FAQs about buying property in Turkey

• What are the buying procedures?
• How much are the buying and running costs?
• How much are local taxes?
• What are the rental opportunities?
• Moving to and working in Turkey

What is the general buying process in Turkey?

After paying the reservation fee, your lawyer should carry out the title checks. A contract will be drawn up between the seller and purchaser. This will give details of the completion date, payment schedule and terms and conditions. When this is signed by all parties, the deposit is paid. You then apply for a security clearance to allow you to own a property in Turkey - this will often be applied for on your behalf by the developer. You can sign a Power of Attorney to conclude the necessary paperwork, if your circumstances require it and this must be signed in front of a Notary.

The Government of Turkey issues all title deeds (Kocan) through the Land Registry Office (Tapu) and titles are normally freehold.

Notary - who will take me there? Will they speak English? Will all documents be translated into English?

All customers will be accompanied to the Notary by English speaking staff and all procedures will be explained in full. All documents are in Turkish but a translation of the Power of Attorney is available from us. Any other translations can be arranged with a government approved translator for a small fee.

What documents are required?

Your passport(s) which will be copied and translated into Turkish and passport sized photographs. The notary's office works in conjunction with the title deeds office and the Aegean Army. The translated documents will be checked by the army to ensure there is no record of criminal intent or activity against Turkey and that any property being purchased by a foreigner is not in the proximity to or intended to be used for any military purposes.

Q. Are there any restrictions for foreigners purchasing in Turkey?

Only in rural areas and military zones. PCI Turkey only sells developments that have been pre-vetted and free from restrictions.

After I have received the necessary permission to purchase, what happens next?

Your lawyer should carry out pre-completion checks. Following this, you (or your Power of Attorney) will sign a deed of transfer in front of an officer at the Land Registry, who then records you as the official owner of the property. The property tax is paid at this stage.

How do you get residency, if at all? If not, how long can I stay at any one time?

Residency details are available and is relatively easy to obtain. Prior to obtaining residency, entrance visas must be renewed every 3 months.

What are the normal payment terms?

You will normally pay a £2,000 (€3000) reservation fee and 30% deposit within four weeks. Most developers offer stage payments, often with a degree of flexibility towards your own personal circumstances. This will be agreed at the time of purchase.

What are the normal buying costs

You will pay stamp duty, legal fees, wealth tax and purchase tax. Purchase Tax is only 3% but is sometimes split with the seller, so that you pay 1.5% of the amount shown on the contract.

How much are legal fees?

Most Turkish lawyers can charge a fixed fee of between £500 and £1000 which covers the title search, contract completion and most importantly, the process of obtaining an application to purchase from the government. We can also recommend a UK firm that specialises in this area.

What should I expect to pay in community fees?

This can vary from development to development. Your lawyer should look into this for you.

Are there any ongoing taxes?

State property tax, environmental tax and wealth tax. However, these are relatively low and again your lawyer should be able to advise you.

Are double taxation treaties in place?

Turkey is a signatory to a treaty for the prevention of double taxation with many countries of the world.

What about paying for energy and water supplies if my main home is not in Turkey?

New properties are usually connected to electricity, telephone and water supplies on the completion of the development. The easiest way to pay for your electricity is by direct debit via a bank in Turkey, similar to the UK. Currently all water bills are paid direct to the local Beliediye office, however, arrangements can often be made with the developers regarding payment of utility bills. We can also normally recommend Property Management companies in each area.

Are there any service charges?

Most new developments of villas or apartments that have communal facilities now arrange maintenance contracts and will charge an annual service charge.

What are the holiday letting opportunities?

The Turkish holiday market is growing steadily and there can be a shortage of hotel rooms at peak seasons. The letting market is therefore buoyant and we can offer a management and letting service for our developments that should produce a healthy income.

The main season is from April to October but you may be able to rent over the winter at lower rates. At the height of the summer, you can expect a more than reasonable return.

Please call 01252 376003 for more details

What about furnishing my property?

We can offer furniture options on most developments. Alternatively, there is a wide range of furniture shops for you to explore. You should allow anything from £5,000-£10,000 to furnish an average sized property up to showhouse standard.

Is it necessary to learn the language?

No but as with anywhere in the world, it always brings advantages.

How do the locals treat foreigners who purchase there?

You will find Turkish people extremely hospitable and friendly. There is a family orientated culture in Turkey and children are welcome almost everywhere.

What about schools and colleges?

As a resident, you can send your children to local government or private schools. Both offer a good standard of education. The private schools are international and accommodate pupils from all over the world.

If I move to Turkey, can I take my dog/cat with me?

Yes. You must first obtain a ‘pet passport’ and vet’s documents.

What about the healthcare in terms of the standard and costs?

The standard is generally very good. All foreigners have to pay for medical treatment and there are reciprocal private health plans available from the UK which will be accepted in the private hospitals. You can purchase a health insurance plan in Turkey up to the age of 55 years.

Can I work there?

Yes, but you must obtain a work permit first.

What is the government system in the country?

It is democratically elected as in the UK. Turkey is a very safe country with a relatively low crime rate. Turkey is also one of the five permanent members of NATO.

Is there a good range of banks and are they English speaking?

There are many banks where English is widely spoken, so no worries there. It is easy to open a bank account and you can have both Turkish and English accounts - your choice.

With the right people assisting you, purchasing an overseas property can be an enjoyable and rewarding affair ... one, we at PCI Turkey are familiar with. If you still have questions having read this section, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Some of the information in the information sections has been supplied by third parties, and PCI Turkey and its associated companies cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Professional advice should always be sought at the time of purchase.