How to buy a house in Istanbul without paying commission to a real estate agency?
Buying a house in Istanbul without paying commission to a real estate agency is possible by purchasing directly from the property owner or through commission-free listing platforms. Start by searching online marketplaces and real estate websites that allow owners to list their properties directly. Look for phrases like “sahibinden” (from the owner) in listings. Once you find a suitable property, arrange a visit, negotiate directly with the seller, and involve a lawyer or notary to ensure the contract and title deed transfer process is secure and legal—without the need for an agency.
Good question! If you want to buy a house in Istanbul without paying commission to a real estate agency, here’s how you can do it:
- Look for listings marked as “sahibinden” (which means “from the owner” in Turkish) on websites like besthouseturkey.com
- This way, you avoid agency fees altogether.
- Many construction companies and project developers sell apartments directly with zero commission.
- They often have their own sales offices.
- Some real estate platforms or developers advertise properties as “komisyonsuz satış” (commission-free sale).
- Some agents are flexible. If the seller already agreed to pay the commission, you can sometimes avoid paying a buyer’s fee.
Important:
Normally in Turkey, both the buyer and the seller pay a 2% + VAT commission to the agency. But if you go through an owner or a developer, you can completely skip this.
