Drone Photography for Real Estate in Alanya: The Ultimate Guide to Aerial Property Marketing
November 16, 2025
14 min read
# Drone Photography for Real Estate in Alanya: The Ultimate Guide to Aerial Property Marketing
Imagine showcasing your Alanya villa with breathtaking aerial views of the Mediterranean coastline, the Taurus Mountains, and the ancient castle—all in a single photo. That's the power of drone photography for real estate.
Properties with drone photography receive **68% more inquiries** and sell for an average of **8-12% higher prices** compared to listings with only ground-level photos.
As a licensed drone photographer based in Alanya, I've captured hundreds of properties from the sky. In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about drone photography for real estate in Turkey.
## What is Drone Real Estate Photography?
Drone photography (also called aerial photography or UAV photography) uses unmanned aircraft equipped with professional cameras to capture properties from above.
**For real estate, this includes:**
- Aerial property overview shots
- Neighborhood and location context
- Proximity to beaches, amenities, landmarks
- Property size and land boundaries
- Unique features (pools, gardens, rooftop terraces)
- Dramatic cinematic footage
**Technology used:**
- Professional drones (DJI Phantom, Mavic, Inspire series)
- 4K or higher resolution cameras
- Gimbal-stabilized footage
- GPS positioning and flight planning
## Why Drone Photography Matters for Alanya Real Estate
### 1. Location, Location, Location
Alanya's biggest selling points are often **invisible from ground level:**
- Distance to beach
- Sea and mountain views
- Proximity to Alanya Castle
- Neighborhood context
- Surrounding development (or lack thereof)
**Drone photos show these instantly.**
**Example:** A villa in Kargıcak advertised as "200 meters to beach" got 3x more inquiries after adding drone shots that actually showed the beach proximity and stunning coastline.
### 2. Property Size and Boundaries
**Ground photos can't show:**
- Total land size for villas
- Garden layout and landscaping
- Pool size relative to property
- Parking availability
- Outdoor living spaces
**Aerial shots show everything at once.**
### 3. Stand Out from Competition
**Reality check:** Most Alanya property listings use only ground-level photos or phone snapshots.
**Adding drone photography:**
- Makes your listing immediately stand out
- Signals premium quality
- Attracts serious, higher-budget buyers
- Creates shareable, dramatic content
### 4. International Buyer Appeal
Many Alanya property buyers are from:
- Northern Europe (Germany, UK, Scandinavia)
- Russia and Eastern Europe
- Middle East
**These buyers can't easily visit in person.**
Drone footage provides:
- Comprehensive property overview
- Neighborhood context
- Virtual "tour" of the area
- Confidence in remote purchase decisions
### 5. Premium Pricing Justification
**Luxury properties demand luxury marketing.**
Properties priced over 2 million TRY with drone photography sell faster because:
- Marketing matches the price point
- Showcases premium features effectively
- Appeals to high-end buyer expectations
- Demonstrates property value visually
## Drone Regulations in Turkey & Alanya
**Important: Drone photography in Turkey is regulated.**
### Legal Requirements
To legally operate a drone for commercial real estate photography in Turkey:
1. **Pilot License (SHT):**
- Required for commercial use
- Issued by DGCA (General Directorate of Civil Aviation)
- Includes written exam and practical test
2. **Drone Registration:**
- All drones must be registered with DGCA
- Includes insurance requirements
3. **Flight Permits:**
- Required for certain areas
- Obtained through DGCA system
- May require advance notice (24-72 hours)
### Restricted Areas in Alanya
**No-Fly Zones (Absolutely Prohibited):**
- Near Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (15km radius)
- Military installations
- Government buildings
- Within certain distances of crowds
**Permit-Required Zones:**
- Alanya Castle and historical sites
- City center during certain times
- Some coastal areas
- Areas above 120 meters altitude
**Freely Allowed:**
- Most residential areas (with proper distance from people)
- Private property with owner permission
- Many coastal areas (following altitude limits)
- Mountain and hillside properties
### Penalties for Illegal Drone Use
**Don't risk it:**
- Fines up to 30,000 TRY
- Drone confiscation
- Criminal charges (in severe cases)
- Liability for any damages
**Always hire a licensed, insured drone photographer.**
## When Drone Photography is Essential
### Absolutely Essential For:
**Villas and Houses with Land**
- Shows property boundaries clearly
- Highlights garden, pool, outdoor spaces
- Demonstrates land size
- Shows access and parking
**Beachfront Properties**
- Proves proximity to beach
- Shows coastline beauty
- Highlights sea views
- Demonstrates beach access
**Properties with Views**
- Captures the view AND the property simultaneously
- Shows mountain or sea panoramas
- Illustrates sunset orientation
- Proves unobstructed views
**New Developments & Complexes**
- Shows entire complex layout
- Highlights facilities (pools, tennis courts, gardens)
- Demonstrates size and quality
- Provides context in neighborhood
**Large Penthouses with Terraces**
- Shows terrace size and layout
- Captures panoramic views
- Demonstrates rooftop amenities
- Highlights privacy
**Rural/Mountain Properties**
- Shows location context
- Highlights natural surroundings
- Demonstrates access roads
- Captures dramatic landscape
### Nice-to-Have For:
**Mid-Rise Apartments**
- Adds value for upper floors
- Shows building exterior
- Highlights balcony views
- Provides neighborhood context
**Investment Properties**
- Shows location advantages
- Highlights rental potential
- Demonstrates accessibility
- Attracts international buyers
### Probably Not Necessary:
**Studio Apartments**
- Unless in exceptional location
- Budget better spent on interior photos
**Properties in Crowded Urban Areas**
- Limited sky access
- May not provide additional value
- Ground-level shots may be sufficient
## What Drone Photography Includes
### Standard Drone Package (Usually 5-10 Photos)
1. **Property Overview Shot**
- Entire property from optimal angle
- Shows full context
2. **Proximity Shots**
- Beach/sea distance
- Nearby landmarks (castle, marina, etc.)
- Neighborhood context
3. **Vertical/Top-Down Shot**
- Shows property layout
- Highlights pool, garden, outdoor spaces
- Demonstrates size
4. **Angled Shots (Multiple Directions)**
- Best angles for views
- Architectural features
- Surroundings
5. **Detail Shots**
- Pool area from above
- Rooftop terrace
- Garden layout
### Premium Drone Package
**Everything above, plus:**
6. **Aerial Video (30-60 seconds)**
- Cinematic flyover
- Reveals property gradually
- Dynamic showcase
- Perfect for social media
7. **360° Aerial Panorama**
- Complete view in all directions
- Interactive virtual tour element
8. **Twilight Drone Shots**
- Dramatic evening lighting
- Property lights illuminated
- Stunning visual impact
9. **Neighborhood Tour**
- Fly-through of local area
- Shows amenities nearby
- Beach, restaurants, shopping
## Drone Photography Pricing in Alanya
**Important:** Prices vary based on property location, flight complexity, and permits required.
### Standard Drone Photography: 1,500 - 2,500 TRY
**Includes:**
- 5-10 high-resolution aerial photos
- Standard editing and color correction
- Delivery within 48 hours
- Usage rights for marketing
**Best for:**
- Villas and houses
- Most beachfront properties
- Standard residential properties
### Premium Drone Package: 3,000 - 4,500 TRY
**Includes:**
- 10-15 high-resolution photos
- 30-60 second aerial video
- Advanced editing
- Cinematic sequences
- Delivery within 24-48 hours
**Best for:**
- Luxury properties (3M TRY+)
- New developments
- Premium marketing campaigns
### Comprehensive Package: 5,000 - 8,000 TRY
**Includes:**
- Unlimited aerial photos
- 2-3 minute cinematic video
- 360° aerial panoramas
- Twilight drone shots
- Neighborhood tour video
- Same-day delivery available
**Best for:**
- Ultra-luxury properties (5M TRY+)
- Developer projects
- International marketing campaigns
### Add-On Services
- **Rush delivery (same day):** +500 TRY
- **Additional flight time:** +800 TRY/hour
- **Special permit acquisition:** +300-800 TRY (depends on location)
- **Raw file delivery:** +300 TRY
**Note:** Prices include pilot fees, insurance, and equipment. Locations requiring special permits may cost more.
## Best Locations for Drone Photography in Alanya
### Kargıcak ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Perfect for drone photography:**
- Hillside villas with dramatic elevation
- Sea and mountain views
- Less restrictions
- Beautiful natural surroundings
**Typical shots:** Coastline, villa with sea backdrop, mountain context
### Mahmutlar ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Excellent opportunities:**
- Beachfront high-rises
- Show proximity to beach
- Urban and sea contrast
- Complex facilities
**Typical shots:** Beach proximity, building exterior, sea views
### Alanya City Center ⭐⭐⭐
**Permit-dependent:**
- Castle views (permit required)
- Harbor area
- Historical context
- Urban density may limit some angles
**Typical shots:** Castle backdrop, harbor proximity, city context
### Oba ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Great for residential:**
- Family developments
- Mid-rise properties
- Green spaces
- Facility showcase
**Typical shots:** Complex overview, facilities, neighborhood
### Kestel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Quieter, easier access:**
- Residential properties
- Mountain and sea views
- Less crowded
- Flexible flying
**Typical shots:** Natural setting, sea views, peaceful context
### Avsallar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
**Ideal drone territory:**
- New developments
- Large complexes
- Space to fly freely
- Resort-style properties
**Typical shots:** Large complex overview, beach proximity, facilities
## Weather Conditions for Drone Photography
### Ideal Conditions ✅
- **Wind:** Under 10 m/s (under 20 mph)
- **Weather:** Clear or partly cloudy
- **Visibility:** 5+ km
- **Temperature:** Any (drones handle Alanya's climate well)
- **Time:** Morning or late afternoon (best light)
### Acceptable Conditions ⚠️
- **Wind:** 10-15 m/s (flyable but less smooth)
- **Weather:** Light overcast
- **Visibility:** 3-5 km (usable but not ideal)
### No-Fly Conditions ❌
- **Wind:** Over 15 m/s (unsafe)
- **Rain or snow:** Absolutely prohibited (equipment damage)
- **Fog or heavy haze:** Poor visibility
- **Extreme heat:** Over 45°C (battery concerns)
**Alanya advantage:** With 300+ sunny days, weather rarely causes issues.
## Combining Drone with Ground Photography
### The Complete Package
**Best practice:** Combine drone and ground photography for comprehensive listing.
**Typical workflow:**
1. **Morning shoot (8-11 AM):**
- Interior photography
- Ground-level exterior shots
- Detail shots
2. **Drone flight (Best light available):**
- Aerial overview
- Context shots
- Cinematic video
3. **Optional twilight return:**
- Twilight ground shots
- Twilight drone shots
**Total time:** 3-5 hours (with breaks)
**Combined package pricing:**
- **Standard:** 3,000 - 4,500 TRY (ground + drone photos)
- **Premium:** 5,000 - 7,000 TRY (ground + drone + video)
- **Luxury:** 8,000 - 12,000 TRY (complete media package)
## Drone Photography vs. Other Aerial Options
### Helicopter Photography
**Pros:**
- Can fly in more restricted areas (with permits)
- Higher altitude options
**Cons:**
- Extremely expensive (10,000+ TRY)
- Overkill for single properties
- Less maneuverable
- Noisy, disruptive
**When to use:** Never necessary for single property listings in Alanya.
### Elevated Ground Photography (Tall Ladder/Lift)
**Pros:**
- No flight regulations
- Cheaper
- Some elevation benefit
**Cons:**
- Very limited height (5-8 meters max)
- No true aerial perspective
- Labor-intensive
- Safety concerns
**When to use:** Not recommended. Drones are safer and more effective.
### Google Earth / Satellite Imagery
**Pros:**
- Free
- Shows location
**Cons:**
- Often outdated
- Poor resolution
- Not property-specific
- Unprofessional
**When to use:** Never for professional real estate marketing.
## Preparing Your Property for Drone Photography
**Most preparation is for ground-level shots, but for drone:**
### Do:
- **Clean pool area** (very visible from above)
- **Organize outdoor furniture** symmetrically
- **Mow lawn and trim plants** (if villa)
- **Remove clutter from balconies** (high-rises)
- **Clean rooftop terrace** (penthouses)
- **Inform neighbors** (courtesy, especially for video)
### Don't Worry About:
- Interior preparation (drone doesn't capture interiors)
- Window cleaning (unless from extreme close range)
- Minor ground-level details (not visible from height)
## Questions About Drone Photography
### Is drone photography legal in Alanya?
Yes, when conducted by licensed, insured pilots with proper permits. Always verify your photographer's credentials.
### Will you need special permission to fly at my property?
Most residential areas don't require advance permits. Properties near airports, military areas, or historical sites may need permits (I handle this process).
### How high will the drone fly?
Typically 20-100 meters altitude for real estate. Legal maximum is 120 meters in most areas.
### Will drone photography disturb my neighbors?
Minimal disturbance. Flights typically last 15-30 minutes. Professional drones are quieter than you might expect.
### What if it's windy on the scheduled day?
If wind exceeds safe limits (15+ m/s), we'll reschedule at no charge. Safety first, always.
### Can you fly at sunrise or sunset?
Yes! Golden hour and twilight drone shots are spectacular. These are premium add-ons due to precise timing requirements.
### Do I get the video footage too?
Video is usually a separate add-on. Standard packages include photos only. Discuss your needs when booking.
### Can drone photos show interior through windows?
Generally no. While technically possible, it's not effective or ethical. Drone photography is for exteriors, context, and location.
### How soon will I receive the photos?
Standard delivery: 48 hours. Rush delivery (24 hours or same-day) available for additional fee.
### Can I use these photos for all my marketing?
Yes! You receive full usage rights for marketing your property across all platforms (websites, social media, brochures, etc.).
## When to Skip Drone Photography
**Drone photography isn't always necessary:**
### Skip if:
- **Ground-floor small apartment** with no view or unique location features
- **Very tight urban location** where aerial shots won't show anything interesting
- **Extremely limited budget** (prioritize interior photos first)
- **Property in flight-restricted zone** (where permits are prohibitively expensive)
### Prioritize Ground Photography Instead:
- Studio apartments
- Interior-focused properties
- Properties where location isn't a selling point
**Honest advice:** I'll tell you if drone photography won't add value to your specific listing.
## The Impact: Before and After
**Real examples from my Alanya portfolio:**
### Villa in Kargıcak
**Before (ground only):** 12 inquiries in 3 weeks
**After (added drone):** 47 inquiries in 2 weeks, sold for 150,000 TRY over asking
**Why:** Drone showed private location, sea views, and distance to beach—none visible in ground shots.
### Penthouse in Mahmutlar
**Before:** Sat on market 4 months
**After (drone showing rooftop terrace and views):** Sold within 3 weeks
**Why:** Buyers didn't realize the terrace size and panoramic views until aerial shots were added.
### New Development in Avsallar
**Developer testimonial:** "Drone video increased pre-sales by 40%. International buyers could see exactly what they were getting."
## Maximizing Your Drone Photography Investment
### Use Drone Photos For:
1. **Primary listing hero image** (aerial overview)
2. **Social media posts** (highly shareable)
3. **Property brochures** (impressive covers)
4. **Website banners**
5. **Email marketing campaigns**
6. **Video tours** (combine with ground footage)
7. **International property portals**
8. **Investor presentations**
### Creative Applications:
- **Before/after** for developments under construction
- **Seasonal updates** for long-term listings
- **Neighborhood guides** for real estate agencies
- **Location marketing** for areas of Alanya
- **Portfolio building** for developers
## Booking Drone Photography in Alanya
### When to Book:
**Ideal timeline:**
- **2-3 weeks ahead** during peak season (March-June, September-October)
- **1 week ahead** during off-season
- **Rush bookings possible** (2-3 days notice, additional fee)
### What to Provide:
- Property address and type
- Specific features to highlight (pool, view direction, etc.)
- Access details
- Preferred date/time
- Any known restrictions (complex rules, etc.)
### Weather Monitoring:
- I check forecast 3-5 days before flight
- Confirm or reschedule 24 hours before
- Morning of: final wind/weather check
- Free rescheduling for unsuitable weather
## Ready to Elevate Your Property Marketing?
Drone photography transforms how buyers see your Alanya property. From showcasing beachfront proximity to highlighting mountain views, aerial photography provides the perspective that ground-level shots simply can't match.
**Book professional drone photography for your Alanya property:**
📞 **Call/WhatsApp:** +90 552 893 5736
📧 **Email:** aminbehravan@gmail.com
📍 **Licensed & Insured:** Serving all of Alanya
🌐 **View services:** [Drone Photography](/services/drone-photography)
**Let's showcase your property from a perspective that sells.**
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## Related Articles
- [Real Estate Photography in Alanya: Complete Guide](/blog/real-estate-photography-alanya-guide)
- [How to Prepare Your Property for Photography](/blog/prepare-property-photography-alanya)
- [Best Times to Photograph Properties in Alanya](/blog/best-times-photograph-properties-alanya)
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**About the Author:** Amin Behravan is a licensed drone pilot and professional real estate photographer based in Kestel, Alanya. With full DGCA certification, insurance, and hundreds of aerial property shoots across the Alanya region, Amin provides safe, legal, stunning drone photography that helps properties sell faster and for higher prices.
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