a 1.9% decline in prices.

The current situation in the Turkish housing market requires special attention when choosing a liquid property, which can only be achieved through experienced professionals. How to choose the right realtor in Turkey—all the details below.

Choosing a Real Estate Agency: Required Documents and Licenses

Any legal real estate agency in Turkey must have a basic package of documents confirming the right to conduct commercial activities:

• The first document, Vergi Levhası, or tax registration, certifies the company's tax registration and right to conduct business throughout Turkey.

• The second document, Oda Sicil Kayıt Sureti, confirms that the real estate company is registered with the Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This document allows both Turkish and foreign citizens to buy and sell real estate, as well as enter into contracts with developers and other contractors.

• The third document, Faaliyet Belgesi, proves the agency's current activity and its readiness to promptly resolve any client issues.

• A municipal real estate license is issued by local authorities and confirms that the company is officially registered as a real estate agency and can legally conduct real estate transactions.

• With the introduction of Law No. 31274 on October 14, 2020, requirements for real estate agencies became increasingly stringent. Specifically, the Mesleki Yeterlilik Belgesi (Mesleki Yeterlilik Belgesi)—a certificate of professional competence—has become the primary document required of every realtor. This certification confirms completion of specialized training and passing an exam, which qualifies them to work as a realtor in Turkey.

• A Turkish Ministry of Commerce Real Estate Trade Permit (TTSRT) is a Turkish Ministry of Commerce Real Estate Trade Permit. It is issued directly to a legal entity and confirms official state approval to conduct transactions with any real estate within the Republic of Turkey. Its absence means the agency's activities are illegal. A company with this document has passed all state inspections and fully complies with the new law, which guarantees professionalism and reliability.

The authenticity of all documentation can be verified through official government databases to eliminate any risks associated with working with a private realtor or company.

When visiting a real estate agency in Turkey for Russians in person, be sure to request originals of all documents. Copies must be notarized. Reputable agencies are always ready to provide clients with full information about their licenses and permits.

Key Signs of a Good Real Estate Agency

1. Professionalism

Experience in the Turkish real estate market and a large portfolio of successfully completed transactions are among the key indicators of reliability. Companies with a history of less than 3-5 years require close attention, as they have not yet had time to navigate all market cycles and accumulate sufficient experience in resolving complex situations.

Having a physical office with sufficient space is a legal requirement for real estate agencies in Turkey. The office must be fully equipped and have a space to receive clients. Virtual locations or working in small spaces should be considered.

A qualified team of specialists includes not only certified realtors but also lawyers, translators, and document specialists. A good agency has in-house staff for every stage of the transaction, rather than outsourcing. They also boast membership in various professional associations.

Knowledge of local legislation and market specifics demonstrates the ability of specialists to explain to clients all the nuances of a purchase, potential risks, and opportunities. Not sure how to vet a realtor? Find out about the latest changes in legislation, tax requirements, and the specifics of obtaining a residence permit and citizenship.

2. Website

The quality of a modern real estate agency's online presence speaks to its professionalism and stability. Reputable firms have an informative website with an up-to-date listing, detailed service descriptions, contact information, and company history. A social media presence with regular updates and interaction with followers is also a positive sign.

An online reputation is built on customer reviews on various platforms, ratings in directories, and mentions in industry publications. It's important to pay attention to negative reviews and how they're handled. A lack of reviews can be just as alarming as an excessive number of them without details.

The opinions of clients who have worked with the agency for several years are particularly valuable, as they can assess the quality of after-sales service and long-term reliability.

3. Communication format

The speed and quality of responses to inquiries demonstrate the agency's customer-focused approach. Professionals respond to inquiries within hours, provide comprehensive information, and don't shy away from direct questions about documents, licenses, or seller commissions.

Having specialists on staff who speak multiple languages is critical.

4. Services and full transaction support

Our full range of services includes not only property selection but also legal support. Purchasing an apartment in Turkey through an agency means checking the property's legal status, drafting and reviewing contracts, assistance with government agencies, and assistance in opening a bank account and obtaining a tax identification number.

Legal assistance should include verification of the availability of the İSKAN, the correspondence of the data in the TAPU with the actual property, and the absence of encumbrances, liens, and liens. This completely eliminates the risk of fraud when purchasing real estate in Turkey.

Assistance in obtaining residence permits and citizenship is becoming increasingly popular. Professional agencies have established relationships with the Migration Service and can ensure the prompt and accurate processing of all necessary documents.

After-sales service includes assistance with connecting utilities, obtaining insurance, finding a management company, and arranging repairs or maintenance. Many agencies also offer rental management and tenant selection services.

Benefits of buying an apartment through a real estate company

Working with a professional, licensed agency guarantees significant advantages, especially for foreign buyers:

• Professional expertise and market knowledge

Our qualified specialists possess in-depth knowledge of the Turkish market, including current prices, promising areas, the specifics of various developers, and the potential for property appreciation. This expertise allows us to select the optimal options that match the client's investment goals and budget.

The agency monitors market trends in real time, analyzes price dynamics, and studies urban development plans and infrastructure projects. This type of analysis is unavailable to private buyers, but is critical for making informed investment decisions.

• Legal security and protection of interests

One of the main advantages of working with an agency is a comprehensive legal review of the property. The agency guarantees compliance with Turkish law, proper documentation, and adherence to deadlines and procedures.

• Saving time and resources

Searching for property in Turkey on your own can take months and require multiple trips to view properties. Our agency pre-screens options based on your search criteria and organizes optimal viewing routes, significantly reducing the time it takes to make a decision.

In addition, professional consultants take on all organizational matters: coordinating meetings with developers and sellers, translating documents, providing support in government agencies, and resolving bureaucratic issues.

• Access to exclusive offers

Established partnerships with developers and owners often allow the agency to offer clients properties unavailable on the open market. These may include apartments with exclusive installment plans, discounts, additional bonuses, or in prestigious complexes with a limited number of properties for sale.

Large companies often receive priority rights to sell the best properties in new projects, giving their clients the opportunity to choose from the most attractive options before they go on sale to the general public.

• Professional negotiations and obtaining the best conditions

Experienced agents master negotiation techniques and understand the psychology of Turkish sellers. This allows them to negotiate more favorable terms, including price reductions, flexible payment plans, and the inclusion of additional services or bonuses.

• After-sales support and assistance

A reputable agency doesn't end its work with a client once the title deed is received. A full range of after-sales services includes assistance with connecting utilities, obtaining insurance, finding a management company for the residential complex, resolving issues with apartment repairs and maintenance, and providing services under the guaranteed rental agreement.

• Assistance in obtaining a residence permit and citizenship

Specialized agencies understand the residency legalization process, ensuring effective support for obtaining a residence permit or Turkish citizenship. Professional support helps avoid document errors and minimize the risk of permit denial.

A wide selection of properties on the Altop Real Estate website

Altop Real Estate offers a wide variety of properties in Turkey, including turnkey solutions for various investment goals and budgets:

• Villas and houses

Our portfolio includes a variety of villas and houses across a wide price range, located in prestigious areas with well-developed infrastructure and picturesque views.

• Penthouses and duplexes

The penthouse collection features the most prestigious properties in residential complexes with panoramic views, large terraces, and exclusive finishes. These apartments attract buyers who value status and are willing to invest in unique properties.

• Commercial real estate

This section includes retail space, offices, restaurants, and other business properties. These are excellent options for entrepreneurs planning to expand their business in Turkey, as well as investors seeking alternative sources of income.

Our website features properties located in popular Turkish locations among foreign citizens—on the Mediterranean coast (in Alanya, Antalya, Mersin, Kemer, Belek), as well as in Istanbul.

Special categories of real estate deserve special attention: for a residence permit with a minimum cost of USD 200,000, for obtaining Turkish citizenship with a cost of USD 400,000, real estate with a guaranteed rental rate, and ready-made properties for immediate occupancy.

Regularly updating our catalogue and adding new properties ensures our clients have access to the most current offers.

The Turkish real estate market offers a variety of opportunities for investors with varying goals and budgets. From affordable options in developing areas to premium properties in the heart of major cities, choosing the right realtor and agency will help you find the optimal solution and avoid common mistakes that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Altop Real Estate holds all the necessary licenses and has years of experience working with Russian and international clients, ensuring professional support for every purchase and sale transaction and the achievement of your investment goals without risks or overpayments.