How to Buy Property in Turkey: A Step-By-Step Guide

Is every property I buy in Turkey eligible for a residence permit or citizenship?No, not every property purchased in Turkey automatically gives the right to a residence permit or citizenship. To get a residence permit, the value and the type of the property are very important. As of 16 October 2023, you must buy a residential property worth at least 200,000 USD. To obtain citizenship, the rules of the investment citizenship program apply. As of 2023, the minimum real estate investment amount is 400,000 USD. The property owner must be a Turkish citizen or a Turkish company. The investment must be officially registered at the title deed office and the official valuation report must also show a value of at least 400,000 USD. The type of investment, the value and the status of the property are important. It is recommended to work with a professional real estate consultancy company.

What are the legal steps for purchasing property in Turkey?The real estate purchase process in Turkey starts with selecting a suitable property. A deposit is paid between the parties and a preliminary sales agreement is signed.

When paying the purchase price, if the buyer is a foreign national, the payment must be converted into Turkish Lira through a Turkish bank and a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate must be obtained. This document must be submitted during the title deed process.

After that, an application is made to the Title Deed Office. On the appointment date, the buyer and seller complete the title deed transfer. Once the transfer is finalized, ownership officially passes to the buyer and the property purchase is legally completed in Turkey.

What should be included in a property purchase contract in Turkey?In Turkey, a property sales contract for a title deed transfer includes the buyer's and seller's personal details and the ownership information of the property. It also specifies the property description, sale price, payment method and payment schedule. Additionally, the contract outlines the rights and obligations of both parties and other terms and conditions related to the sale.

What is the title deed (Tapu) process in Turkey?The title deed (tapu) process in Turkey starts after the buyer and seller agree on the sale and sign the sales contract. A deposit and payment plan for the property price are set according to the agreement.
For foreigners, the property price must be converted from foreign currency to Turkish Lira and a Foreign Exchange Purchase Document (DAB) must be obtained. This is done by either the buyer or seller, depending on the agreement.
The title deed transfer application is made by the seller and the title deed fees are paid by the buyer. On the appointment day given by the Land Registry Office (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü), both parties sign the official transfer document. Before signing, it is checked that the full payment has been made. Once the official signing is completed, ownership of the property passes to the buyer.

What documents do I need to buy a property in Turkey?To buy property in Turkey, you need a valid ID or passport, a Turkish tax number and a bank account in Turkey. During the title deed transfer, earthquake insurance (DASK) is also required.
If the purchase is for Turkish citizenship, a licensed appraisal report is required. In this case, both the sale price and the appraisal value must be at least 400,000 USD. Title deed procedures are done at the Land Registry and Cadastre Office (TKGM). If all documents are complete, the process goes smoothly.

How long does the property buying process take in Turkey?The property purchase process in Turkey usually takes 2 to 6 weeks if all documents are ready and the title deed procedures go smoothly. This process includes choosing the property, getting a Turkish tax number, opening a bank account, preparing an appraisal report and applying at the Land Registry Office (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü).
After applying for the title deed transfer, the appointment and signing usually take a few days to 1-2 weeks, depending on local workload. If documents are complete and the process is well-planned, the steps from pre-contract to title deed can sometimes finish in 1 to 3 weeks.
In more complex cases or busy regions, the process may take longer. Working with a professional real estate agent can help speed it up.

Can I buy property in Turkey remotely?Yes, you can buy property in Turkey without visiting the country. This is done using a notarized power of attorney. The person you authorize (a lawyer or real estate agent) can handle property selection, appraisal, bank payments and the title deed transfer for you.
Payments are made through a bank and the official transfer happens at the Land Registry Office (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü). With the correct power of attorney and complete documents, buying property remotely in Turkey is safe and straightforward.

Why should you have a professional real estate consultant in Turkey when buying property?Working with an experienced real estate consultant in Turkey makes the investment process safer and more practical. A professional team does not offer just one option. They provide multiple alternatives that match your expectations and budget. They also plan all the steps from start to finish and manage the process smoothly.
Traditional real estate offices usually focus on their portfolio and agents often represent the seller. An experienced company serving both local and foreign buyers will represent you throughout the process, helping you get the right property at the right price. That's why you should choose an internationally experienced company that treats both parties fairly.
At TEKCE, with 20 offices across 5 countries, a strong legal infrastructure and a multilingual expert team, we coordinate the entire property purchase process in Turkey. Our goal is to help you complete your investment safely, quickly and smoothly.

Is it common to negotiate the price when buying real estate in Turkey?When buying real estate in Turkey, price negotiation is possible for some properties, but it does not apply to every project or every seller. In many new property projects in Turkey, especially in direct developer sales, prices are usually set according to current market conditions in the Turkish real estate market.
However, during certain periods, particularly when liquidity needs increase, limited negotiation opportunities may arise for selected units in some projects. Working with an experienced real estate company in Turkey can help buyers manage the purchasing process more effectively. It can also help secure a property at a competitive and market-appropriate price.

What are the common risks involved in buying property in Turkey?In Turkey, one of the main risks for property buyers is the sale of mortgaged or encumbered title deeds. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the title records and the legal status of the property before purchase. Although rare, there are cases where a property is attempted to be sold to multiple buyers by unauthorized persons. Additionally, in second-hand or furnished properties, missing items may occur if the inventory list is incomplete. To minimize these risks, it is recommended to perform official title deed checks and have the process professionally managed. For more details, you can visit the mistakes to avoid when buying property in Turkey page.

Can we buy a property in Turkey and register it in the name of our child under 18?Yes, it is possible to register the property you buy in Turkey in the name of your child who is under 18. Since the child is under legal guardianship, all procedures must be carried out by the parents. You must prove custody and family relationship with official documents. Parents can also give power of attorney to a lawyer to follow the process for them.

Can I pay by cheque when buying a house in Turkey?In real estate transactions in Turkey, paying by cheque is theoretically possible. However, foreign buyers cannot use foreign currency cheques due to the requirement of a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB).

In practice, cheque payments are very rare and not preferred. Payments when buying a property in Turkey are usually made in cash or via bank transfer.