Istanbul Property Advisory Programme
with Optional Turkish Citizenship Support
Buying property in Istanbul is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. I help international buyers choose the right location, find the right property, complete the purchase safely, and if applicable obtain Turkish citizenship through property investment.
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What You’ll Achieve with This Programme?
A) Location Selection – foundation of my advisory programme
Know exactly where to buy property in Istanbul by identifying the locations that best match your lifestyle or investment goals. This is my unique approach. Over the course of several months, we refine your location strategy because choosing the right location is the single most important factor in any property purchase
My focus is on the most beautiful central districts along the Bosphorus (click the map for a detailed view). This is the heart of Istanbul, where the city’s history, culture and vibrant atmosphere come together. Here, you’ll experience the Istanbul that locals love, with beautiful Bosphorus promenades, great restaurants and cafés, historic landmarks, and the neighbourhoods most sought after by Istanbul residents
Before travelling to Istanbul, you’ll already have gained a deep understanding of the city’s neighbourhoods through my online Foundation Courses. This means that just a couple of days in Istanbul are sufficient for you to make very well-informed decisions about where to buy property and avoid spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a potentially poor investment
B) Property Selection
Find the right property that matches your search criteria, budget, and long-term objectives. If necessary, we will spend several months finding the best possible property for you, without any pressure to make a quick decision. Because you’ll already have a deep understanding of your preferred locations, you can also select your property from abroad
C) Property Purchase
Complete the purchase of your property safely and confidently. Through my online Foundation Courses, you’ll understand every step of the buying process before it happens, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions throughout your purchase journey. If you prefer, the purchase can also be completed remotely from abroad
D) Optional: Turkish Citizenship Support
Obtain Turkish citizenship through property investment, if applicable. Work with one of Istanbul’s leading citizenship by investment lawyers, who has successfully supported more than 750 applications. Benefit from discounted legal fees through my referral
Scroll down to apply for the Istanbul Property Advisory Programme
Seven Reasons to Work with Me
Dr. Kemal Şen
1) I personally bought 7 properties in Istanbul
These real estate investments have made me financially independent by the age of 38. I have a decade of first-hand experience in the Istanbul property market. I know what separates an excellent investment from an expensive mistake that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars
2) Independent advice focused on your best interest
Unlike most real estate agents, I don’t recommend specific projects to earn massive commissions from property developers. My guidance is completely independent, meaning my sole focus is helping you find the property that truly matches your lifestyle or investment goals
3) We refine your location strategy over several months
Most buyers start by looking at individual properties. I believe that’s the wrong approach. I put a heavy emphasis on the single most critical factor in real estate: location. Over the course of several months, we jointly refine your location strategy so you know exactly where to buy
4) A structured step-by-step advisory programme
I will guide you through every phase of your property buying journey, combining online foundation courses with personal advisory. You will always know what to expect next, allowing you to make highly informed, confident decisions throughout the programme
5) Only 3 days in Istanbul for a well-informed decision
Through my online Foundation Courses, you will master the city’s neighbourhoods and buying process before travelling. We’ll spend three highly focused immersion days in Istanbul confirming which location is right for you. If preferred, property selection and purchase can be completed from abroad
6) No sales pressure and zero sales tactics
My goal is not to push you into a quick transaction to close a deal. My structured programme gives us up to 12 months to find the right property, ensuring you have the time, information, and space to make decisions at your own pace without feeling rushed
7) I work with absolute precision, structure, and efficiency
Before starting my advisory service, I spent over a decade leading teams and solving complex strategic challenges as an Associate Director at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the world’s top consulting firms. Before that, I studied Mathematics and completed a PhD in Statistics
Client Testimonials
“I must confess, I was surprised by how much I learned. I have experience investing across three continents myself, so I thought I already knew a lot about property investment. But these videos taught me so much.”
Review of the Foundation Course: Where to Buy Property Along the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Ibrahim, Dubai
How the Programme Works
A) Location Selection
During our first video call, we’ll discuss your property goals, preferred lifestyle or investment objectives, expected timeline, and budget. This conversation helps me understand exactly what you’re looking for and allows us to define a clear starting point.
Based on your individual situation, I’ll recommend the most relevant modules from the Foundation Courses so you can focus on the content that matters most for your goals.
After completing this first online Foundation Course Where to Buy Property Along the Bospohrus in Istanbul, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Istanbul’s most beautiful districts along the Bosphorus. You’ll be able to identify the locations that best match your lifestyle and investment objectives and create an initial shortlist of your preferred areas. Click the map for a detailed view of the focus districts.
I spent more than 18 months creating this course full-time, focusing exclusively on producing the highest-quality educational content. The course contains more than 10 hours of video lessons, combining on-location footage, practical explanations, detailed maps, and visual presentations that show exactly where to buy property in Istanbul.
This course is an enormous time saver. From the comfort of your own home and at your own pace, you’ll become familiar with Istanbul’s most desirable districts before travelling. For example, in just 17 minutes you’ll understand life in Kadıköy and my recommended property locations there. Covering the same material in person would take an entire day.
Click here for detailed information about this course and to watch free sample lessons.
After completing this second Foundation Course Detailed Guide to Buy Property in Istanbul, you’ll understand every step of the property buying journey in Turkey – from the first property viewing to receiving your title deed. You’ll also learn about common pitfalls and typical sales tactics used by some real estate agents, allowing you to make well-informed decisions throughout the buying process.
I spent more than 6 months creating this course full-time, again focusing exclusively on producing the highest-quality educational content. It contains more than 3.5 hours of video lessons, including detailed checklists, real-world examples, step-by-step explanations, and visual presentations that explain every stage of buying property in Turkey.
This course gives you a level of understanding that most buyers never have before purchasing property in Turkey. Instead of relying on fragmented advice from different people, you’ll understand the entire buying process from start to finish, know what comes next at every stage, and recognise the situations where extra caution is required. It condenses more than a decade of my personal experience into a single, structured learning video course.
Click here for detailed information about this course and to watch free sample lessons.
After you’ve completed the Foundation Courses, we’ll have another video call to discuss your impressions and refine your thinking.
Together, we’ll identify two or three preferred locations that currently best match your goals. This shortlist may evolve over time, but having a clear working hypothesis allows us to focus our property search on the areas most likely to be the right fit.
About one month before our meet-up in Istanbul (see next step), we’ll begin searching for suitable properties in your preferred locations on the major property listing platforms.
Together, we’ll create a shortlist of approximately 5–15 properties that best match your requirements and are worth visiting during our three immersion days in Istanbul.
We’ll meet in Istanbul for three full days, spending at least eight hours together each day.
During these immersion days, we’ll explore your shortlist of preferred neighbourhoods and visit the shortlist of selected properties. We will compare different locations based on your personal goals and preferences. Experiencing these areas in person often provides insights that simply aren’t possible through online research alone.
Additionally, I recommend to book Airbnbs during your stay in your favoured locations to get a real feeling of the neighborhoods. I will assist you in finding Airbnbs in your favoured locations.
By the end of these three days, you’ll have a clear understanding of which location best suits your needs and what different types of properties look like in that area.
Outcome: You’ll know exactly which location best matches your lifestyle or investment goals, and you’ll understand what different types of properties are available there
Why this matters: Location is the most important factor in a property purchase. Most buyers start by looking at individual properties, but I believe that’s the wrong approach. Through online Foundation Courses, video calls, and a three-day immersion in Istanbul, we gradually refine your location strategy until you know exactly where to buy.
My role in this step: This is the most strategic part of the entire programme and where I add the greatest value. I work closely with you over several months to refine your location strategy until we have identified the areas that best match your lifestyle or investment goals.
B) Property Selection
It is possible that you will already find the property you would like to buy during our Immersion Days in Istanbul. While this can certainly happen, I generally recommend taking some time before making a final decision.
There are three reasons for this. Firstly, the three days in Istanbul will be packed with new impressions. It is worth taking a step back afterwards and reflecting on both the locations and the properties you have seen.
Secondly, the right property is not always available immediately. In many cases, it takes several months before the right opportunity comes onto the market.
Finally, I never want to rush you into making such an important financial decision. My goal is not to help you buy quickly, but to help you buy the property that you will be happy with for many years to come.
If you have not selected a property during the Immersion Days, the search continues from abroad.
Over the following 12 months, I will send you a monthly shortlist of properties that match your search criteria, budget, and long-term objectives. Because you already have an in-depth understanding of your preferred locations, you can confidently evaluate most property opportunities from abroad without needing to travel to Istanbul.
Whenever you identify a property that particularly interests you, simply let me know. I reserve three dedicated property inspection days each month for all my advisory clients (see below for more details).
Before arranging a viewing, I first contact the owner or the representing estate agent to obtain additional information about the property. Many properties can already be ruled out at this stage because they have potential issues, such as title deed restrictions or other legal concerns.
If the property still appears promising, I will personally inspect it for you. During the visit, I will record detailed videos of the apartment, the building, and the surrounding street, allowing you to evaluate the property from abroad with confidence.
I also want to set the right expectations. I do not inspect properties on a daily basis. Instead, I reserve three dedicated property inspection days each month for all my advisory clients. This means that even if an interesting property appears online, I will inspect it during one of these dedicated inspection days. This approach allows me to spend sufficient time on every inspection while providing the same level of attention to all my clients.
If you have not selected a property after 12 months, I will continue supporting you in finding the property that best matches your goals. However, I don’t promise that I will continue sending property suggestions on a monthly basis beyond the first year. Support will continue, but mostly likely on a less regular basis.
Once you have identified the property you would like to buy, you have two options.
Option 1 Purchase remotely: Many clients decide to purchase from abroad. You already know the location well and have visited properties during the Immersion days. Together with detailed videos of the property, building, and surrounding area, you can make a well-informed decision without travelling back to Istanbul.
Option 2 Visit the property in person: If you prefer to see the property yourself before purchasing, you are of course welcome to travel to Istanbul. Given the size of the investment, many buyers appreciate this additional level of reassurance. In this case, a trusted local estate agent that I work with will arrange and accompany the viewing.
Outcome: You have selected the property to buy that best matches your lifestyle or investment goals
Why this matters: After choosing the right location, selecting the right property is the second most important decision in the entire buying process.
My role in this step: I work closely with you throughout the entire property selection process. Together, we evaluate potential properties, I personally inspect the most promising ones, and I help you identify the property that best matches your lifestyle or investment goals.
C) Property Purchase
Once you have decided to purchase a property, we begin preparing the transaction. This includes, among other things, appraising the property, checking the title deed for any restrictions or legal issues, checking the status of any existing tenant, negotiating the purchase price, preparing and reviewing the sale contract, arranging the transfer of funds to your Turkish bank account, and coordinating the purchase with all relevant parties.
A trusted local estate agent that I work with closely will carry out the operational tasks on the ground. Throughout the process, I remain in close contact with you and the estate agent to supervise the preparation and help ensure everything progresses smoothly.
Many international buyers complete the purchase without travelling back to Turkey. In this case, someone must represent you at the Land Registry Office during the signing. This requires granting that person a Power of Attorney.
The payment to the seller can usually be conducted from abroad using the online banking services of your Turkish bank account. Some preparations for this need to be completed during your previous visit to Istanbul.
If you wish, you can appoint a lawyer to represent you throughout the purchase process. You are welcome to choose your own lawyer, or I can introduce you to the lawyer I work with closely. Any legal fees are paid directly to the lawyer.
Although I could legally represent you under a Power of Attorney, I deliberately do not offer this service. I want to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest and remain solely your independent advisor throughout the purchase process.
If you prefer, you can travel to Istanbul and complete the purchase yourself at the Land Registry Office.
In this case, the trusted local estate agent I work with will coordinate the process on the ground and accompany you throughout the transaction. I will also remain in close contact with you and the estate agent to help ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
After the purchase has been completed, we will review the next steps together, such as carrying out minor repairs or a complete renovation, organising a cleaning crew, and finding a tenant if applicable.
Outcome: Completion of the purchase of your property safely and confidently
Why this matters: Purchasing a property involves numerous legal, financial, and administrative steps. Each of these must be carried out carefully to avoid delays, unexpected costs, or legal issues.
My role in this step: A trusted local estate agent that I work with closely carries out the operational tasks on the ground, whether you buy remotely or in person. I remain closely involved throughout the process to supervise the transaction, answer your questions, and help ensure everything proceeds as planned.
D) Optional: Turkish Citizenship Support
The first step is to select a lawyer with extensive experience in Turkish Citizenship by Investment applications. You are free to work with any lawyer of your choice.
If you wish, I can introduce you to the lawyer I work with closely. He is one of Istanbul’s most experienced Citizenship by Investment lawyers and has successfully supported more than 750 applications. If you choose to work with him, you will also benefit from discounted legal fees through my referral.
I would like to emphasise that I do not receive any commission, referral fee, or kickback from the lawyer. Any legal fees are paid directly to the lawyer.
It is important to select a lawyer before travelling to Istanbul for the Immersion Days. Please also refer to Step D4 below.
Before travelling to Turkey, you will have an initial consultation with the lawyer to discuss your individual situation.
The lawyer will explain the complete citizenship application process in detail and provide you with a checklist of all documents that need to be collected in your home country before travelling to Turkey.
The lawyer will also prepare an engagement letter detailing his services and lawyer fees.
Several documents must be collected before travelling to Turkey. These may include, for example, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other civil documents.
Depending on your country, these documents may require an Apostille or be legalised through a Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Some documents can take several weeks to obtain, so it is important to start this process early.
The lawyer will advise you exactly which documents are required in your particular case.
During your trip to Istanbul for the Immersion Days, you will also meet your lawyer. This meeting takes place either before or after the Immersion Days and is not part of the Immersion Days itself. You should plan approximately half a day for this meeting.
During the meeting, you will submit the required documents and accompany the lawyer to a notary to issue one or multiple Powers of Attorney. These Powers of Attorney allow the lawyer to act on your behalf throughout the citizenship application process.
Please note that it is also possible to issue Powers of Attorney at the Turkish Consulate in your home country. Since you will already be visiting Istanbul for the Immersion Days, I recommend issuing the Powers of Attorney with the lawyer in Istanbul.
If you also wish the lawyer to represent you during the property purchase, an additional Power of Attorney can be issued. In that case, you do not need to travel to Istanbul again for the property purchase itself.
The lawyer will also assist you with obtaining a Turkish tax ID and opening a Turkish bank account.
Before the property purchase is completed, the lawyer carries out several legal reviews to help ensure that both the property and the transaction meet the requirements for the Citizenship by Investment programme. The lawyer advises that no deposit or purchase payment should be made until all relevant legal documents have been reviewed. Among other things, the lawyer will:
Review the sale contract
Perform due diligence on the property by reviewing records held by the Land Registry Office and the municipality
Obtain and review the official property valuation report and confirm that the property qualifies for the citizenship programme
Advise you on transferring your funds from abroad to Turkey
Assist with the VAT exemption application (where applicable for eligible new properties)
The lawyer will guide you through the purchase from the citizenship perspective and ensure that all legal requirements are fulfilled correctly. This includes advising you on the correct transfer of the purchase price, including the payment description required for the citizenship application.
The lawyer will also coordinate with your bank regarding the required foreign currency exchange into Turkish Lira and obtain the banking documents required for the citizenship application.
If you have granted the lawyer a Power of Attorney for the property purchase, the lawyer can also represent you during the signing at the Land Registry Office. In that case, you do not need to travel to Istanbul for the purchase itself.
Once the property purchase has been completed, the lawyer prepares the citizenship application.
Among other things, the lawyer arranges for the mandatory three-year no-sale annotation to be registered on the title deed, which is one of the legal requirements for the Citizenship by Investment programme.
The lawyer will also prepare all remaining application documents and collect any additional information required by the authorities before submitting the application.
The lawyer will first submit your residence permit application, followed by the citizenship application.
For both applications, you must attend biometric appointments in Istanbul in person. These appointments are mandatory and cannot be completed remotely.
The lawyer will organise the appointments and accompany you throughout this process.
The lawyer monitors the progress of your application and keeps you informed throughout the process. Once your application has been approved, you and your eligible family members receive Turkish citizenship.
Outcome: You and your eligible family members have successfully obtained Turkish citizenship through the Citizenship by Investment programme. It usually takes 5–7 months after the property purchase.
Why this matters: Turkish Citizenship by Investment involves numerous legal and administrative requirements. Working with an experienced and specialist lawyer helps ensure that every step is completed correctly and in accordance with the latest regulations.
My role in this step: The citizenship application is led entirely by a specialist Citizenship by Investment lawyer. I remain available throughout the process to answer your questions, coordinate with the lawyer where appropriate, and help ensure a smooth transition between the property purchase and the citizenship application.
Typical Timeline of the Programme
Apply for the Advisory Programme (at any time)
Please complete the application form below to apply for the Istanbul Property Advisory Programme with Optional Turkish Citizenship Support
Video Call: Initial Discussion (flexible scheduling)
We’ll discuss your property goals, preferred lifestyle, investment objectives, expected timeline and budget
Citizenship Only: Lawyer Consultation (flexible scheduling)
Discuss your individual situation with the lawyer. You’ll receive a checklist of all documents that should be prepared before travelling to Istanbul
Complete the Foundation Courses (typically within 8-10 weeks)
Study both Foundation Courses online at your own pace. Together they include more than 14 hours of video lessons. I recommend allowing at least eight weeks to complete the courses alongside your normal daily schedule
Video Call: Shortlist Preferred Locations (flexible scheduling)
After completing the Foundation Courses, we’ll identify two or three locations that best match your goals and investment strategy. These will form the basis for our 3-day immersion in Istanbul
3-Day Immersion in Istanbul (at least 3 months after programme start)
I recommend planning the immersion days at least three months after starting the Advisory Programme. This will give you sufficient time to complete the Foundation Courses, collect the required citizenship documents (if applicable), and prepare for your immersion days in Istanbul
Property Search & Selection (up to 12 months)
You may select your property during the immersion days or in the following months. After the immersion days, I’ll continue supporting your property search by sending you a monthly shortlist of carefully selected properties that match your search criteria for up to 12 months
Property Purchase (typically within two weeks after selecting a property)
The purchase can be completed either in person or remotely through a power of attorney
Ongoing Support (after property purchase)
We’ll review the next steps together, such as minor repairs or a complete renovation, organising a cleaning crew, and finding a tenant if required
Citizenship Only: Citizenship Application (after property purchase)
Once you’ve purchased your property, the lawyer will prepare and submit your Turkish Citizenship application
Citizenship Only: Biometric Appointment in Istanbul (scheduled by the authorities)
After your application has been submitted, you’ll attend the required biometric appointments in Istanbul. These appointments are scheduled by the authorities and must be completed in person
Citizenship Only: Turkish Citizenship Obtained (typically 5-7 months after property purchase)
Turkish Citizenship is usually granted within five to seven months after the property purchase for you and your eligible family members