According to Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644, foreign nationals can buy a house in Turkey, provided that they comply with legal restrictions. Foreigners are not required to have a residence permit in Turkey to purchase real estate. Article 35 of the relevant law states the limitations for foreigners to buy a house as follows:
“Real persons of foreign nationality who are citizens of countries determined by the President of the Republic in terms of international bilateral relations and in cases where the interests of the country require it, may acquire immovable property and limited real rights in Turkey, provided that the legal restrictions are complied with. The total area of immovables and limited real rights in rem of independent and permanent nature acquired by real persons of foreign nationality cannot exceed ten percent of the area of the district subject to private property and thirty hectares per person throughout the country.”
What should foreigners who want to buy a house in Turkey know?
Foreign nationals who want to buy a house in Turkey should obtain the following information before the sale process:
The General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (Department of Foreign Affairs) and Land Registry Offices or Embassies/Consulates of the Republic of Turkey should be consulted to find out which country citizens can purchase real estate in Turkey.
It should be confirmed that the house you wish to buy is not within the borders of the military security zone. This information can be obtained by the Land Registry Office by asking the authorized command. If the real estate is within the borders of the security zone, the sale of houses to foreigners cannot be realized.
After obtaining information about the restrictions imposed on the purchase of real estate by foreigners in Turkey, the sale transaction can be realized.
What are the Procedures Foreigners Must Perform When Buying a House?
Foreign nationals who want to buy a house in Turkey must first make an appointment to realize the title deed transfer process. Online appointments can be made through the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre Land Registry Appointment System. Appointments can be made by calling 181 from Turkey and +90 312 593 99 00 from abroad. The documents required for real estate sales to foreign nationals are as follows:
Real estate title deed
Identity document or passport (Translation of these documents may be requested if necessary)
Real estate value certificate from the municipality
Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (TCIP) policy
Real estate valuation report
A real estate appraisal report is also required. The real estate appraisal report is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. The appraisal report stating the value of the real estate at the time of purchase must also be registered in the online TAKBIS system of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.
If the transaction is to be made with a power of attorney, the original and certified copy of the power of attorney issued abroad is required.
If one of the parties does not speak Turkish, the transactions must be carried out with a sworn translator.
What Should Foreign Nationals Pay Attention to When Buying a House?
Foreign nationals who wish to purchase real estate in Turkey should pay attention to the following issues:
It should be found out whether the house to be purchased has any obstacles to sale such as mortgage or lien. This information can be obtained from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.
An agreement should be made with an intermediary company that is sure of its reliability.
If there is a dispute between the parties regarding the sale of real estate, a lawsuit must be filed in the courts of the Republic of Turkey.
Execution of a sales promise agreement before a notary public is not sufficient for the sale. Official transactions must be carried out at the land registry offices.
The title deed fee to be paid in house purchase transactions is paid by the buyer and the real estate owner.
