What do foreigners who want to buy a house in Turkey need to know?

According to Article 35 of Land Registry Law No. 2644, foreigners can buy a home in Turkey provided they comply with
the legal restrictions. Foreigners do not need a residence permit in Turkey to purchase a property. In Article 35 of
the relevant law, the restrictions on the purchase of housing by foreigners are indicated with the following
expressions:

"Provided that the legal restrictions are complied with, foreign nationals who are citizens of the countries
designated by the President of the Republic in cases where international bilateral relations and the interests of
the country so require, may acquire real estate and limited rights in rem in Turkey. The total amount of real estate
and limited rights in rem of an independent and permanent nature acquired by foreign real estate owners shall not
exceed ten percent of the district area subject to private ownership and 30 hectares per person throughout the
country."

Foreign nationals who wish to purchase a house in Turkey should obtain the following information prior to the purchase process:

It is necessary to find out which citizens of the country can buy real estate in Turkey by contacting the General
Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Foreign Affairs Department), Land Registry Offices or
Embassies/Consulates of the Republic of Turkey.
You must make sure that the residence to be purchased is within the boundaries of the military security zone. You
can obtain this information by asking the authorized body at the Land Registry Directorate. If the property is
within the boundaries of the security zone, it is not possible to sell houses to foreigners.
After finding out about the restrictions on the purchase of real estate by foreigners in Turkey, the sale
transaction can be completed.

What procedures do foreigners have to follow when buying a house?

Foreigners who wish to buy a house in Turkey must first make an appointment to transfer the title deed. Online
appointments can be made through the appointment system of the Land Registry Office of the General Directorate of
Land Registration and Cadastre. Appointments can be made by calling 181 in the country and +90 312 593 99 00 from
abroad.

• Property deed


• Identity card or passport (The translation of these documents can be requested if necessary.)


• Real estate market certificate issued by the municipality


• Insurance policy for compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK)


• Real estate appraisal report


• It is also essential to obtain a real estate appraisal report. The real estate appraisal report is valid for 3
  months from the date of its issuance. The appraisal report, which indicates the value of the property at the
  time of purchase, must also be registered in the TAKBİS online system of the General Directorate for Land
  Registration and Cadastre.


• If the power of attorney is to be processed, the genuine and certified copy of the power of attorney issued
  abroad is required.


• If one of the parties does not speak Turkish, it is obligatory to carry out the transactions with a sworn
  translator.

What do foreign nationals need to consider when buying a house?

Foreign nationals who wish to buy a property in Turkey should pay attention to the following points:

• It should be found out if the house to be purchased has a situation that prevents it from being sold, such as a
  mortgage or foreclosure. This information can be obtained from the General Directorate of Land Registry and
  Cadastre.


• You should make an agreement with a trustworthy brokerage firm.


• If there is a dispute between the parties regarding the sale of a property, a lawsuit must be filed in the
  courts of the Republic of Turkey.


• Concluding a preliminary purchase agreement in the presence of a notary is not sufficient for a sale
  transaction. Official transactions must be carried out in the land registry offices.


• The fee for the title deed, which must be paid when purchasing an flat, must be paid by the buyer and the
  property owner.