FAQ – Buying Property in Turkey

Please note – for a full step by step guide to buying in Turkey, please see the Process for Buying Property in Turkey.

Who can I talk to to get an unbiased opinion on real estate agents, buying off plan, or anything else related to buying a property in Turkey? (really!)

Who can buy property in Turkey?

Where can I buy property in Turkey?

How long does it take?

Should I go with a Power of Attorney?

What if I’m buying ‘off plan' in Turkey?

Can I change (modify) the building?

Can I get finance in Turkey

What are the extra costs – taxes, rates, etc

What are the costs of utilities (water, electricity, etc)

If I sell, can I take the proceeds out of Turkey?

Can I take my car into Turkey? Can I sell my car?

Should I bring my furniture?

How do I register my property in Turkey?

Do I need a residency visa?  How can I get one?

Can I get medical insurance in Turkey?

What are the medical facilities like in Turkey?

What are the inheritance laws in Turkey?

How much money can I bring into Turkey?

 Can I bring Jewellery into Turkey?

Who can I talk to to get an unbiased opinion on real estate agents, buying off plan, or anything else related to buying a property in Turkey?

The best way to get the low-down on what's good or not so good in the area you want to buy your property in is to  join in an on-line forum.  Here you can speak to other people who have bought property in Turkey, or are thinking about buying. 

Have a look at the 'Local Knowledge' pages for the area you want to buy your property in - there are links to good on-line forums, as well as other quality information pages.

Local Knowledge- property in Kusadasi

Local Knowledge- property in Marmaris

Local Knowledge- property in Bodrum

Who can buy property in Turkey?

Any person who is a citizen of a country that has reciprocal property rights with Turkey can buy real estate.  These countries are:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cape-Verde,  Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Croatia, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,  Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein,  Lithuania,  Luxembourg,  Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria,  Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Senegal, Singapore, Somalia, South African Republic, Sri Lanka, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, The Republic Of Dominica, Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus, United States Of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia(Serbia-Montenegro).

Citizens of the following countries need to gain permission from the Ministry Of Interior And Ministry Of Foreign Affairs:

Djibouti, Lebanon, Pakistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago.

Countries which have reciprocity with Turkey in terms of only building acquisition:

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Chad, China, Egypt, Georgia, Iran (with the conditions of five- year residence and permission of relevant Ministries), Jordan, Kazakhstan,  Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldavia, Morocco, Namibia, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Where can I buy property in Turkey?

Non-Turkish Nationals as listed above (the secondary listed nationals having been granted permission) may buy property in Turkey, providing it conforms to the following criteria:

• The purchase is situated within the municipal limits of a Local Minister. 

• is outside Military Zones

• is not of historical importance,

• is no larger than 30 hectares in land area

For more details please see Process for Buying Property in Turkey.

How long does it take?

Due to the fact that, as a foreigner, the government requires that the location of the property not be inside a military zone, the process of buying a property in Turkey may take up to 3 months.  However, the process is fairly simple in comparison to the process required in other countries.

For more details please see Process for Buying Property in Turkey.

Should I go with a Power of Attorney?

Many real estate agencies in Turkey offer to act as a ‘Power of Attorney’ for you, or have one of their lawyers do so.  This means that you sign over legal permission for them to act on your behalf during the process of the sale, often including authorisation to buy/register the property, obtain relevant property documents, registration of electricity and water, property insurance and payment of local taxes.  (These services may differ from agency to agency, so make sure you ask).

This can save you time and hassle, and make your purchase as easy as possible.  It is also in the best interests of the real estate agency to do this, as it makes the sale more likely to succeed without incident.  In most cases, this can be a good and easy way to get through the legalities.

As with all important decisions, Evbazar.com recommends that you obtain legal advice.

What if I’m buying ‘off plan’ in Turkey?

Buying 'off plan’ could be defined as purchasing a property which has not yet been constructed.  Historically, there have been issues with this, such as the construction company going bust and the property not being finished, however, this risk has lessened greatly in the last few years, with a large number of ‘off plan’ constructions and sales going ahead smoothly.

If you choose to buy ‘off plan’ in Turkey, it is recommend that you do a background check of the company, what projects they have completed, how long they have been in the industry etc.  A lawyer can do this for you.  (To find a lawyer, see the Trades Service page).  It is also recommended to ensure that the contract covers things such as date of completion, lists of materials used, and any indemnities required.

For more details please see Process for Buying Property in Turkey..

Can I change (modify) the building?

If you wish to make changes to a building in Turkey, you must have the plans approved by the local minister’s office. 

If you are building ‘off plan’ you can usually make changes to the plans so long as they do not interfere with the structural integrity of the building.

Can I get finance in Turkey

The mortgage system is very new in Turkey, so it is unlikely that you will be able to find financing within the country.  Many foreign banks will offer ‘second mortgages’ over existing property in your own country to finance purchases in Turkey.

What are the extra costs – taxes, rates, etc

These are the general costs that coincide with buying / owning property in Turkey:

Purchase tax – 3% of price as recorded on Tapu (not necessarily agreed sale price).  This should be paid as 1.5% by the Seller and 1.5% from the Buyer.

Administration charges at the Land Registry Office, about YTL 50.

Earthquake Insurance – 60 to 100 YTL, required by law, charges differ depending on property price and location.

Garbage Tax – varies according to location, usually around 30 YTL, to be paid quarterly.

Property Tax (Rates) – varies according to area, usually between 0.1% and 0.3% of property value on Tapu, to be paid yearly.

Sworn Translator (Interpreter) – Approx 150 YTL if they accompany you to the Land Registry Office, prices differ for other translations (usually between YTL 8 and YTL 20 per page).

Signing “promise to buy and sell contract” at Notary Public Office approx. 1.2 % of the value of the property.

Charges for governmental checks (usually under YTL 100)

Water connection fee – Approx 110 YTL (new homes only). 

Electricity connection fee – Approx 150 YTL (new homes only), transferring your name to the electricity account, Approx 60 YTL.  This is a one off fee.

Telephone connection fee – Approx 30 YTL.

If the property is part of a complex, you will need to pay yearly fees as required.

What are the costs of utilities (water, electricity, etc)

You pay for what you use, and the utilities are charged at approximately:

Electricity:        0.20 YTL per KWH

Water:             1.50 YTL per meter³
Telephone:       Per unit: 0.072 YTL  - one unit is 60 second

Monthly line    

rental:              8.00 YTL

The PTT is currently the only land-line telecommunications provider in Turkey.  They have different ‘package’ prices, eg if you use it more, you are charged a lower rate per unit, but a higher minimum monthly payment.

Cell phones are charged according to the service provider.  It is common to use ‘pre-paid’ recharge cards, which are sold everywhere.

Please note that these prices are subject to change.

Can I rent out my property when I’m not using it?

Yes.  Many real estate agencies will be happy to manage renting your property, and you can also advertise on Evbazar.com (please see our advertise with us page).

If I sell, can I take the proceeds out of Turkey?

Yes.  If you sell your property within 4 years of purchase, you may take the money out of the country without being charged extra tax.  If you sell after 4 years, you may have to pay capital gains tax.

It is important to keep a record of the amount of money bought into the country to buy the property.  If you are paying in Yeni (new) Turkish Lira, keep a copy of the exchange.  If you are paying in foreign currency, ensure that it is written down at the Title Deed office at the time of signing the Tapu.  This will act as proof of funds ownership if you do sell your house.

Can I take my car into Turkey? Can I sell my car?

If you hold a tourist visa, you may have your (foreign plated) car in Turkey for 6 months out of every 12.  If you have a residence visa, your car is considered as being imported and you will have to pay customs tax. 

Either way, you need to have full documentation, including registration and insurance when you cross the border.  Details of your car will be recorded in your passport at this time.

You may sell your car in Turkey, which attracts all local taxes.  You will also need a car sale transfer document issued by your consulate.  You will need to provide the passport details of yourself and the buyer, along with the car registration papers and pay a fee of approx 150YTL.

Should I bring my furniture?

If you hold a residency permit of a year or longer, you may bring your furniture on what is called a ‘temporary import’.  You will have to pay a deposit, which is refunded when you take the furniture out of Turkey.  For more information, please contact the Turkish Embassy in your home country or see http://www.gumruk.gov.tr/

If you choose not to bring your furniture, but instead purchase it here, there are many fine furniture shops, called “Mobilya”.

Can I bring pets?

It is easy to bring pets to Turkey, as long as you have the animal’s health and vaccination certificates with you.  Turkey imposes a limit of 1 dog, 1 cat, 1 poultry animal, and up to 10 aquarium animals.  If you wish to bring in more than this, you need to have someone else bring them in with/for you.  More information can be found at http://www.thy.com.tr/en/services/pets.htm

How do I register my property?

Property registration occurs at the time of sale at the Land Registry Office.  You must also declare the purchase at the Municipality Office (Local Minister) by the end of the tax year (mid December).  The tax due for the year of purchase is the responsibility of the seller, but thereafter is paid by the buyer (new owner).

Do I need a residency visa?  How can I get one?

If you wish to stay in Turkey for longer than 3 consecutive months, you will require a residency visa.  (You don’t need one in order to actually buy a property). 

There are two ways to obtain one.  The first is if you are outside Turkey, you need to apply to the Turkish Consulate General at least 8 weeks prior to your intended departure to Turkey.  You will be required to register with the local police within a month of taking up residence.

The second option is if you are already in Turkey, you can go to the Police Headquarters, Aliens Department in the province where you are staying.  You will need the following documentation:

4 application forms, typed, not handwritten, each with a passport photo attached,

your passport with entry visa (eg tourist visa)

A completed residence declaration form

The appropriate fee, which varies in accordance to your home country.

More information is available at www.turkishconsulate.org.uk

Can I get medical insurance in Turkey?

Medical Insurance is not compulsory in Turkey, but it is highly recommended, as any private treatment can be expensive.  It is possible to arrange insurance with a local company, although they do not often insure people over the age of 60. 

Other insurance products available include life, car, property, house and contents insurance.  Insurance companies in Turkey are regulated by the Undersecretariat of Treasury.

What are the Medical facilities like in Turkey?

Turkey has many quality health care facilities including private practices (polyklinik), private, state and university hospitals (hastahane), medical labs, radiology centres, and pharmacies (eczane).  Most services are cheaper than in the EU.  Further information can be found at www.about-turkey.com/guide/frgnhospital.htm, or  www.enjoyturkey.com/info/facts/Health1.htm.

For phone numbers for hospitals in Turkey, Please see our Important Phone numbers Turkey page.

What are the inheritance laws?

You have the legal right to make a Turkish Will and leave your property to a beneficiary of choice.  If no Turkish will is provided, the property would go to your next of kin.

How much money can I bring into Turkey?

There is no restriction on the amount of money in YTL or foreign currency you can bring into the country without declaration.

You are allowed to take up to US$ 5,000 out of the country without declaration.

If you declare the amount you bring in when going through customs, you are then able to take up to that amount out of the country.  There are no restrictions on transferring money in or out of the country if done through a bank account.

 Can I bring Jewellery into Turkey?

Yes, if the jewellery is not for commercial use, you may bring in up to US$15.000 without declaration.  If it is over US$15,000 you need to declare it, and you will then be permitted to take up to the declared amount out of the country.

If you can prove that you bought jewellery in Turkey, there is no limit to the value you can take out of the country.