When looking to buy property in Turkey, you will no doubt have some questions to consider. We will be more than happy to discuss the purchasing process with you either on the phone or in person but to help you get started we have shown some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) below:
Q: Can I get a residence permit in Turkey (İkamet Tezkeresi) if I buy property?
A: Depending on the new law, every foreigner can receive a residence permit for 1 year (every year renewed with Tapu) until you sell your property.
Q: Can I become a Turkish citizen if I buy property?
A: Read our special page about Turkish citizenship by investment.
Q: Will the property be freehold?
A: Yes – all properties we sell in Turkey are "freehold."
Q: Can foreign companies buy property in Turkey?
A: Yes. Your company can own a property in Turkey if your country has a reciprocal agreement between Turkey. Antalya Homes can help you easily at this complicated process. We have already experienced this situation for several times.
Q: Can my company establish an investment company in Turkey?
A: Yes. We know that your companies money is not your money. If you like to invest in Turkish property as professional manner, Antalya Homes can help you to establish a Turkish company. So you can easily invest your companies money in Turkey.
Q: Who sets the price of the property?
A: If you are purchasing a property on new development, the price will be set by the developer. Regardless of agents commissions, you should still pay the same price with whoever you purchase through, whether you go direct or through a third party.
Q: Can everybody sell property in Turkey?
A: Yes. Waiters, jewelry, and leather dealers are the most well-known property sellers at touristic regions of Turkey. Antalya Homes is a registered real estate company at Chamber of Commerce of Antalya.
Q: What is the Real Estate Agent Service fee?
A: Whenever a property is sold, registered and licensed real estate agents are entitled to receive a 3% service fee over the actual sales price of the property from the purchaser and the property owner separately.
Q: Why should I use a real estate agent?
A: Going through an established company like Antalya Homes Real Estate has several advantages: first, you will get to see a wide range of properties that match your criteria and not just one specific developer; second: you will have the benefit of our experience, as well as a fully staffed office to support you back home.
Q: Who can buy property in Turkey?
OLD ANSWER BEFORE 21.May.2012: Turkey has a reciprocal agreement for the purchase of land and property with many countries. This means that the people of these nations that allow Turks to buy land in their countries, can in return, buy land in Turkey. Foreigners may purchase in their name if the property is outside military zones. Based on these agreements foreigners of the following countries are eligible.
Some countries do not allow Turkish citizens to purchase property in their land. That is why the citizens of these countries are not allowed to buy in Turkey. There are some exceptions to this rule such as Russia. Citizens of Russia can buy with special permission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Icisleri Bakanligi).
Q: Can foreigners loan money in Turkey?
A: Antalya Homes Real Estate in partnership with selected construction companies are now in a position to offer an exciting and unique financial product to our clients in cooperation with Deniz Bank. A 50% LTV (Loan to Value) fixed rate mortgage at 5% over a 10 year repayment period.
Q: What is the title deed (Tapu) like?
A: The title deed is called ‘TAPU’ and all property transactions for the foreigners is done only through the Land and Registry offices of the relevant district where the property is located.
Q: Do I need to get a residence permit to buy a property in Turkey?
A: NO!
Q: On a new development, what is the average deposit required? Can I pay in installments?
A: You will normally pay 3,000 Euro (approx) reservation fee and then 30% as a deposit within four weeks. Most developers offer stage payments (lump sum to be paid at the completion of each building stage) often with a degree of flexibility towards your circumstances. This will be agreed at the time of purchase.
Q: What is the general buying process in Turkey?
A: After paying the reservation fee, Antalya Homes will carry out the title deed checks. A contract will be drawn up between the seller and the purchaser. This will give the details of the completion date, payment schedule, and terms & conditions. When this is signed by all parties, the deposit is paid. You then apply to Tapu and Land Registry Office for a security clearance to allow you to own a property in Turkey. You can sign a Power of Attorney to conclude all the necessary paperwork if your circumstances require it.
NEW ANSWER in December 2017: According to "Turkish Property Law," foreigners were necessary to get permission from the Military Headquarters if the property is "not" close to the military zones. Turkish General Staff has found a new solution to this problem in December 2017. All military and national security zones were recorded in the land registry plans. Foreigners can receive Title Deed within 2-3 days thanks to the determination of allowed areas. Read more news
Q: What documents are required?
A: Appraisal report, passport translation at Notary Public, if needed, the power of attorney, 2 photos, local tax number and bank account.
Q: Is appraisal necessary? What does the appraisal process involve and how long does it take?
A: Appraisal report keeps from overpriced property sales. When one buys a property, Land Registry and Cadastre asks for SPK validated Valuation Report as a proof document that the purchase was made at the correct price. Your addressee is a direct Real Estate Appraisal Department of Land Registry and Cadastre. The process takes 3 - 6 days. (Read more about the Appraisal report here)
Q: After I have received the necessary permission to purchase, what happens next?
A: Antalya Homes carry out pre-completion checks. Following this, you (or your Power of Attorney) will sign a deed of transfer in front of an officer of the Land Registry who then records you as the official owner of the property. The property tax is paid at this stage.
Q: Are there English speaking lawyers in Turkey?
A: Yes, there are reputable English speaking lawyers/solicitors and we can introduce them to you during your viewing trip.
Q: What are the costs associated with buying property in Turkey?
A: All expenses of property purchase are explained here.
Q: Why is property so cheap in Turkey?
A: Turkey’s economy is only just starting to mature, and inflation has fallen from 30% to a manageable 7% in the last few years. An impoverished population, which is still used to cash purchases, has kept prices low but they are beginning to rise. This is partly because of interest from foreign investors and also because more mortgage options are starting to emerge for Turkish nationals. As the mortgage market becomes more competitive, and opens up to foreign buyers as well, prices will continue to rise.
Q: What should I expect to pay in community fees?
A: This varies from development to development. Antalya Homes will inform you before purchasing.
Q: Are there any ongoing taxes?
A: State property tax, environmental tax and wealth tax. However, these are relatively low, and your lawyer will advise you.
Q: Can I insure my property?
A: Antalya Homes will help you to ensure your property.
Q: Can I rent out my property?
A: Yes. The main season is from April to October, but you should still be able to rent it out over the winter months at lower rates. At the height of the summer, you can expect a more reasonable return.
Q: What about furnishing my property?
A: Many developers offer furnishing packs. You can buy furniture online.
Q: How does the general cost of living compare with the UK/Ireland?
A: Fresh produce is great value for money. You’ll find most other items up to 50% cheaper than in Ireland or the UK. However, electrical items are the most expensive with prices comparable to the UK.
Q: What is the government system in the country?
A: It is a democratically elected government as in Ireland/UK. Turkey is also one of the 5 permanent members of NATO.
Q: Is there a property management service?
A: Yes, there are companies which provide property management in Antalya and Belek.
Q: What other services do Antalya Homes offer?
A: You may visit our services page.
Q: What about viewing trips?
A: An important part of our service is the personalized viewing trip we arrange for every client who wishes to travel to view prospective properties. Each viewing trip is unique and designed to fit the requirements of our clients. The key word is service – we talk to you before you make your trip, find out exactly the type of property and locations are of interest to you and tailor your trip accordingly. We will be happy to provide full details on request.