FAQ’s Buying Property in Turkey

• Foreign Nationals
  Citizens of countries who have a reciprocity agreement with Turkey can purchase a property, which includes all countries within the EU. In 2012, the Turkish government reviewed title deed laws opening property ownership rights to further countries, including Russia and the UAE, meaning foreign nationals from 183 countries can now buy in Turkey. Please keep in mind that Turkish laws do change frequently so some limitations may apply.
• Companies Established by Foreign Nationals
  Companies established in Turkey by foreign nationals are able to buy property in Turkey as long as they operate as per the company’s Article of Association.

Almost all property in Turkey is freehold; meaning that you own the property outright as opposed to leasehold where you own the rights to occupy a property for a specified period of time. It is, however, wise to check this is the case, particularly for properties close to the beachfront.

It is not a requirement to use a Lawyer or Solicitor to oversee your property purchase in Turkey.  At your request, we can always refer you to a selection of independent lawyers based both in Turkey and the UK who are experts in Turkish Property law. Legal fees and charges vary depending on the work requirement.  Be sure to request a quotation before you solicit services.

The process to buy property in Turkey is straightforward, and is completed through the following steps:

• Agreed Terms and Deposit
  Once your sale terms are agreed, you will put down a deposit or reservation fee so that the property can be taken off the market. This usually equates to around 10 per cent of the property price.
• Sales Contract
  A contract between the buyer and seller is drawn up with all agreed terms and conditions.  The contractual agreement is binding in Turkish Law and should be written in both Turkish and English.
• Legal Documents and Military Clearance
  A copy of your passport together with the property title deed (TAPU) and a scaled map showing the location of the property is then submitted to the local Land Registry (TAPU) Office . This usually takes around 6 weeks, and is a formality to ensure the property does not lie in a restricted or ‘forbidden’ zone, such as a military area. However, since 2014 the clearance rules have been relaxed. Parcels of property that have already received military clearance since May 2011 no longer need to undergo this process. In addition, if a property on the same complex (e.g. an apartment) has received clearance, other properties on the same site are now covered. This allows for a far quicker completion of sale.
• Completion
  The purchase can proceed once cleared. This is conducted in the TAPU office, where both the buyer and seller enter the details in the Land Registry. You can assign power of attorney to your solicitor to act on your behalf if you cannot be present, though many of our clients prefer to be there – it’s an exciting moment! The property title deed is then made out in your name, and the property is deemed legally yours.

• Your passport or National ID Card

• Four passport sized colour photographs (4cm x 6cm)

• A Foreign Identity Number and Tax Number (Yabanci Kimlic Numarasi)

• Evidence of having a Turkish bank account (eg a statement or account book)

Turkish legislation states that all transactions exceeding 8000 Turkish Lira must be made through a bank or post office in Turkey. The requirement makes for a sound formalized log in tracking your funds through the purchase process.

The TAPU is the legal document that details ownership of a property in Turkey. Without a TAPU you are not legally considered to own a property in Turkey  – even if you have signed a contract with the vendor.

It is perfectly permissible to buy property in Turkey while on a tourist visa. On 1 February 2012, new tourist visa rules began bringing stay entitlements to 90 days in every 180 days. Those wanting longer stays to enjoy their home in Turkey will need to consider obtaining a residency permit.

Oceanwide Properties strongly recommend that before booking an appointment to view property with us, you ensure you have the finances in place to make a purchase. We don’t want to see you miss out on your dream home.

Cost change often in Turkey but you will typically be required to pay for:

• Solicitor Fees: 
• Buyer’s Fee (similar to Stamp Duty) 4 % of declared price of property.
• Estate Agency Fee**: 2%
• Translation fee’s
• Notary Fees:
• Other Minor Taxes: 
• Utility Connection Deposit

Ongoing Expenses

• Property Taxes (similar to UK council tax): 
• Electricity: 
• Gas: . Most hobs work with bottled gas, lasting on average three-five months if used daily.
• Water: 
• Telephone/Internet: 
• Contents/Fire/Flood, etc Insurance*
• Dask; earthquake insurance is required varying prices depending on size of property.

*This insurance not compulsory, though advisable. Depending on your provider, you may be able to add your property to the existing insurance policy in your native country.

When living on a complex, the payment of communal charges are usually compulsory. Charges will vary according to the size and value of the property, but usually cover:

• Pool Maintenance
• Garden Maintenance
• Communal electricity/water charges

Oceanwide Properties strongly recommend you book an appointment to enable you to further explore your desired location(s) and view a selection of properties.