Natalie If you are looking at property for sale in Turkey by owners, research this market carefully before signing on the dotted line. Known as the resale niche, there are some fantastic villas and apartments for sale in many different areas, but likewise, home buyers should avoid other properties for good reasons.
To receive a portfolio of homes for sale by the owner, or to chat to us about this niche of Turkey’s real estate market, contact us today. Our owner listings include properties in places like Antalya, Fethiye, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Didim, Bodrum and more. But in the meantime, let’s look at the must-knows when investing in this type of real estate.
Property for Sale in Turkey by Owners
1: Lawyers and Documentation
Did you know in Turkey, you don’t have to use a lawyer when buying or selling a house? Sounds crazy but true. For your part, we recommend every homebuyer uses a lawyer. Not only are they responsible for contracts, handling of money, application processes, but they will also cross the t’s and dot the I’s when it comes to checking the property’s legality.
For example, in our experience, we have come across a few dream homes built as little as 15 years ago, yet lack all the legal documentation or details are incorrect. This can hamper the buying process and incur additional costs. We have known problems with habitation certificates, apartments that are in fact basements, and complexes where the boundaries stretch over onto someone else’s land. Using an independent lawyer is worth every penny.
2: Do Your Assessment
In a few countries, when you buy a house, an independent valuation and quality report is required. While Turkey insists on a valuation report, this doesn’t include inspecting the structural quality. Many people want to buy resale homes over a new build property type because they assume the owner has kept up to date with maintenance and upkeep, but this isn’t always the case, and defects can be hidden from sight.
Things to check for include door and window frames, air conditions units, water boilers, tanks if the home for sale comes with solar power heating. If you plan to buy a villa with a private pool and are not familiar with aspects like pumps, ask an independent pool company to perform a check. Is there sufficient drainage for rainfall? What happens with sewerage? Also, look for damp or discoloured internal walls indicating damp. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks, and ask the homeowner for wi-fi information to check internet quality and speed.
3: Quiz the Seller
Occasionally, a resale property comes on the market cheaply, because the owner wants a quick sale. However, cash buyers, usually estate agents, snap these up so they can flip them and make a profit. So generally, the property you want to buy should be in line with the market value. It would help if you still quizzed the seller. Find out whether they lived there or just used it as a holiday home. Ask for their reason for selling. Also, ask discretely about the neighbours. Some sellers put their perfect home on the market because they have unruly neighbours, and don’t declare it.
4: Know the Neighbourhood
Even if you are familiar with the destination you plan to buy in, research the neighbourhood. For example, visit the streets at night time. Find out where the nearest school and bus transport routes are. If you plan to be a car owner, check out the parking situation. Additionally, for medical care for existing ailments, how far away is the nearest hospital?
Property by Owner Showcase: This prestigious sea view villa in Kalkan with 4 bedrooms is the perfect example of a well-maintained home, and luxury real estate. Sitting on a 700 square meter plot, the lower gated garden areas include private pool, gardens, and terraces.
Built over four floors, the entrance leads into an open plan kitchen, dining and living room area, while the lower level offers up two en-suite bedrooms and a recreational room. Meanwhile the first and second floor, also feature master bedrooms, both with their dressing rooms, and balconies to capture that summertime breeze that Kalkan is well known for. (For information about this property listing, contact us quoting REF TRKALV427.)
Final Tip for Buying Property: Most property for sale in Turkey by owners is fully furnished with white goods included, however, when you find your home to buy, clarify this with the seller and ask the lawyer to include significant items in the contract.
Buying or Selling a Resale Home: If you are interested in selling your home and want to join our listings of properties in Turkey, get in touch with us today. Before sending around one of our real estate agents, we need to see the title deeds, habitation certificate, your asking purchase price, and recent up to date photos. However, if you are in the real estate market to find a home, let us know and we will send via email our listings of homes for sale by owner including beachfront, town, and city.
Also Read
Places to Buy Property in Turkey: Every year, property sales by foreigners in Turkey clock in more than 40,000 sales. In this article, we look at the most popular destinations, including Istanbul, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum and why they stand out to foreign homebuyers. Alternatively, as an established real estate agent operating all over Turkey, you can see our wide range of properties for sale here.
