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How 'Sahibinden' became an part of everyday life in Türkiye

Photo shows a person holding a smartphone and the Sahibinden.com app logo on the phone screen, accessed on June 14, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Photo shows a person holding a smartphone and the Sahibinden.com app logo on the phone screen, accessed on June 14, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
By Newsroom
June 14, 2025 06:22 PM GMT+03:00

In Türkiye, when you need to rent a flat, buy a second-hand car, or furnish a home on a student budget, you might turn to platforms like Trendyol or Amazon but many also check Sahibinden.

Over time, the site has become more than just a classifieds platform, serving locals, students, expats, and tourists as a practical tool for everyday needs.

Started in 2000, Sahibinden.com is now among the most popular websites in Türkiye, with more than 60 million visits per month in Q2 of 2025.

It carries listings in dozens of categories such as real estate, vehicles, electronics and job postings and personal services. Its name, which can be translated as from the owner, says about its initial idea: to allow people to meet without using agents and intermediaries.

You may be a new international student into the country, seeking a used washing machine in Kadikoy; or a local couple, seeking a weekend cottage in Sapanca: in both cases, Sahibinden is likely to be the first-and best-place to start.

How does Turkish classified platform Sahibinden work?

Sahibinden’s strength lies in its user-friendly design and adaptive user experience. In just a few minutes sellers can post anything: take pictures, write descriptions, select location, and pick free or premium ad capabilities. Premium listings receive greater visibility, and a blue “verified” badge.

For buyers, the platform is just as seamless. Listings can be sorted by city, district, price range, posting date, or even urgency. With integrated filters like “from the owner,” “urgent,” “negotiable,” and “verified user,” shoppers are empowered to find exactly what they want, fast.

Top Tips for Using Sahibinden in 2025:

  • Download the Sahibinden mobile app: The app is one of Türkiye’s top-rated lifestyle tools for a reason. Keywords and categories can also be turned on as push notifications, so you are among the first to know when the dream product is available. It could be an apartment with furniture in Besiktas or a used Vespa in Antalya, real-time notifications of the app are essential.
  • Use region-specific search terms: Think like a local, use keywords like “acil satılık ev Bakırkoy” (urgent house for sale in Bakırkoy) or “ogrenciye uygun esyali oda” (furnished room for student). Localized Turkish keywords yield better results and often beat the competition.
  • Sort by 'Yeni Ilanlar' (Newest Listings): The freshest deals often disappear within hours. Always click "yeni ilanlar" to sort listings by how recently they were posted. This is especially helpful in fast-moving categories like electronics and short-term rentals.
  • Look for the 'Guvenli E-Ticaret' (Secure e-Commerce) Badge: This option, announced at the end of 2024, distinguishes listings that can avail of in-platform secure payment and delivery, which is best when you feel anxious about meeting strangers in real life or are afraid of being scammed.
  • Compare with market prices: With Sahibinden (and compare with Letgo Türkiye and Facebook Marketplace) price comparison tools, check whether the asking price is reasonable. Price history is also common in real estate and car listing and comes in handy during negotiations.
  • Don’t be shy to message: Negotiation is expected by many sellers. Write clearly, say whether the price is negotiable and make inquiries in a polite way. The negotiation culture of Türkiye values polite communication.
  • Bookmark and watch favorite listings: If you’re not ready to buy immediately, use the "Favorilere Ekle" (Add to Favorites) feature to monitor changes in price or availability. Many users lower their prices after a few days if they get no traction.
  • Act Fast but ask questions: Always ask to be clear, regardless of whether it is about a used iPhone's model or the floor of the rented apartment. The sellers love knowledgeable customers, and it prevents surprises on your part.

Mastering Sahibinden is part knowledge, part timing, and part instinct. With these strategies, you’re far more likely to secure quality items, good prices, and safe transactions in Türkiye’s most beloved online marketplace.

Photo shows sahibinden.com company website with logo close up, accessed on June 14, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Photo shows sahibinden.com company website with logo close up, accessed on June 14, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)

What 2025 users should know about Sahibinden data privacy

The concept of trust is central to understanding why Sahibinden.com is the most popular classified site in Türkiye. Millions of interactions every day make security and user satisfaction the main priorities.

New user-security upgrades:

  • All new user accounts will now use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
  • AI-Powered Scam Detection tools mark dubious activity as it occurs in real-time.
  • Hidden Conversations secure personal communication between buyers and sellers.
  • Contact Forms Anonymous Contact Forms provide a secure way of communication, where the user does not have to share their personal numbers or emails.

Moderation and Fraud Control: Users can flag suspicious listings, which are usually looked at within 24 hours. Moderation team AI-supported detection tools help the company to delete fake or duplicate posts. In 2024, Sahibinden managed to delete more than 400.000 fake listings, as stated by ETID (E-commerce Users Association of Türkiye).

Customer Support Access in Türkiye:

  • Live Chat and Hotline Support: Turkish speaking agents 7 days per week.
  • Email and Help Center Resources: Step-by-step answers to frequently asked questions and video tutorials on various issues.
  • English Language Support: 'eekday support to expats and international users.

Its safety and service dedication assisted the site in receiving a 4.6/5 trust rating by ETID in 2024, beating competitors such as Letgo Türkiye and Arabam.com.

Who uses Sahibinden in Türkiye?

It is used by university students to get shared flats in Ankara. It is utilized by retirees as a way of downsizing their houses. The young professionals in Istanbul seek used scooters. Even the rural families use it to purchase farming equipments or sell livestock.

Sahibinden is local, familiar and rooted in a world that is swamped with impersonal e-commerce. It has grown to be the online version of the neighborhood notice board but this time around, it enjoys more than 60 million monthly users.

June 14, 2025 06:32 PM GMT+03:00
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