FAQs

The final step is the title deed transfer at the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate. On the designated day, you (or your Power of Attorney), the seller, a sworn translator, and possibly the real estate agent will meet. The final payment is made from your Turkish bank account to the seller’s account. All final documents are signed, and the title deed is officially transferred to your name. The entire process is now recorded and your ownership is secured.

Yes. While the general principle is the same, the title deed will specify the nature of the property. For a shop or an office, the title deed will state “İşyeri” (workplace) or “Dükkan” (shop), while for an apartment, it will state “Mesken” (residence). It is important to match the property’s intended use with the type specified on the title deed.

Yes, you can. Many foreign owners purchase properties specifically for rental income. You will need to declare this rental income to the Turkish tax authorities and pay income tax on it. You can manage the property yourself or hire a professional property management company to handle the renting, maintenance, and aydat payments.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives a trusted person (usually a lawyer or real estate agent) the authority to act on your behalf. You might need it if you cannot be present in Turkey for all steps of the transaction, such as signing the title deed transfer documents or opening a bank account. The document is prepared and notarized by a public notary in Turkey or at a Turkish consulate abroad.

Property prices are influenced by a combination of factors. The most significant is location, including proximity to amenities, public transport, and the sea. The age and condition of the property, its size and layout, and the quality of finishes also play a huge role. Broader economic factors like inflation, interest rates, and foreign investment trends also have a significant impact on the market.

Buying a property under construction can offer a lower price and potential for capital appreciation, but it comes with higher risks. It is essential to choose a reputable and financially stable developer. You should also ensure the developer has all the necessary permits and that the property has a valid Kat İrtifakı title deed. A lawyer’s role in this type of purchase is extremely important to review the contract and protect you from potential delays or project failures.

The Turkish real estate market offers a wide range of property types. The most common are apartments (flats), which are found in cities and popular coastal regions. Villas and detached houses are also available, often in suburbs or resort towns. You can also buy commercial properties like offices and shops, as well as land (Arsa) for future development.

This document is a critical requirement for foreigners purchasing real estate. It proves that the foreign currency used for the purchase was officially converted to Turkish Lira through a Turkish bank. This conversion must happen before the title deed transfer. The document is provided by the Turkish bank where you converted the funds and is mandatory for the Tapu transaction to be completed legally.

Yes, there are several ongoing costs. You will be responsible for the annual property tax, which is a small percentage (0.1% to 0.2%) of the property’s declared value. You also need to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. If the property is in a building complex, you will have to pay monthly communal maintenance fees (aidat) to cover services like cleaning, security, and pool maintenance.

It is crucial to perform due diligence to ensure the property is legally sound. This includes verifying the title deed (Tapu) is free of any debts, liens, or legal encumbrances. You should check if the property has a valid Iskan (Occupancy Permit) and that all building permits are in order. A valuation report from an official expert is mandatory and will give you the official market value. Hiring an independent lawyer to conduct these checks on your behalf is the best way to protect your investment.

These are two different types of title deeds. Kat İrtifakı is a temporary title deed issued for a property that is part of a construction project that is not yet completed or hasn’t received its occupancy permit (Iskan). It signifies that you own a share of the land and a specific unit within the future building. Kat Mülkiyeti, on the other hand, is the permanent and most secure type of title deed. It is granted once the building is fully constructed, inspected by the municipality, and each independent unit is officially registered. For a buyer, a property with a Kat Mülkiyeti title deed is the safest investment.

Opening a bank account is a relatively straightforward process. You will need a valid passport, your Turkish tax identification number (Vergi Kimlik Numarası), and proof of address from your home country, such as a utility bill. The bank may also require a notarized translation of your passport. Once you have these documents, you can visit any bank branch, fill out the application forms, and the account can be opened on the same day. This account is essential because all property transactions at the Land Registry and Cadastre Directorate must be conducted through a Turkish bank.

The Turkish real estate market is dynamic. While a blog post cannot give financial advice, many investors see potential in the market due to its growth and potential for capital appreciation.

The Iskan is a technical document that proves a building has been legally completed and is ready for use, confirming compliance with building codes.

This is a mandatory report by an official appraiser that determines the market value of the property and is required for the title deed transfer.

The process can be completed in as little as 3-5 days if all documents are in order.

Yes, foreigners who purchase property with a minimum value (currently $400,000 USD) can apply for Turkish citizenship.

Yes, buying property in Turkey is a common and straightforward way to obtain a short-term residence permit, which can be renewed.

The property purchase tax is typically 4% of the property’s declared value, paid at the time of the title deed transfer.

The most important documents are a valid passport, a Turkish tax ID number, and a Turkish bank account.

A Tapu is the Turkish word for the official title deed, which is the sole legal document proving ownership of a property.

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Turkey, with some restrictions on certain areas.