For many Saudis, Türkiye is not a new destination.
Istanbul, Bursa, Trabzon, Sapanca, and Yalova have become familiar names among Saudi families who visit Türkiye for tourism and relaxation.
However, the connection with Türkiye does not always end with a hotel stay or renting a house for a few weeks.
After repeated visits, a different question begins to emerge:
Why rent every time when I could own a property that I can use during my holidays and benefit from as a long-term asset?
This is where the focus shifts from tourism to property ownership in Türkiye.
From Tourist to Property Owner
The transition from tourism to property ownership makes sense for families who visit Türkiye regularly.
Instead of searching for a new villa or apartment every summer, they can own a home that becomes a permanent base for the family.
The key difference is that the money is no longer spent solely on temporary accommodation. Instead, it goes towards purchasing an asset that remains the owner’s property.
Depending on their objectives, owners can use the property while staying in Türkiye and explore ways to benefit from it during the rest of the year.
In this way, the property becomes:
A family home on the one hand and a long-term asset on the other.
Why Türkiye in Particular?
A Saudi buyer considering property abroad can explore a range of countries and markets.
However, Türkiye offers several advantages that have made it an option for buyers from Gulf countries.
The first is its geographical proximity and the relative ease of travelling there compared with more distant destinations.
The second is its considerable diversity.
Those seeking urban living can consider Istanbul, while nature lovers have numerous alternatives. Buyers looking for the sea and quieter surroundings can explore cities such as Yalova.
The property market itself is also diverse.
Options range from compact apartments and spacious family apartments to duplexes, villas, and fully equipped residential complexes. This variety allows buyers to choose a property based on how they intend to use it and the budget they have available.
Saudi Families Are Looking for Something Different
Not every property buyer has the same priorities.
For a Saudi family, space, privacy, location, and the quality of a residential complex may matter more than simply purchasing the smallest unit with the highest possible rental yield.
A family planning to spend several weeks in Türkiye every year may be looking for:
A spacious apartment, a villa, a garden, a sea view, or a residential complex with a range of facilities and services.
In this case, the right question is not:
What is the cheapest property in Türkiye?
Instead, it is:
Which property best suits the way my family intends to use it?
A Holiday Home—but What Happens to It During the Rest of the Year?
This is an important consideration.
If the family intends to use the property for only one or two months each year, what will happen to it during the remaining months?
There are several possible scenarios.
The owner may choose to keep the property exclusively for personal use.
Alternatively, they may consider renting it out, subject to the applicable rental regulations and the rules governing the property type and location.
Another possibility is that the primary objective from the outset is long-term investment, with the owner using the property personally during certain periods.
This should therefore be decided before purchasing, as it affects the choice of city, neighbourhood, and property type.
A property best suited to personal family use is not necessarily the same property that will deliver the strongest rental performance.
Why Might Yalova Be Suitable for Saudi Families?
When people discuss property in Türkiye, their attention often turns immediately to Istanbul.
However, for those seeking a combination of nature, the sea, tranquillity, and proximity to a major city, Yalova is worth considering.
Located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, Yalova benefits from its proximity to Istanbul, Bursa, and Kocaeli.
The city also offers several different lifestyles.
There is the city centre, with its everyday services; coastal areas such as Çınarcık; and the natural surroundings and thermal springs for which Termal is well known.
This diversity matters to Gulf families who are not necessarily looking for the bustle of major cities.
Yalova Is Not a Single Property Market
One mistake some buyers make is treating Yalova as though it were a single, uniform property market.
In reality, choosing the right area within the city can make a significant difference.
If the objective is year-round living with convenient access to services, the priorities will differ from those of someone seeking a coastal holiday home.
Buyers looking for a villa surrounded by nature may have different requirements again.
The first step, therefore, is to define the intended use:
A family residence, a holiday home, an investment property, a rental property, or a combination of several purposes?
The area can then be selected accordingly.
From a Summer Home to a Long-Term Asset
One of the main advantages of property ownership is that a property does not have to serve just one purpose.
A property purchased today for holidays may remain part of the family’s assets for many years.
During that time, its market value may rise or fall depending on market conditions. It may also generate rental income if it is suitable for letting, or become a home that the family uses more frequently in the future.
However, these possibilities depend on the quality of the purchasing decision made at the outset.
Not every holiday home automatically makes a good investment.
If the objective combines personal use with investment, buyers should look for a property that can strike a balance between the two.
What Should Saudi Investors Consider?
Before purchasing property in Türkiye, it is advisable not to make a decision based solely on photographs or the view.
Several factors should be carefully assessed:
- The price per square metre compared with similar properties.
- The unit’s actual net floor area.
- The project’s location and proximity to essential services.
- Construction quality.
- Legal status and title deed (Tapu).
- Residential complex fees and maintenance costs.
- Rental demand in the area.
- Potential resale prospects.
- How the property will be managed while the owner is in Saudi Arabia.
If the property is still under construction, it becomes even more important to assess the developer, the contract, construction milestones, and the expected delivery date.
How Can You Manage Your Property While Living in Saudi Arabia?
Owning property in Türkiye while living in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam is not inherently a problem, but it does require proper management.
This is something to consider before making a purchase.
Who will monitor the property while you are away?
Who will oversee maintenance work?
Who will take responsibility for the property if you purchase a unit in a development that is still under construction?
And if you decide to rent it out, who will manage the relationship with the tenant and keep track of the property’s condition?
For buyers living outside Türkiye, after-sales support and property management can be just as important as the sales process itself.
Does Buying Property Grant Residency or Turkish Citizenship?
It is important to distinguish between property ownership, residency, and Turkish citizenship.
Purchasing a property does not automatically grant Turkish citizenship.
There is a separate citizenship-by-investment route through real estate, which is subject to a minimum investment threshold, specific conditions, and official procedures.
Property ownership and the right to reside in Türkiye are also legally separate matters, with residency applications subject to the requirements in force at the time of application.
Therefore, if either of these objectives forms part of the purchasing decision, it should be identified from the outset rather than considered after the transaction has been completed.
Is Türkiye Suitable for Every Saudi Investor?
Not necessarily.
The decision to purchase property outside Saudi Arabia should be based on the buyer’s objectives, budget, investment horizon, and need for liquidity.
Property is also less liquid than some financial investments and involves purchasing, ownership, maintenance, and management costs.
However, for a Saudi buyer who visits Türkiye regularly, wants to own an asset that the family can use, and plans to hold it over the long term, the Turkish property market may be an option worth researching and comparing with alternatives.
Do Not Buy Simply Because You Love Türkiye
A love of a country may be a reason to visit it.
But it is not enough to justify an investment decision.
If you are committing a significant portion of your capital to a property, the decision should be based on figures.
Is the price reasonable?
Is the location good?
Can the property be rented out?
Can it be resold?
Does it meet your family’s needs?
And what alternatives are available for the same amount of money?
A sound decision is one that balances the family’s preferences with investment considerations.
From an Annual Holiday to a Long-Term Investment
For some Saudis, their relationship with Türkiye begins with a holiday.
Then it becomes an annual visit.
After that, the idea of owning a home begins to take shape.
The most important stage, however, comes when the property is chosen in a way that makes it more than just a place to stay during the summer.
If the property, location, and price are carefully selected, the home can become part of the family’s assets and contribute to a long-term asset diversification strategy.
At that point, the question changes from:
Where will we spend our holiday this year?
To:
What asset do we want to own and benefit from over the coming years?
Omran TRK
Since 2016, Omran TRK has been active in the Turkish real estate market, with a particular focus on Yalova and its surrounding areas.
The company offers a range of options for families and investors, from residential apartments to spacious family units, duplexes, and villas, as well as completed projects and developments under construction.
Omran TRK also provides a variety of payment and instalment plans, along with after-sales support and property management services. These services are particularly important for Saudi clients who wish to own property in Türkiye while continuing to live in the Kingdom.
Whether your goal is a family home, a holiday property, or a long-term investment, the right first step is to define your objectives and budget, then select a property that combines practical use with investment value.
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