Home
Blog
Tips & Advice
Selling a Home in Turkey: Key Tips & Legal Must-Knows

Selling a Home in Turkey: Key Tips & Legal Must-Knows

Created28.04.2025, 10.42

Updated29.04.2025, 14.59

sell property in Turkey If you're looking to sell your property in Turkey, you're not alone. Whether it's a holiday flat in Alanya, a luxury villa in Bodrum, or an Istanbul investment that’s finally paid off, more and more homeowners—locals and foreigners alike—are turning their attention to the Turkish real estate market as an opportunity to cash in.

But the procedure for selling property in Turkey isn't quite the same as it is in, say, the UK, Germany, or the U.S. It’s a process that involves legal nuances, language barriers, market quirks, and yes—plenty of paperwork. If you're a foreigner, it might feel even more uncomfortable. But don’t worry—with the right strategy and knowledge, it’s all very manageable.

This is exactly where TEKCE comes in. With a seasoned team experienced in both domestic and international property transactions, we simplify the process and help you sell with confidence. From valuation to title deed transfer, our team handles every detail so you don’t have to.

So, whether you’re planning to move on, reinvest elsewhere, or simply cash out, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know—from prepping your home for sale to navigating Turkish property law like a pro.

Selling Your Property in Turkey? Here’s the Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Before you even think about listing your home, it's time to get things in order.

1. Preparation is Everything

Start by taking a good, hard look at your property through a buyer’s eyes. Is it clean and well-kept? Are there any quick fixes you can make to boost its appeal? Even small improvements—like a fresh coat of paint, fixing loose tiles, or updating outdated light fixtures—can go a long way in increasing perceived value.

Now’s also the time to gather all your documents. The most important one is your Tapu (title deed). Without it, you can’t legally sell. You’ll also need your Turkish tax number, a valid ID (or passport), your DASK earthquake insurance, and most importantly, a property valuation report. Since 2019, Turkish law requires an official valuation before any sale—especially if you're a foreigner selling to another foreigner.

At TEKCE, we work with SPK-licensed valuation experts to ensure your report is compliant and accurate, helping you set a competitive, realistic asking price from day one.

2. Understanding Legal Requirements

First, make sure your property is legally sellable. It must be registered properly and free of debt, mortgages, or legal disputes. If you're not sure, a quick check at the local Tapu Office will clarify your status.

For foreigners selling property in Turkey, another wrinkle is military zoning. Some properties—especially those near borders or in smaller towns—may be in areas that require clearance from the military before they can be sold to another foreign national. This approval process can take weeks, so start early.

Can’t be in Turkey for the whole process? That’s fine. You can give power of attorney to sell property in Turkey to someone you trust—a lawyer, friend, or even your real estate agent. Just make sure it's notarized and translated into Turkish.

Our clients often assign power of attorney to TEKCE representatives, allowing us to handle all legal steps on their behalf—even if they’re overseas.

3. Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

Unless you’re already in the real estate game, this is not something you want to do solo. A good agent is your guide, negotiator, and translator all in one.

When choosing a real estate agent in Turkey, look for someone who is local to your region and has experience working with foreign sellers. They’ll understand the market, speak the language, and know how to navigate the bureaucracy.

TEKCE operates across Turkey with a multilingual, multicultural team. We understand the needs of international clients and have access to a global network of buyers. We don't just list your property—we actively market it to the right audience.

4. Attracting Buyers (Especially International Ones)

The best strategies for attracting buyers in Turkey? Great photos are a must. If you can, invest in professional photography (or at least clean your camera lens!). Videos and drone footage are increasingly popular, especially for higher-end homes or properties with sea views.

Next, market your property widely. Don’t just rely on one agent. List it on multiple platforms: Sahibinden, Zingat, Hurriyet Emlak for the Turkish audience, and Rightmove, Kyero, or Idealista for international exposure.

At TEKCE, we market your property both locally and globally. We don't just rely on one site—we have our own high-traffic platform and connections with international buyers actively looking for homes in Turkey.

5. The Paperwork and Sales Process

Once you’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price, you’ll sign a preliminary sales agreement and typically collect a deposit (often around 10%).

At this point, your lawyer or agent will begin the title deed transfer process. You’ll schedule an appointment at the Land Registry Office, where both parties (or their representatives with power of attorney) must be present.

Key documents for property transfer include:

Title deed (Tapu)
Official valuation report
ID/passport + Turkish tax ID
DASK insurance certificate
Notarized power of attorney (if used)

The final payment is typically made at the Tapu office on the day of transfer.

Costs and Taxes: What to Expect

What are the typical costs involved in selling a property in Turkey? Here’s an overview:

Capital Gains Tax: If you’ve owned the property for less than 5 years, you’ll pay tax on your profits. If more than 5 years? You’re exempt.
Real estate agent fee: Usually 2–3% of the final sale price.
Title deed fee: 4% of the sale price (often split between buyer and seller).
Legal fees and notary: Varies, but budget around €500–€1,000.
Translator fees (for foreigners): Around €100–€150.

So yes—there are taxes and costs of selling a home in Turkey, but they’re quite manageable with some planning.

After the Sale: What Comes Next?

You’ve sold your property—congrats! But your job’s not quite done yet. After the sale, you’ll need to:

Cancel utility accounts (electricity, water, gas, internet)
Inform your municipality about the ownership change
Report the transaction for annual tax purposes if applicable
Transfer any rental agreements or community dues to the new owner

TEKCE always provides a detailed cost breakdown upfront—no surprises, no hidden fees.

Turkey’s Real Estate Market, Region by Region

Not all property markets in Turkey are the same. Here’s a quick look:

Istanbul: Fast-paced and competitive. Great for investment, but tough to sell without local know-how.
Antalya & Alanya: Popular with European and Russian buyers. Good demand for sea-view homes.
Bodrum & Fethiye: Luxury and lifestyle-driven markets. Buyers are often looking for second homes or retirement spots.
Izmir & Cesme: Rising stars in the Turkish market. Modern, attractive to both locals and foreigners.

Where your property is located can impact how long it takes to sell—and how much you can get.

Q&A about Selling Property in Turkey for Foreigners

Q: How long does it take to sell property in Turkey?
A: On average, 3–6 months. Hot regions might move faster.

Q: What are the essential documents?
A: Tapu, ID/passport, tax number, DASK insurance, valuation report.

Q: How can I get the best price?
A: Prep your home, price it right, hire a great agent, and market widely.

Q: What’s different for foreigners?
A: Military zone checks, language barriers, and possibly needing power of attorney.

Q: Are there capital gains taxes in Turkey?
A: Yes, if you sell within 5 years of buying. After that, it’s tax-free.

Selling your home in Turkey might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you're navigating it from abroad. But with the right preparation, a trustworthy team, and some patience, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience.

Just remember—know the process, know your documents, and know your market. Whether you’re a foreigner selling your holiday home or a local investor looking to cash out, this guide should get you started on the right foot.

With TEKCE, you’re not just selling a property—you’re gaining a strategic partner who puts your peace of mind first!