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Top Turkey Real Estate FAQ

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General Turkey Real Estate FAQ

Do foreigners have the right to own property in Turkey?

Yes, foreigners have the right to own property in Turkey. In September 2012, the Turkish Parliament issued a decision providing for the right to own foreigners in Turkey without taking into account the principle of reciprocity.

Are there any restrictions for foreigners to buy real estate in Turkey?

As a foreigner in Turkey, you cannot own a group of lands exceeding 2.5 hectares (25,000 square meters). Foreigners and foreign commercial companies are also not allowed to buy property, in strategic areas, or security areas in Turkey.
Foreigners are also prohibited from buying real estate in some areas, such as lands that are strategically important in terms of energy, agriculture, mining, history, cultural values, biological plants and national security.

Are real estate prices the same for Turks and foreigners?

Yes, of course, the price lists are the same for Turkish or foreign buyers.

has similar conditions for all investors and buyers, whether foreigners or Turks,

Who can buy real estate in Turkey?

In general, all nationalities can buy and own real estate in Turkey. There are only three countries that Turkey has frozen its diplomatic relations with, and they are North Korea, Armenia, and Syria.

Some countries prevent Turkish citizens from owning their lands. That is why citizens of these countries are not allowed to own property in Turkey. There are some exceptions like Russia. Citizens of Russia can purchase with special permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Does buying a property need to obtain a residence permit in Turkey?

The purchase of the property does not need to obtain a residence permit in Turkey

Are there any restrictions for foreigners when buying or owning a property in Turkey?

A foreigner in Turkey cannot own a plot of land that exceeds 2.5 hectares (25,000 square meters). Foreigners and foreign commercial companies are also not allowed to buy property, strategic areas, or security areas in Turkey.
Foreigners are also prohibited from buying real estate in some areas, such as lands that are strategically important in terms of energy, agriculture, mining, historical, cultural values, biological plants, national security, and military areas. As for the real estate development areas that are promoted, there are no restrictions imposed on them ..

Is it possible to obtain a residence permit in Turkey (residence visa) when buying a property in Turkey?

Based on the new law, every foreigner can obtain a residence permit for a period of 1 year (renewed every year with the existence of the Tapu) until the sale of your property.

What is the property registration and transfer tax in Turkey?

The value of the property registration and transfer tax is 4% of the property price paid only once

(usually distributed equally between the seller and the buyer), in addition to 20% to 35% of the net profits going to the tax authority also if the property was sold 5 years before the date of purchase.

How is the property price determined in Turkey?

If you are purchasing a property in a new development project, the price will be set by the developer. Regardless of the real estate agent’s commission, you must pay the same price with whomever you bought through, if you bought directly or through a third party.

What is the title deed (Tabu)

The title deed of real estate in Turkey is called “tapu” and all real estate transactions for foreigners are carried out only through the Land Registry Directorate of the relevant area in which the property is located.

Is ownership in Turkey free ownership for life or for a specific period 99 years

Ownership in Turkey is lifelong ownership and not as is the case in some countries where ownership is for a period of 99 years, and foreigners have the right to inherit the property for their families and register the heirs’ file in the housing department in the city in which the property is located and the inheritance system is according to the applicable law.

How many properties can be owned in Turkey?

For many countries, the number is not specified, and more than one person can share in owning the same property, and some nationalities have a specific number, such as the Palestinian nationality.

What are the advantages of real estate in Turkey over other real estate in other countries?

– The real estate in Turkey is competing strongly with many international countries, so we find that Turkey is full of real estate projects that attract real estate investors from outside Turkey, and it is worth noting that Turkey’s real estate and apartments are built by the most important engineers and specialists with the best building materials .. And the view of Turkey’s real estate has a role. Great in attracting all those wishing to buy a property in Turkey with a view of a spear or a view of green surfaces


– Many real estate experts talk about what Turkey’s real estate enjoys in general and Turkey’s apartments in particular of modernity and sophistication, in addition to applying seismic safety standards in its properties. All this will not affect prices Real estate in Turkey is considered a competition for many real estate in the countries of Europe
– The laws issued by the Turkish government in support of real estate investment were the reason for the desire of many investors to buy real estate in Turkey, and among these laws is the naturalization law in Turkey, which stipulated the granting of Turkish citizenship to everyone who invests in Turkey is one of the types of investment, such as buying real estate in Turkey with a minimum value of 250 thousand US dollars, or depositing the equivalent of a minimum of 500 thousand US dollars in a Turkish bank, in addition to the purchase In at least 50 Turkish employees.
– The Turkish government reduced taxes when investing real estate in Turkey, so the real estate taxes that any Turkish investor pays are equal to the real estate taxes that foreign investors pay when buying real estate in Turkey.
– Political and security stability, which in turn leads to political stability, and all this leads to the success of real estate investment.
– Real estate investment options in Turkey, such as buying a property in a project under construction in a vital area, then selling the property after the end of the project at a higher price, and you can also buy an apartment in Turkey and rent it, ensuring a steady return for you, and among the real estate investment options in Turkey is to buy an old property and make improvements to it and then Sell ​​it at a higher price.

Are government taxes the same for Turks and foreigners?

Yes. The tax system is the same for everyone. Please see the section: Final Fees ”on our website. These taxes must be paid to the Turkish government when completing the purchase.

What is the lowest amount to buy real estate in Turkey?

Real estate prices vary according to the region in which you want to buy a property, and there is no minimum or maximum requirement for buying real estate in Turkey.

Are two or more people entitled to participate in owning the same property and registering it in the name of all buyers?

Yes, it is possible, based on the Turkish law regarding foreign ownership; Any two or more persons who do not have any family relationship have the right to share the same property, and the title deed of the property is registered in the name of all persons.

Can a foreigner invest his real estate in Turkey by renting it on a monthly basis? What is the tax that the landlord must pay?

Yes, the owner has the right to do so, as for the tax, it is 18% automatically transferred monthly from the account of the property owner in Turkey to the Department of Finance, and this tax is forfeited if the property owner wants to obtain the monthly return in cash, not through the bank.

Is the property bequeathed to foreigners in Turkey?

Yes, foreigners can inherit real estate in Turkey, as Turkish law allows foreigners in Turkey to own real estate of all kinds, such as lands, apartments, villas, offices, etc. Ownership of real estate in Turkey from the owner after his death.

The Turkish government gives a period of 10 years to review the heir in Turkey, and in the event of review and confirmation of this, the taboo will be transferred in his name without any complications. But in the event that the 10-year period is spent and no one has ever visited the Tabwa Department, the Turkish government will issue the Turkish endowment.

What are the documents required to transfer ownership to heirs?

  1. A family statement from the Civil Affairs Department in his country (inheritance inventory) showing who the heirs are and the quality of kinship, certified and translated into Turkish
  2. Registration in the tax register in Turkey and obtaining tax numbers for all heirs
  3. A valid passport for six months, at least, and translated into Turkish
  4. 2 personal photos for each person

What are the costs of transferring ownership to heirs?

It is the same purchase costs estimated at 4 percent of the inheritance value, in addition to the fees and fees of the lawyer.

What is the inheritance tax?

It is a tax imposed by the Turkish state when the ownership is transferred from the deceased to the ownership of his immediate relatives, and the value of this tax is relatively low compared to the taxes of the European Union countries, which encouraged foreigners to search and buy real estate inside Turkey to save their money and dues in the future.

The value of the inheritance tax is estimated according to the value of the property, as the value of the tax is calculated depending on the price of the property, but the value generally ranges from 1% to 10% only, and according to Turkish law, the payment of this tax due is within a maximum period of three years, and is paid in the months of May / May and November of each year.

Important to note that the tax depends on two types of properties and each of them has a certain value. There are properties that the investor acquired after putting his money in it or inheriting it from a relative, and there are properties that were transferred to the owner without return, such as gifts, prizes, donations, etc.

What is the language in which the title deed is written, the (Tapu)?

All the data written in the title deed (Tapu) of the property is in Turkish, as there is no other official language approved in the Turkish Republic. Upon delivery of the bond, some important points are translated to the foreign buyer by a sworn translator at the Land Department and Cadastre in the city in which the purchase was made in Turkey.

Is it possible to buy real estate in installments in Turkey?

Yes, it is available in many projects that give an opportunity to buy in installments, without any bank guarantees. You can also obtain a real estate loan from a Turkish bank, and this requires showing the following documents: a copy of a personal bank account book from a bank in the country in which the buyer resides outside Turkey, a copy of the passport, a pension sheet and information about the company in which the buyer works In his country of residence,

Does the owner of the property have the right to sell his property whenever he wants?

Yes, the owner of the property has the right to sell his property whenever he wants, and he can sell his property to a Turkish citizen or another foreigner. There is no tax payable by the seller at the time.

Is it possible to obtain a residence permit when owning a property in Turkey? Is it possible to practice a profession within this permit?

After completing all official transactions and receiving the property title deed from the Land Department and Land Registry in the city in which the purchase was made in Turkey, it is possible to apply for a real estate residence permit for all family members (meaning family members here: father, mother, wife or husband and children from different Ages) The Public Security Directorate in the same city has a requirement that all people come to Turkey in person when applying. This permit authorizes the property owner to live and move in Turkey and enter and exit Turkey. With this residence permit, he can open a company in Turkey and learn the Turkish language in a language school. As for practicing a certain profession under the framework of obtaining a job in the private sector, it is necessary to review the Ministry of Labor in the capital. Ankara to obtain a work permit.

Can foreign companies buy real estate in Turkey?

Yes. Your company can own real estate in Turkey if your country has a reciprocal agreement between Turkey.

Can I buy a property in Turkey by financing a bank?

Yes, of course, it is possible, if the bank in your country accepts the purchase of the property and then transfers the payments to the owner in Turkey.

Is it possible to buy any property in any city in Turkey?

Yes, unless it is near security or military areas, or the percentage of ownership by foreigners has been met, and it is possible to buy in Istanbul, Izmit, Sapanca, Sakarya, Yalova …… and others.

Can the property be sold in Turkey at any time?

The property can be sold at any time, and it is best to coordinate with one of the real estate services offices or find a buyer for the property.

How do you provide it with gas, electricity, water and Internet services after purchasing the property? And how do you pay the bills when you are absent?

You must review the gas, water and electricity companies to register the meters in your name and pay a nominal security amount, and we can also help you through the property management service

What are the advantages of buying a property in Turkey?

1- Turkey’s proximity to many European countries, the Middle East countries, Europe and Asia, which allows the property buyer to make easy visits between his country of residence, Turkey, and his home country.

2- Cultural diversity in Turkey, as well as the diversity of food and clothing types.

3- The picturesque and varied nature with the diversity of the temperate climate in the seasons of the year. 

Should I buy a ready-to-live property or a property under construction in Turkey?

Each of these properties has its pros and cons, but if we talk about the sums paid for its purchase, the payment in the ready apartment is immediate without installment. As for when you buy a property in Turkey under construction, you will be able to take advantage of the installment offers offered by the construction companies as most of the investors are in the apartments under construction. They do not pay the price of the apartment in cash, and the profit margin is high depending on the area in which the project is located, as it may reach 50% at times.

Is it possible to sell the property before the project is completed?

Depending on the project that you purchased from, you can sell your property during the construction phase, there may be 2% or 3% commission that must be paid to the developer if this is mentioned in the sales contract in some cases.

Is the price of real estate the same for Turks and foreigners?

Yes, the price lists are the same for Turkish or foreign buyers, the conditions are the same for all investors and buyers.

Does a foreign property owner have the right to sell his property whenever he wants?

Yes, the Arab buyer has the right to sell his property whenever he wants, and he can sell his property to a Turkish citizen or another foreigner. There is no tax payable by the seller at the time.

Who manages the residential complex in terms of maintenance and services, and what are the monthly fees?

Each housing complex has an administrative committee of the construction company (the developer)

specialized in management and operation matters. If the size of the complex is very large (1500 apartments and more),

a highly experienced administrative company is called in and is completely independent of the construction company

to carry out these tasks and the goal of the administrative company is to provide the necessary amenities and services for the population

such as: protecting the population and property, maintaining the cleanliness of the complex, Carrying out maintenance affairs for apartments in Turkey and buildings in general,

bringing monthly fees from the residents, caring for gardens and swimming pools, handling problems that may occur in the complex,

carrying out rental and reselling services for apartments, organizing entertainment programs on an ongoing basis, etc.

As for the monthly fees, they are determined. Depending on the size of the total apartment.

It is possible to pay these fees once every year in advance, and it

is worth noting here that if the apartment is rented, the tenant bears all of these fees.

There is what is known as “building according to the new earthquake standards” in the Turkish Building Code, so what is the content of those standards?

After the disaster of the 1999 earthquake that struck the city of “Izmir” located in the Marmara region near Istanbul, the Turkish state suffered heavy losses in life, so the state worked to lay new foundations and methods for construction in Turkey, until an amendment decision was issued by the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Works In 2007 to impose new standards on building permits in order to avoid a similar catastrophe in the future, and the city of Istanbul has so far come a long way in this regard as today all construction companies adhere to these new proposals related to geological studies and other field applications known as “TS 500” and “Deprem Yönetmeliği”. This decision also obligates old buildings to repair and strengthen the pillars and foundations.

Are there annual taxes on real estate?

Yes, there are limited annual taxes on residential real estate

What is the period for transferring property ownership in Turkey?

All documents necessary to register the transfer of ownership are prepared.

After preparing the documents, all necessary information is sent to the title deeds office.

– On the same day the transfer is completed, the buyer pays the full amount and officially takes possession of the property.

Usually foreigners complete the title deed transfer process in about 3 to 5 days, due to money transfer from foreign accounts.

FAQ about real estate procedures

Turkey Real Estate FAQ

What are the steps or procedures for ownership in Turkey?

First: Choosing the right property and providing the following information:

  1. A copy of the title deed “Tabu” or the real estate statement.
  2. A copy of the property’s location in the municipality plan or a site statement.
  3. Property number according to the municipality plan (for land ownership).

Second: Taking the tax number from the tax department, which is a very easy process.

Third: Translating the passport into the Turkish language and certifying it from the notary “Notre” with 4 personal photos.

Fourth: Signing the purchase contract with the seller and submitting its first payment, preferably not more than 25% of the purchase value, conditional on the approval of the security authorities, and in most cases 25% of the property value is paid until the ownership transfer process is completed to the buyer from the competent authorities, then the rest of the amount is paid in full after taking approval from District Directorate and Security Authorities.

Finally: Submitting a property transfer request to the security authorities, “but if a foreigner has previously owned it, the ownership can be transferred in one day.” The approval takes 45 days “if the property is in a building in which a foreigner does not own it.” We advise not to pay the full amount except after obtaining approval from the security authorities.

Upon issuance of the approval, the Land Registry Department (the instrument) is reviewed with the seller and it is preferable to bring a translator to verify the correctness of the data, the property number and the area. However, all these services and procedures are provided to its customers and investors by Imtilak for free, as part of the after-sales services.

As for the expenses owed by the customer and the seller from the sale and purchase tax, it is approximately 3% of the property’s value. And a tax of 1% of the value of the property in exchange for an invoice value for the value of the property, and this is paid by the buyer and the total is 4%.

What documents are required for the ownership transfer process, the title

  1. deed of the property in Turkey, which includes (the detailed address of the property).
  2. Passport in addition to translating it.
  3. Average report of real estate values ​​in the region. This report is issued by the municipality.
  4. Real estate price evaluation report in Turkey
  5. Earthquake insurance policy for the property in Turkey.
  6. A personal photo of the seller in addition to two pictures of the buyer.
  7. Sworn translator if one of the parties does not know the Turkish language.
  8. In the event that the purchase procedure is carried out by a power of attorney concluded outside Turkey, at the consulate or embassy, the buyer needs to have a certified translation from a sworn translator, attached to the original copy of the agency.

What are the official documents that must be accompanied to own in Turkey?

Only a passport.

What is the tax number? How do you get it?

The tax number in Turkey (vergı numarsı): it is your own tax number that is sometimes asked for you in legal and official transactions or to open a bank account in Turkey, and this number can be obtained regardless of your official residence in Turkey with ease, through:

A . Bring a copy of the passport and know your residence address in Turkey.

  1. Go to the nearest tax department (vergı müdürlüğü) in your area and request this number from the appropriate employee.

The employee enters your data into the computer and then gives you a card with your tax number on it.

Is it necessary to go to the Wish Department to obtain an official residence after owning the property? What about residence in Turkey?

If you plan to buy the property immediately, there is no need to obtain an official residence permit, you can obtain an official residence for one year, renewable after ownership of the property for you and all your family members (wife and children under the age of 18). Residence for a period of 6 months, renewable.

What is the way to transfer money to Turkey? Are there joint banks between the Gulf countries and Turkey to transfer money?

You can open an account in any Turkish bank very easily and then transfer money or open an account in a joint Turkish Gulf bank such as the Kuwaiti Turkish Joint Bank and its branches such as the Kuwaiti Finance Bank in Kuwait. Then you can withdraw the money as if you are in your home country.

What is the method of assigning others to buy and sell real estate in Turkey?

The buyer goes to the notary in Turkey, to make the power of attorney he wants in the presence of a sworn translator certified by the notary, or to make a power of attorney in the buyer’s country and translate it into Turkish and certify it from the Turkish embassy in the buyer’s country.

What is the power of attorney concluded outside the Turkish Republic?

A power of attorney is concluded at a notary in the foreigner’s country and in the official language in that country, and includes a personal photo of the holder of the power of attorney. It must be translated into Turkish and certified by the Turkish consulate or embassy in that country if this country did not sign the Hague Charter on October 5, 1961. If she is a signatory of this charter, the power of attorney does not need to be certified by the Turkish consulates, provided that the explanation includes the phrase (Convention de La Haye du Octobre 1961) 

How long does the process of buying a property in Turkey in new projects take and receiving the title deed?

The purchase process begins with organizing a business visit for the buyer to Turkey to see the project and sign the purchase contract with the construction company, and a period of two days is sufficient to finish this initial step, as for registering the property in the name of the buyer, it takes between 5 to 30 days, so it is sometimes necessary to come to Turkey twice once to sign The purchase contract and again to receive the title deed of the property that has been completed 

How is the buying process generally done in Turkey

After paying the reservation fee, a contract will be signed between the seller and the buyer. This will give details of the completed date, payment schedule and terms and conditions. When this is signed by all parties, you will pay the down payment. Then you apply for a security clearance to allow you to own real estate in Turkey – this stage is often completed for you by the construction company on your behalf. You can sign a power of attorney to complete the signing of all necessary papers, if your circumstances require it

Can you appoint a person to run real estate matters in Turkey

Yes, by delegating a legal agency through the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country, or through the notary public if he wants to give the agency from inside Turkey.

What are the property purchase taxes

The value of the property registration and transfer tax is 4% of the property price paid only once (usually distributed equally between the seller and the buyer), and if the purchase was made from a real estate company, an additional 18% sales tax may be borne by the buyer

Turkey Real estate FAQ

Citizenship

Can I obtain Turkish citizenship?

Yes, a foreigner can obtain Turkish citizenship in several ways, including buying a property in Turkey, provided that the purchase of the property is after the date 12/1/2017

How much is the minimum value of the property required to be purchased to obtain Turkish citizenship?

The property purchased between 01/12/2017 and 09/18/2018 must have a value of at least $ 1 million.
The property purchased on 09/19/2018 and later must have a value of at least $ 250,000.

How is the price of the purchased property evaluated to apply for Turkish citizenship?

The property value evaluation report must be obtained, provided that it is certified by the Turkish government approved evaluation institutions.

How long is the acceptable time to prepare a real estate appraisal report?

The date of preparing the property evaluation report must not exceed a period of 3 months from the date of the application. The report is valid until the end of the procedures for applying for Turkish citizenship.

Can I record the value of the property with the Tapu at a price lower than its real price to reduce taxes?

The value of the property registered with the tapu cannot be less than the value recorded in the evaluation report, and in the event that there is a difference between the two values, the property will be refused to obtain Turkish citizenship

How is the dollar exchange rate calculated when paying for the property?

The dollar exchange rate will be calculated according to the official rate on the date of purchase, according to the Turkish Central Bank’s price bulletin.

Could the property price be just under $ 250,000?

This is not possible at all, but the value of the property must be slightly greater than the value specified in the executive regulations in order for the procedures for applying for Turkish citizenship to proceed properly.

Can I pay for the property in cash?

This is not possible, all financial payments from the buyer to the seller must be according to documented bank transfers issued from the buyer’s account to the seller’s account.

How is the full payment of the property value verified?

You will be required to present transfer receipts confirming bank transfers between the buyer and seller, from the sending bank and from the receiving bank.

Can I buy a property from my non-Turkish brother or friend and apply for Turkish citizenship?

It is not possible to buy the property from a foreigner, you must buy the property from a Turkish person or from a Turkish company, as for real estate purchased from foreigners, it will not benefit you in applying for Turkish citizenship.

I have a property that I bought before the citizenship law was issued in Turkey, can I assign ownership of this property and transfer it to the name of my wife or one of my children, then buy it back from them to apply for Turkish citizenship?

No, it is not permissible to sell a property or assign it and then buy it back after the date 12/01/2017 even if it is from the wife or one of the children, and this will not entitle you to apply for Turkish citizenship regardless of the value of the property.

Can I buy a property in installments to apply for Turkish citizenship?

The amounts paid will be calculated only from the value of the property, and in the event of installments or mortgage payments, unpaid amounts will not be calculated. Therefore, the value of the paid installments must exceed 250 thousand dollars in order to be able to apply for Turkish citizenship in exchange for a property purchased in installments.

If I obtain Turkish citizenship after purchasing the property, will my wife and children get Turkish citizenship with me as well?

Yes, the wife and children under 18 years of age obtain Turkish citizenship when applying within the same file as the owner of the property.

If I obtain Turkish citizenship after purchasing the property, will my wife and children get Turkish citizenship with me as well?

Yes, the wife and children under 18 years of age obtain Turkish citizenship when applying within the same file as the owner of the property.

Is it possible to buy more than one property to apply for Turkish citizenship?

Yes, it is possible to buy several real estate, provided that all the real estate documents are submitted together, and that the total value is more than 250 thousand dollars on the date of submitting the application.

If all the conditions are met, is it certain that I will get Turkish citizenship?

The Turkish government studies the file of each investor, and based on the security study of his file, the decision to grant citizenship is taken independently for each application, and the decision is issued if it is approved by the Presidency of the Republic.

Can I buy any residential or commercial property to apply for Turkish citizenship?

Yes, you can buy any property you choose, provided that its value exceeds $ 250,000, whether it is an apartment, villa, commercial store or any other property in Turkey.

How long does it take to obtain Turkish citizenship in return for buying a property?

45 to 120 days, is the period specified for completing the procedures for obtaining Turkish citizenship, from the beginning of the transaction, meaning the delivery of the required documents in full to the Turkish government, until their signature by the President of the Republic who has the authority to approve the granting of Turkish citizenship.

I have a property that I previously bought, can I apply for Turkish citizenship?

If the date of purchasing the property was before the date of 01/12/2017, it is not possible to apply for Turkish citizenship.
If the purchase date is after 01/12/2017 until 09/18/2018, the property must be worth at least $ 1 million

If the purchase date is after 09/19/2018, the property must be worth at least $ 250,000.

After obtaining Turkish citizenship in return for a real estate investment, will I be called up for compulsory military service in Turkey?

If you obtain Turkish citizenship after the age of 22 years, you will be exempt from military service in Turkey.

If I obtain Turkish citizenship in return for buying a property, how can my children who are over 18 years old get Turkish citizenship with me?

A separate file can be submitted for each son of 18 years of age to obtain Turkish citizenship in exchange for his own real estate investment, and the same conditions must be applied in full.

Can I retain my original nationality after obtaining Turkish citizenship in return for buying a property?

Yes, of course, you can retain both nationalities, there are no requirements related to renouncing your original nationality when obtaining Turkish citizenship.

Can I authorize another person to submit the citizenship file and follow the procedures in my place?

Yes, you can work as an agency at the Turkish embassy in your country, or at a notary public in Turkey, for anyone you choose to follow up the procedures on your behalf.

If I buy a property for the purpose of applying for Turkish citizenship, can I rent it?

Yes, the property can be rented. The important thing is that you keep its ownership and not sell it for only 3 years.

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