A transformative opportunity in Türkiye’s real estate market is taking shape with the introduction of the Damla Kent Project in Başakşehir. The innovative financing mechanism behind this development is the Real Estate Certificate, a forward-thinking model endorsed by Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Coordinated by Emlak Konut Real Estate Investment Company and approved by the Capital Markets Board (SPK), this initiative paves the way for small investors to enter the housing market through the stock exchange.
The Real Estate Certificate associated with the Damla Kent Project will be offered to investors via Borsa İstanbul between August 4 and August 8, 2025, under the code DMLKT. With a public offering price set at 7.59 lira per certificate, discounted 25 percent from its appraised value, this model aims to make property ownership more accessible than ever.
A New Way to Own a Home in Türkiye
This system is designed to democratize real estate investment. Instead of traditional down payments and long-term mortgages, individuals can buy certificates that correspond to square meter units of a residence in the Damla Kent Project. Over time, investors can accumulate enough certificates to match the value of an apartment, thereby securing ownership rights.
This structure offers flexibility and removes many barriers commonly associated with property investment. It particularly appeals to younger generations, first-time home buyers, and individuals with limited capital who seek a secure way to invest their savings.
Who Can Invest and How
Anyone with an investment account at institutions such as Halk Yatırım, Ziraat Yatırım, Vakıf Yatırım, or other banks and intermediary firms can participate. Opening a trading account can be done through branch visits or digitally via mobile banking and online platforms.
Once the account is set up and authorized for stock exchange transactions, investors can submit their requests between August 4 and 8. To participate, users must follow the investment platform’s path for stock offerings and enter the DMLKT code. They can then specify the number of certificates they wish to purchase and proceed with the payment and confirmation.
This seamless digital process makes it possible to invest in real estate with the same ease as buying stocks, removing logistical hurdles that have historically made property ownership complex.
Flexible Earning Paths for Investors
Real Estate Certificates offer three distinct benefits, allowing individuals to choose the most suitable strategy based on their financial goals.
The first option is Direct Home Ownership. By steadily purchasing certificates over time, investors can accumulate the exact amount required to claim a specific residence in the Damla Kent Project. Once the construction is complete, these individuals will be eligible to transfer ownership of the property directly to themselves.
The second option is Monetary Return. If an investor decides not to acquire a property at the end of the project, they can opt into the revenue-sharing model. In this case, units that were not claimed through certificate accumulation will be auctioned by authorities such as TOKİ and Emlak Konut. The proceeds from these sales will be distributed proportionally to certificate holders based on their investment.
The third route is Trading on the Stock Exchange. For those looking for flexibility and short-term gains, the certificates can be actively traded on Borsa İstanbul. Just like shares in a company, these certificates can be bought and sold, allowing investors to respond to market fluctuations and potentially generate profit.
Diverse Property Options in a Strategic Location
The Damla Kent Project offers residences ranging from 1+1 to 4+1, providing options for individuals, couples, and families. Located in Başakşehir, the project is within walking distance of schools, hospitals, and places of worship. It is also strategically situated near vital transportation corridors, including Kuzey Marmara, TEM, O3, and Basın Ekspres highways. Residents will benefit from access to three metro lines and one tramway, along with close proximity to Istanbul Airport and Başakşehir City Hospital.
A total of 1,540 apartments are being offered in the first stage of the public offering, all available through the Real Estate Certificate model. Whether for living or investing, this is a prime opportunity in one of Istanbul’s most rapidly developing districts.
Breaking Down the Apartment and Certificate Figures
Emlak Konut has released a detailed distribution list of the apartment types and their corresponding certificate counts:
175 units of 1+1 apartments, each measuring 62 square meters, will be available for a total of 631,516 certificates
1076 units of 2+1 apartments (88 square meters each) will require 863,276 certificates
758 units of 3+1 apartments, sized at 144 square meters, will be matched by 1,384,916 certificates
205 units of 4+1 apartments (194 square meters) will be allocated 1,833,345 certificates
These figures highlight a highly structured offering that caters to various income levels and living space requirements. Investors can choose their strategy based on budget and future plans, creating a flexible investment roadmap.
Advantages Beyond Traditional Ownership
This next-generation model of real estate investment offers several key advantages. Unlike conventional housing purchases that require substantial down payments and often decades of mortgage repayment, Real Estate Certificates eliminate the burden of interest, down payments, and monthly installments. This is especially critical in today’s climate, where inflation and interest rate volatility challenge the affordability of home ownership.
It also removes the exclusivity often seen in property markets, allowing lower-income households to enter an arena that was previously out of reach. Furthermore, because these certificates are tradeable, investors are not locked into long-term commitments—they can liquidate their holdings whenever they wish.
Phase Two and the Bigger Vision
The Damla Kent Project is designed as a multi-phase development that will ultimately include 5,325 housing units and 244 commercial spaces. Following the first phase, a second phase offering 674 additional apartments is expected to be launched via the same certificate model.
This larger vision reflects Türkiye’s growing need for sustainable urban housing solutions that are financially inclusive. As more citizens gravitate toward collective investment and transparent funding structures, Real Estate Certificates could become a national model for housing development.
An Evolving Investment Landscape
Türkiye’s real estate market is witnessing a shift. With urban populations increasing and housing affordability becoming a nationwide concern, creative financing mechanisms like the Real Estate Certificate are gaining traction. Investors, financial institutions, and public sector players are recognizing the benefits of transparent, accessible, and scalable property investment models.
In a time when economic unpredictability shapes investment behavior, the Damla Kent initiative provides a rare combination of security, flexibility, and ownership potential. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a young professional looking to secure your future, this project opens new doors—both figuratively and literally.
