From a Residential Apartment to an Investment Fortune: A True Story of a Real Estate Investor in Turkey
Many people enter the real estate market with the intention of buying a home, but only a few discover that investment can completely change their lives. This is a true story of an investor who purchased property in Turkey in 2020—a turning point that doubled his capital and reshaped his entire perspective on real estate.
The Beginning: Searching for Citizenship and Housing
At the end of 2019, this investor was seeking Turkish citizenship through the purchase of a residential property in Istanbul. His primary goal was not investment but to own an apartment where he could stay during visits with his family. The plan was for it to remain empty most of the year or be rented out short-term.
However, as he consulted with experts, he was introduced to a completely different concept: real estate investment. The idea was simple—rather than buying one apartment for residential use, he could allocate the same amount across multiple properties (both residential and commercial) to secure steady rental income in addition to capital appreciation over the medium term.
The Crossroads: Housing or Investment?
He had two clear options:
- Buy one residential property:
- Use it occasionally.
- Limited rental income (5–10% at best).
- Modest appreciation over time.
- Buy several investment properties (shops and apartments):
- Steady annual rental return (8–9%).
- Expected price increase of 35–40% within three years.
- Flexibility in selling or leasing.
After careful calculations, he decided to take the investment route despite his initial hesitation.
The Decision: Three Properties Instead of One
He invested a total of $320,000 (including taxes and expenses) in three properties:
- A commercial shop in Ispartakule.
- An apartment in Topkapi.
- A second apartment in Cumhuriyet.
The Result After 4 Years: Capital Doubled
Today, after market fluctuations between 2020 and 2025, the value of these properties has soared. The commercial shop alone is now worth around $270,000–280,000, while the two apartments together are valued at over $350,000.
The outcome?
- His real estate portfolio is now worth $650,000–700,000.
- Rental income provided 10–15% returns during his ownership.
In other words, his capital doubled in less than five years.
The Lesson Learned: Investment Beats Residential Use
Had he chosen the single residential apartment he initially planned, his profits would have been minimal—likely no more than 15% over the same period. But by opting for an investment strategy, real estate became a financial tool rather than just a living space.
Ironically, after his success, he ended up renting an apartment near his friends who had encouraged him to buy a residential unit—enjoying both comfort and financial gain at the same time.
Conclusion: From Experience to Conviction
This experience didn’t just improve his financial situation—it transformed his mindset. Today, he views real estate as one of his most important investments and has expanded into other markets such as Egypt, the UAE, and the UK.
Key Takeaways:
- Residential property provides comfort.
- Investment property provides financial freedom.
- Combining both is possible—but smart investment should always come first.
This story reminds us that real estate investment is not a luxury, but a necessity for protecting and growing capital—provided it is based on sound research and expert advice.