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If you’re looking to settle down in Turkey, there is one yellow app with black text you simply can’t ignore: Sahibinden. It isn’t just the Turkish version of eBay or Craigslist; it is the digital backbone of the Turkish economy for private individuals. Whether you are searching for a flat in Istanbul, buying a used car on the Aegean coast, or just trying to sell some old furniturethis is where it all happens.
When I first moved to Turkey, this platform was my lifesaver, but it also came with a steep learning curve. Between hidden fees, language barriers, and negotiable prices, there are many unwritten rules. In this guide, I’m sharing my personal experiences and strategies so you can find exactly what you need without overpaying or falling for common traps.
What exactly is Sahibinden?
The name says it all: “Sahibinden” literally means “From the Owner” in Turkish. The idea from founder Taner Aksoy was simple yet revolutionary: cut out the middleman. Today, however, the platform is much more than that. It’s a hybrid of a real estate portal, a car marketplace, and an Amazonstyle marketplace.
With over 6 million active listings and roughly 45 million monthly users, its dominance is undisputed. For expats, the most crucial feature is often tucked away: the platform now offers a nearly complete English menu interface, making it much easier to get started.
RealWorld Test: My Experience as an Expat
Theory is one thing, but practice is better. Here is how I’ve used the platform in various situations and what I learned along the way.
1. Finding an Apartment: The Direct Connection
When I arrived as a student in 2017, my budget was tight and my Turkish was nonexistent. Real estate agent fees (often a full month’s rent plus VAT) were a nightmare for me. Using the app, I was able to filter specifically for listings posted directly “by the owner” (Sahibinden). The result: I found a flat, contacted the landlord via the integrated messaging function (using a translation tool), and saved myself the hefty commission.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the date the ad was posted. Properties that have been online for more than a month often have a catch, or the price is set too high. This gives you significant leverage for negotiation.
2. Investing: Buying Land
In 2019, my family was looking for land for an agricultural project. This is where the platform’s strength really showed: transparency. We could compare prices across different provinces without having to be there in person. Although we eventually finalized the purchase through an agent we found on the platform, we already knew the exact market value. Sahibinden served as an indispensable research tool to ensure we didn’t pay the “foreigner markup.” If you are finalizing a deal like this, make sure you understand notarization in Turkey to keep your investment legal and secure.
3. Buying a Car Without a Dealer
The used car market in Turkey is extremely dynamic, and vehicles hold their value remarkably well. When we needed a pickup truck, we used the filters to find a seller nearby. The big advantage was being able to speak directly with the previous owner, ask about the vehicle’s history, and avoid the dealer’s margin. Crucial advice: Always use an independent “Ekspertiz” (vehicle inspector) before handing over any money.
4. Selling with “Param Güvende”
My brother sold his old laptop through the platform using the “Param Güvende” (My Money is Safe) system. It works like an escrow service: the buyer pays Sahibinden, the money is held, and only once the buyer receives and confirms the item is the money released to the seller.
New for 2025: Since January 2025, private sellers also pay a commission for this service. While it used to be free or much cheaper, you now need to factor this fee into your asking price.
Listing Costs: What does it cost today?
Many users think Sahibinden is completely free. That is only partially true. For private users, there are strict limits. Once these are exceeded, fees apply. Here are the updated figures for 2025/2026:
| Category | Free Limit (Private) | Fee After Limit (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Emlak) | 1 per year | 1,639 TL (Standard) 1,369 TL (1st paid ad) |
| Vehicles (Vasıta) | 1 per year | 2,099 TL – 3,279 TL (Depending on vehicle price) |
| Shopping (2nd Hand & New) | 100 per year | 6.50 TL per ad |
| Job Listings | 10 per month | 505 TL |
Note: The free limit for real estate and vehicles only resets once a full 365 days have passed since your last free ad. It is not a “calendar year” reset.
Safety & Trust: What to Watch Out For
Sahibinden is safe, but scammers exist everywhere. When shopping online, never break these rules:
- Never pay in advance without escrow: Do not send money via IBAN to strangers without using the “Param Güvende” service. To learn more about the nuances of online shopping in Turkey, check out my full experience guide.
- Meet in public places: For highvalue items like expensive iPhones or laptops, always meet in a cafe or shopping mall.
- WhatsApp Traps: Be wary if a seller immediately tries to move the conversation from the Sahibinden platform to WhatsApp.
Sahibinden vs. Hepsiemlak
For a long time, Hürriyet Emlak was the main competitor. The company rebranded and is now known as Hepsiemlak. But how do they compare?
Hepsiemlak focuses purely on real estate and currently offers over 300,000 listings. The quality of images and the level of detail for property data are often slightly higher here, as the platform is more heavily used by professional agents.
Sahibinden, on the other hand, is the “jack of all trades” with over 6 million listings. If you are looking for volume and the chance to find a direct private bargain, Sahibinden wins. If you are looking for exclusive properties and want professional guidance, it’s worth checking Hepsiemlak.
Final Thoughts
In Turkey, Sahibinden is irreplaceable. The app might seem overwhelming at first glance, but it is the most powerful tool for anyone living here. Make sure to use the English language setting (found under “Bana Özel” > “Ayarlar” > “Dil Seçimi”), always use the escrow service, and don’t be intimidated by pricesnegotiating is part of the culture here.
