Turkey Buying Guide

WHO CAN BUY Citizens of countries who have a reciprocity agreement with Turkey can purchase a property, which includes all countries within the EU. The only restriction is that the property cannot be on military designated land.

Tenure of property

Almost all property in Turkey is "Freehold".

Legal Documents

We would always advise that you use a lawyer to complete your purchase and we can provide the names of several Turkish/English lawyers in Turkey/U.K. on request, your solicitor will prepare a contract that will detail your property, type, etc together with the price agreed payment method and any extras or alterations you may require. This Contract Agreement is binding in Turkish Law and will be in both English and Turkish.

A copy of your passport is then sent to the local military authority that runs a background check to verify you are able to purchase your intended property. This process normally takes 8-12 weeks. Please note that due to the high number of foreigners purchasing property in Turkey we have experienced occasions when this is taking longer.

After clearance by the Turkish military you can proceed to purchase your property. This is conducted in the local Land Registry Office, where both the buyer and seller enter the details into the Registry Book. If you cannot be present for this you are able to sign power of attorney to your solicitor to act on your behalf. The property tapu will then be made out into your name.

TAPU - The tapu is the Turkish property deed

In the case of a new build you will receive two tapu’s. The first is tapu is the ARSA, which means land. This is issued first and will show the new property owners name. According to Turkish law as long as the owners name is on the arsa tapu then they own whatever is on the land. An application must be made to the local council offices for a living license (the second tapu - OTURMA IZNI). This is done by the property vendor (i.e. the builder), and is only issued once the building has been inspected to comply with the building application. Once this has been granted the tapu will show the words CINS TASHIHI that confirms the classification on the property. In the case of re-sale property the OTURMA IZNI should have already been granted, but must be checked it is shown.

Cost of purchasing a Turkey home

Solicitor charges vary in location and work requirement. Costs are typically £300 to £1000.

Translator at the notary costs £30 approximately.

A 3% buyers fee is payable. (Similar to a stamp duty)

Currently, some local council are requiring an authorised high detailed map of the property location which typically costs £150 - £350

In some cases there may be a charge of £100 each to connect electricity and water meters.

Good quality furnishing can be budgeted at approximately 3-5% purchase cost.

Estate Agency Fee: 3% of the Purchase Price

0.03% annual property tax

£60.00 annual council tax. This is usually paid in two installments (May and November).

£250 property insurance (depending on size and location)

Earthquake Insurance (compulsory): 35 Sterling (approx)

MAINTENANCE & COMMUNAL CHARGES (if applicable)

These charges may vary according to the size and value of the property you purchase. A guideline figure for 2/3 bedroom apartment would be between £200 and £400 per annum and would include:

• Pool maintenance (including chemicals)
• Garden maintenance
• Communal electricity and water charges
• In some cases this would also include:
• Exterior repair and decoration
• Building insurance