A property viewing trip to Turkey: how to plan five productive days

A viewing trip is an investment of your time and money. Some clients come back with a clear decision; others come back tired and undecided. The difference is planning.

Two weeks before you travel

1. Set your goal and budget: a home, an investment or residence. See the 30-day buying plan.
2. Review the options by video and rule out what does not suit you. See the video viewing guide.
3. Ask for summary documents on the shortlisted properties: the title deed, the iskan (occupancy certificate) and the aidat (monthly maintenance fees).
4. Check the visa requirements for your nationality.
5. Prepare your papers: a valid passport, passport photos, and a plan for transferring the money if you decide to buy. See the guide to transferring the purchase price.

A five-day plan

Day 1: getting to know the neighbourhoods

A drive around the shortlisted neighbourhoods: distances, roads, services and shops. No interior viewings yet. See the guide to the best Trabzon neighbourhoods for families.

Days 2 and 3: viewings

• Four to six properties a day.
• Photograph each property and write your notes straight away.
• Pay attention to the real view, the light, damp and noise.

Day 4: paperwork

• Tax number. See the tax number guide.
• Bank account. See the guide to opening a bank account.
• Power of attorney if you will complete the purchase from abroad. See the guide to buying by power of attorney.

Day 5: going back and negotiating

• A second visit to your favourite property at a different time of day.
• Negotiation, and a small written deposit if you are fully convinced and the documents are complete.

Mistakes that waste the trip

• Viewing everything: dozens of properties with no prior shortlisting.
• Relying on photos: the view in the photo may be from a different floor.
• Ignoring the neighbourhood: the property is lovely, but getting there is hard.
• Buying under deadline pressure: “My flight is tomorrow” is no reason to sign.

Summary

Half of a successful viewing trip happens before you travel: a clear goal, a shortlist and checked documents. Then five organised days: neighbourhoods, viewings, paperwork, and a calm decision.

We arrange the viewing schedule and paperwork for our clients before they arrive, and our sister company Rahal Tours handles airport pick-up, hotel bookings and transport. Contact us to plan your trip.