According to Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644, foreign nationals can buy houses in Turkiye, provided that they comply with legal restrictions. Foreigners are not required to have a residence permit in Turkiye to purchase real estate. Article 35 of the relevant law includes the following restrictions on foreigners purchasing a house:
Provided that legal restrictions are complied with, real persons of foreign nationality who are citizens of countries determined by the President can acquire real estate and limited real rights in Turkiye in cases required by international bilateral relations and the interests of the country. The total amount of immovable properties and limited real rights of an independent and permanent nature acquired by real persons of foreign nationality "The area cannot exceed ten percent of the privately owned district's surface area and thirty hectares per capita throughout the country.
Foreigners who wish to buy a house in Turkiye should be aware of the following:
- Legal Regulations:
- Foreigners in Turkiye can purchase real estate up to 30 hectares.
- The property to be purchased cannot be within military security zone boundaries.
- Preparation of necessary documents for title transfer is required.
- Taxes and fees are paid during the purchase process.
- Purchase Process:
- Working with a real estate consultant
- Property Search
- Assessment of the situation
- Offer and negotiation
- Sales contract
- Title transfer
- Residence Permit:
- Foreigners with property valued at $250,000 or above can apply for a residence permit.
What are the procedures that foreigners must take when purchasing a house?
Foreign nationals wishing to purchase real estate in Turkiye must first make an appointment to complete the title transfer process. Appointments can be made online through the Land Registry and Cadastre General Directorate's Tapu Appointment System. Appointments can also be made by calling +90 312 593 99 00 for domestic calls or from abroad.
The documents required for foreign nationals to carry out real estate sales transactions are as follows:
- Real estate title deed
- Identity card or passport (Translation may be required if requested.)
- Real estate valuation certificate obtained from the municipality
- Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
- Real estate appraisal report
Additionally, obtaining a real estate appraisal report is mandatory. The real estate appraisal report is valid for a period of 3 months from the date of issuance. It is also necessary to register the appraisal report indicating the value of the property to be purchased in the online TAKBİS system of the Land Registry and Cadastre General Directorate.
If the transaction will be conducted with a power of attorney, the original and authenticated copy of the power of attorney issued abroad is required.
If one of the parties does not speak Turkish, the transactions must be conducted with a sworn translator.
The points that foreign nationals should pay attention to when buying real estate in Turkiye:
- It should be determined whether the property to be purchased has any encumbrances such as mortgage or seizure. This information can be obtained from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.
- An agreement should be made with a reliable intermediary firm. In case of a dispute regarding the real estate sale, a lawsuit must be filed in the courts of the Republic of Turkiye.
- Signing a preliminary sales contract before a notary is not sufficient for the sale. Official procedures must be carried out at the Land Registry Directorate.
- The title deed fee, which must be paid during the property purchase process, is paid by the buyer and the real estate owner.