How to choose a trustworthy real estate company in Turkey: 10 checks before you buy

In short

A trustworthy real estate company in Turkey holds a brokerage licence and a chamber of commerce registration, has a real office you can visit, publishes the real price and puts its commission in writing before it starts, hands you the title deed in your name at the land registry, and never asks you to pay the price of the property into its own account. Ask any agency these ten questions before you sign.

Written by Abdulhadi Bukhari, Real estate consultant

Last reviewed October 13, 2026

Search for "the best real estate company in Turkey" and you get dozens of names, each claiming to be the best. No official body ranks agencies, so the decision is yours. These ten checks help you tell a trustworthy company from one that sells promises.

1. A real estate brokerage licence

Under Turkey's 2018 regulation on real estate trade, no office may act as a broker without a licence (Yetki Belgesi) from the Ministry of Trade. Ask for the number and check it yourself.

2. Chamber of commerce registration

A real company is registered with the chamber of commerce in its city under a clear number. Buruj Real Estate, for example, is registered under number 18060.

3. A real office you can visit

An Instagram page and a WhatsApp number are not enough. Ask for the office address and visit before any payment. See about us for the addresses of our offices in Trabzon and Istanbul.

4. Years in the same market

A company that has worked in a city for years knows its neighbourhoods, its real prices and the problems of each complex. Ask how long the company has worked in the city where you want to buy, and how many deals it has closed there.

5. The real price, published

Be wary of "price on request" on every listing, and of a price that changes once the office knows you are a foreigner. Compare published prices with the average price per square metre in the neighbourhood. See property in Trabzon for live prices by area.

6. Commission in writing before anything starts

Commission in Turkey follows a known framework, and it must be in writing and invoiced. See the guide to agency commission.

7. The title deed in your name, the price to the seller

The price of the property goes to the seller, not to the company, and ownership is transferred at the land registry with you present or through an official power of attorney. Any request to send the price to the company's account is a red flag. See property scam warning signs in Turkey.

8. Checks before the sale

A trustworthy company checks the title deed, debts, mortgages, the occupancy permit and earthquake compliance for you, and tells you a property's faults before its strengths.

9. Communication in your language, in writing

The real advantage of an Arab company is that you understand every word of the contract. Ask for a translation of every document you sign and keep every agreement in writing.

10. What happens after the purchase?

Ask about services after handover: utilities, residence permits, furnishing, management and rentals. A company that disappears after signing is not a partner.

How we apply these checks at Buruj

Buruj Real Estate started in Trabzon in 2009 and today has two offices, in Trabzon and Istanbul, a team that speaks Arabic and Turkish, and a website in five languages. Our prices are published on every listing, and our commission is in writing before we start. We do not ask you to take our word for it: apply this checklist to us and to anyone else, then decide. Start with apartments available in Trabzon or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Arab real estate company in Turkey?

There is no official ranking of agencies. The best one for you is a licensed company with a real office, a clear track record and genuine reviews from past clients, which puts its prices and commission in writing and speaks your language. Apply the ten checks in this guide to any company before you decide.

How do I check a real estate agency's licence in Turkey?

Ask for the brokerage licence number (Yetki Belgesi) and check it in the Ministry of Trade system, and ask for the chamber of commerce registration number. A trustworthy agency gives you both without hesitation.

Do I pay the price of the property to the agency?

No. The price goes to the seller, and the documented transfer usually happens through a bank or during the title deed transfer at the land registry. The agency only charges its commission, with an invoice.

Is an Arab company better than a Turkish one?

The real advantage of an Arab company is communication in your language and an understanding of what Arab families need. Language alone is not enough: what matters is the licence, transparency and track record, whether the company is Arab or Turkish.