Buying a property in Turkey
Buying a property in Turkey is an attention-deserving topic for many people who are looking for investment opportunities and a second residence in a beautiful and diverse country like Turkey. Turkey is a popular destination for real estate investors from all over the world thanks to its open legislation and its active and diversified real estate market.
In this article, we review together the benefits of buying a property in Turkey and all the laws and regulations related to this matter.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners are generally allowed to buy property in Turkey. The Turkish government has implemented various regulations and laws over the years to facilitate foreign ownership of real estate in the country. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that foreign individuals and entities need to consider.
Here are some key points regarding foreigners buying property in Turkey:
1. Reciprocity Principle
The Turkish government follows the principle of reciprocity, which means that citizens of countries that allow Turkish citizens to buy property in their own countries can also buy property in Turkey.
2. Property Types
Foreigners are allowed to purchase various types of properties, including apartments, houses, land, and commercial real estate, as long as they comply with relevant regulations.
3. Property in Military Zones
Foreigners are generally prohibited from buying property located in military zones or strategic areas. These areas are designated by the Turkish government and are not available for purchase by foreigners.
4. Buying Procedures
The property purchase process in Turkey involves several steps, including obtaining a tax number, opening a bank account, conducting a title deed search, drafting a sales agreement, and obtaining approval from the military authorities if necessary. It is advisable to work with a reputable real estate agent or lawyer familiar with the process to ensure a smooth transaction.
5. Restrictions on Land Ownership
Non-Turkish citizens are subject to certain restrictions when purchasing land in Turkey. There are limitations on the total area of land that foreigners can own, both individually and as a group. These restrictions vary depending on the location and type of land.
6. Residency Permit
Foreigners who own property in Turkey may be eligible to apply for a residence permit. The specific requirements and conditions for obtaining a residency permit can be obtained from the local authorities.
Regulations and policies may change over time. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with VAAL Real Estate for professional advice to get the most accurate and updated information before proceeding with a property purchase in Turkey.
How much is average house in Turkey?
The average price of a house in Turkey can vary depending on factors such as location, size, amenities, and the condition of the property. Prices can also vary between different cities and regions within Turkey.
Here is a general overview of average house prices in some popular cities:
1. Istanbul
In Istanbul, house prices can range widely depending on the neighborhood and property type. On average, residential properties in Istanbul can range from around 3,000 Turkish Lira per square meter in more affordable areas to over 20,000 Turkish Lira per square meter in upscale neighborhoods.
2. Ankara
The capital city of Turkey, Ankara, generally has lower house prices compared to Istanbul. The average price for a house in Ankara can range from approximately 2,000 to 8,000 Turkish Lira per square meter.
3. Izmir
Izmir is another major city in Turkey with a thriving real estate market. House prices in Izmir can range from around 2,500 to 12,000 Turkish Lira per square meter on average.
4. Antalya
Antalya, a popular tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, offers a range of housing options. The average house prices in Antalya can range from approximately 2,500 to 8,000 Turkish Lira per square meter.
It is important to note that these are average prices and that actual prices can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned earlier. Additionally, please keep in mind that real estate prices can fluctuate over time due to market conditions and other factors.
What is the best property website in Turkey?
There are several popular and reputable property websites in Turkey that can help you find real estate listings and information. Here are some of the best property websites commonly used in Turkey:
1. Sahibinden
This is one of the largest online classifieds platforms in Turkey, offering a wide range of property listings for sale or rent across various cities and regions.
2. Zingat
Zingat is a popular real estate marketplace in Turkey, providing comprehensive property listings, including apartments, houses, commercial properties, and land, in multiple cities.
3. Hürriyet Emlak
Hurriyet Emlak is an online property portal associated with one of the leading Turkish newspapers, Hurriyet. It offers a vast selection of real estate listings, as well as news and articles related to the Turkish property market.
4. Milliyet Emlak
Milliyet Emlak is another prominent property website affiliated with the Turkish newspaper Milliyet. It provides a wide range of property listings, along with various tools and resources for buyers and sellers.
5. Emlakjet
Emlakjet is a comprehensive online real estate platform that covers properties from all over Turkey. It offers a user-friendly interface, advanced search filters, and a variety of property types.
6. VAAL Real Estate Turkey
VAAL Real Estate Turkey is a specialized site in real estate in Turkey and a reliable and licensed company that offers a wide range of real estate options such as apartments, villas, houses, and lands, in addition to distinctive investment opportunities in various famous Turkish regions.
These websites offer search filters to help you narrow down your options based on your preferences, such as location, property type, price range, and more. It is recommended to explore multiple websites and consult with local real estate agents to get a comprehensive view of the Turkish property market and find the best property that suits your needs.
How long can you stay in Turkey if you own a property?
Foreigners who own property in Turkey may stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, there is a possibility for homeowners to stay for a longer period than the specified period, by obtaining a residence permit based on their ownership of the property in Turkey.
The residence permit allows foreigners to stay in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days, and homeowners can apply for this permit using their title deed.
It is necessary for foreigners who own real estate in Turkey to renew their residence permits annually during the period of their ownership of the property. This means that they must apply for a renewal of the permit with each year that they pass while they own the property.
According to the current laws in Turkey, foreign owners can obtain a real estate residence permit, which is renewable, provided that the property is residential and used by the owner of the property himself.
Property Purchasing Laws and Procedures in Turkey
The property purchasing laws and procedures in Turkey are governed by the Turkish Civil Code, the Land Registry Law, and the relevant regulations issued by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.
Here is a general overview of the laws and procedures involved in buying property in Turkey:
1. Title Deed (Tapu)
The title deed, known as “Tapu” in Turkish, is the official document that proves ownership of a property in Turkey. It is issued by the Land Registry Office (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü) and contains essential information about the property and its owner.
2. Military Approval:
Before transferring the ownership of the property to a foreign buyer, the Land Registry Office must obtain approval from the relevant military authorities. This step is to ensure that the property is not located in a military or strategic zone.
3. Preliminary Sales Agreement
Once you have identified a property and negotiated the terms with the seller, it is common to sign a preliminary sales agreement (Sözleşme) and pay a deposit (usually around 10% of the purchase price) to secure the property. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, payment schedule, and other important details.
4. Legal Assistance
It is recommended to seek legal assistance from a Turkish lawyer who specializes in real estate transactions. The lawyer can help ensure that all legal requirements are met, conduct a title deed search, review contracts, and represent your interests throughout the process.
5. Property Valuation and Appraisal
It is common practice to have the property valued and appraised by an independent expert to determine its market value and confirm that the purchase price is fair. This step helps protect the buyer’s interests.
6. Tax Number and Bank Account
As a buyer, you will need to obtain a Turkish tax number from the local tax office and open a bank account in Turkey for the transaction and future ownership expenses.
7. Finalizing the Sale
The final step involves completing the transfer of ownership at the Land Registry Office. Both the buyer and seller, or their authorized representatives, must be present to sign the title deed transfer documents. The purchase price and any outstanding payments are settled, and the ownership of the property is officially transferred to the buyer.
It is important to note that the specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on the location and type of property. It is advisable to consult with a qualified real estate lawyer or seek guidance from the local Land Registry Office for detailed information and guidance on the property purchasing laws and procedures in Turkey.
How much does a Turkish residence permit cost?
The fee for a residence permit varies based on factors such as the duration of the permit, the applicant’s citizenship, and their age. The price may differ depending on these factors. Additionally, there are additional costs associated with obtaining a residence permit, including state duties, medical insurance fees, notary fees, and interpreter fees.
To apply for a residence permit in Turkey, foreigners need to pay various fees, including the residence permit card fee, which is 356 TRY or $20. The residence permit card serves as a replacement for the foreigner’s internal passport and enables them to open a Turkish bank account or enroll their child in school.
The fee for submitting a residence permit application depends on the foreigner’s country of citizenship and the desired length of stay in Turkey. The specific amount of the fee will be determined accordingly.
| Country | Duty |
| Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, USA Total 153 countries | $25 First month $5 Every month thereafter |
| Tajikistan, Israel, Japan Total 9 countries | $14 First month $3.5 Every month thereafter |
| Belarus, Spain, Malta Total 10 countries | $9 First Month $2.5 Every month thereafter |
| Russia, Hong Kong Total 5 countries | $7 First month $1.5 Every month thereafter |
| Montenegro, Egypt Total 6 countries | $5 First month $0.5 Every month thereafter |
| Serbia, Norway Total 4 countries | $140 First Month $30 Every month thereafter |
| Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Kosovo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkmenistan | No duty |
These are the expenses involved in the process of obtaining a residence permit in Turkey.
It’s important to note that residence permit fees can change over time, and it is crucial to check with the official sources, such as the DGMM, for the most accurate and updated fee information for your specific situation.
Türkiye offers wide and varied opportunities to buy real estate, whether it is for investment or housing.
The Turkish real estate market is characterized by the availability of various options, starting from apartments in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, to luxury villas on the beautiful coasts in tourist places such as Antalya and Bodrum.
In addition to the attractive aspects of buying a property in Turkey is also the potential high return.
If the right property is chosen and invested in a vibrant area with high economic and tourism growth potential, good returns on investment can be achieved in the long term.
VAAL Real Estate in Turkey is keen to provide its services with high professionalism and includes a comprehensive range of services that meet the needs of foreigners wishing to buy real estate in Turkey. These services are not limited to the property purchase process only but extend to provide continuous and integrated endless services.
Edited by: VAAL Real Estate