Property Purchase
FAQ — Istanbul

Foreign individuals can legally buy property in Turkey, enjoying almost the same rights as Turkish citizens. Turkey's property law, grounded in the EU-Civil law system, allows foreign buyers to obtain freehold ownership — the property is yours fully, including the right to pass it on to future generations.

Foreigners are welcome to purchase properties in most areas of Turkey, except for certain military zones or sensitive regions where transactions may be restricted.

A title deed, or "Tapu" in Turkish, is the legal document proving property ownership. It includes the property's location, owner's name, type, and size.

Ownership can be shared by multiple individuals without limit on the number of owners. All properties are freehold — ownership passes automatically to heirs or as designated in a will.

Yes, purchasing through an installment plan is a viable option depending on the project. Many developers in Turkey offer flexible payment plans.

• Availability: Varies by developer and project
• Terms to review: Duration, required down payment, and applicable interest rates
• Consultation: Always engage a real estate agent or lawyer familiar with Turkish property law

The timeline depends on the developer's payment terms:

• Brand-new apartments: You can generally move in once at least 50% of the total price is paid
• Full payment cases: Some developers require complete payment before granting access

Always clarify these terms with the developer during the purchasing process.

When buying or selling property in Turkey, there is a standard property purchase tax of 4% of the sales price. In practice, this is typically split equally between buyer and seller, so each party pays 2%.

This tax must be paid at the time of title deed transfer (Tapu) and is essential for the transfer of ownership to complete.

Beyond the purchase price, buyers should budget for the following:

• Appraisal Report: Mandatory valuation — cost varies by property
• Title Deed Tax: 4% of sale price (2% buyer / 2% seller)
• VAT: 1%–20% depending on property size, price and location
• Lawyer Fees: Optional but strongly recommended for foreign buyers
• DASK (Earthquake Insurance): Mandatory in Turkey
• Utility Connection Fees: Electricity & water (varies by region)
• Monthly Aidat: 1,000 TL – 5,000 TL/month depending on complex
• Furnishing Costs: Optional, based on personal preference

• VAT: Rates of 1%, 10%, or 20% apply. Standard rate for real estate is 20%. Investors may qualify for a VAT exemption under specific legal conditions.
• Title Deed Fee: 4% of sale price, split between buyer and seller. Some sellers may require the buyer to cover the full amount.
• Legal Fees: Variable — hiring a lawyer for contract review and documentation is advisable.

Maintenance fees cover the upkeep of shared facilities: security, gardening, cleaning, pool maintenance, and communal services.

• Typical range: 1,000 TL – 5,000 TL per month
• Factors: Location, property size, and available amenities
• Properties with pools, gyms, and concierge services command higher fees

Rental income in Turkey is subject to a flat 15% tax on total annual income received.

• Filing: Report rental income to Turkish tax authorities annually
• Deductions: Maintenance and management costs may reduce taxable income — consult a tax professional
• Deadlines: Be aware of filing and payment deadlines to avoid penalties

• After 5 years: No capital gains tax — full exemption
• Within 5 years: ~20% profit tax on the gain (selling price minus purchase price and associated costs)

Holding your property for five or more years is an effective long-term investment strategy to eliminate the capital gains burden.

The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on payment plan, paperwork, and title deed office availability. The key steps are:

1. Place a deposit on your selected unit
2. Receive the reservation form
3. Transfer the full amount or required down payment
4. Sign the sales/notary agreement
5. Schedule the title deed office appointment (cash purchases)
6. Receive your Tapu on appointment day

Appointments at the government title deed office are typically scheduled within 15 days of application, though this depends on the office's workload at the time.

• Who arranges it: Usually the seller's responsibility
• Tip: Stay in close communication with the seller and your legal representatives to avoid delays

Prepare the following before starting the buying process:

1. Valid Passport — required for identity verification
2. Turkish Tax Number — necessary for all property transactions (we can assist)
3. Utility Bill from Home Country — needed to open a Turkish bank account for fund transfers
4. Two Passport-Sized Photos — 3cm × 4cm, for various documentation stages

Yes, a valuation report is generally required for all foreign buyers. It confirms the property's official value and verifies it meets the minimum investment threshold for Turkish Citizenship by Investment.

The cost varies based on the property's size, location, and market value. Your real estate agent will provide an estimated cost before the buying process begins.

The valuation report is essential for confirming the property meets the CBI financial threshold and protects against overvaluation.

A notary agreement is essential, particularly for non-Turkish speakers:

• Notary Fees: ~1% of the total property price
• Sworn Translator: Required if you cannot read Turkish — fee varies by contract complexity
• Power of Attorney (POA): If authorizing someone to handle the Tapu on your behalf — 7,000₺ – 10,000₺, drafted only by a Notary Public in Turkey