Natalie Every month, we receive enquiries that ask standard questions like where foreigners buy property in Turkey, can they purchase property, is Turkish property a wise investment, and how to buy it. We understand that our clients want to know that their real estate investment is safe, and we encourage everyone to ask as many questions as possible. After all, home buyers can never have too much knowledge.
However, rest assured that you are not venturing into unknown grounds here. Every year, foreigners buy roughly 50,000 properties in Turkey, either apartments or villas, and some purchase land. Foreign nationals include Brits, Germans, Russians, Asians, Europeans, and Middle Eastern nationalities. All these people receive their title deeds and can look forward to either a holiday or a permanent home in Turkey. So with that in mind, let’s start answering those common questions.
About Buying Property in Turkey
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Turkey if you have a passport and cash. Out of all nationalities, only five cannot, and they are Syrians, North Koreans, Cubans, Nigerians, and Armenians. Foreigners can buy up to 30 hectares in Turkey and only buy within official municipality boundaries. Additionally, restrictions mean they cannot buy or rent within official military zones.
Is it Safe to Buy Property?
Yes, it is safe and, in most cases, a healthy real estate investment; however, property buyers in Turkey must follow legal registry guidelines. Therefore, if you choose us as your real estate agent, we walk you through every buying step and ensure you are knowledgeable and your investment is safe.
- Always Use a solicitor to complete the title deed application (Your lawyer will also make other checks with the land registry office.)
- Get contracts in Turkey notarised
- Only Use a Licensed Estate company
- Check there is a legal habitation certificate
- Research local property markets
- Remember, cash sales in Turkey for a property are Illegal – Additionally, foreign buyers must pay in Turkish lira via transfer through Central Bank. Never hand money over in-person to a real estate business or seller. Always use a Turkish bank account and follow legal property procedures.
*Note: The property process includes other regulations like obtaining a value certificate, tax, and building licenses, and can differ for mortgage or cash property buyers, off-plan properties, as well as foreign nationals applying for Turkish citizenship by real estate investment. When you work with us, we explain everything according to the specifics of your property purchase.
Good Reasons to Buy Property in Turkey
- Low land property prices for buying real estate
- Excellent quality for new build and off-plan homes.
- Easy property buying process that can be completed in Turkey as little as seven days
- Can apply for Turkish citizenship on purchases over $400,000
- Low maintenance, and upkeep costs
- Excellent weather, culture, and hospitality of Turkey
- Upgraded infrastructure and transport network of Turkey
How to invest in real estate in Turkey
- Sort your finances out. Don’t forget buying costs
- Find your dream home or land by searching our Turkey property portfolio here
- Please email us for more information about buying or to arrange viewing trips
- Pay a deposit and employ a solicitor
- Open a Turkish bank account and obtain a Turkish tax number
- Arrange for notarised contracts.
- Make the final cash transaction, sign for your title deeds (tapu), obtain the keys and move in
Where do Foreigners Buy Property in Turkey?
Bodrum Peninsula: Packed with history and beautiful landscapes, the popular tourist hotspot of Bodrum attracts Turks and many different nationalities. This location in Aegean, Turkey, emphasises everything a dream life should. The Bodrum peninsula covers 253 square miles and features beautiful beaches, traditional culture, stunning architecture, maritime harbours, marinas, and ancient castle; however, hedonistic lifestyle vibes cemented Bodrum’s reputation throughout Turkey for lifestyle and pleasure.
Designer boutiques, local and international cafes, restaurants, and bars have attracted spiritual and artistic social circles for years. Rich and famous business executives and celebrities also flock. Good reasons to invest in Bodrum are plentiful, proving that this peninsula of Turkey accommodates every type of lifestyle and social class. Places to invest in real estate within Bodrum include Yalikavak, Gumusluk, Torba, and Bodrum town.
The Mediterranean Fethiye Region: Fethiye in Turkey’s Mugla covers 2,955.08 square kilometres and attracts holidaymakers, holiday home buyers and those who want to live in Turkey all year round. The Fethiye region stretches inland for over seven miles, with many pretty villages and towns. Calis features an impressive coastal promenade boasting incredible views and is known throughout Turkey for sunset scenes.
Kayakoy is where people go to purchase traditional Turkish cottages reflecting Fethiye’s ancient Greek history. People cannot buy in Oludeniz, but many instead look to the nearby villages of Hisaronu and Ovacik. Then, of course, the town centre offers impressive transport, shopping, nightlife, and banking facilities. Some people buy affordable land in Uzumlu and build their private villas. The Fethiye region presents opportunities for house buyers on every corner.
Istanbul: King of Turkey: Real estate investors flock to Istanbul because the government throws their weight behind new developments to transform their housing market into one of the world’s best, featuring modern architecture with ultra-modern living. Foreign nationals receive favourable exchange rates, interest-free long-term payment plans, government incentives, Turkish real estate citizenship, and tighter buying procedures. So naturally, property for sale in Istanbul varies dramatically depending on infrastructure and existing neighbourhood reputations.
Bosphorus property is highly sought after, but its prices are some of Turkey’s most expensive. Some owners only disclose selling prices once interested parties prove their financial net worth. Outskirt neighbourhoods, both new and old, feature contemporary, modern housing complexes emphasising Turkish architectural styles and lucrative returns on investment, especially for off-plan properties. Most include shared communal facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, landscaped gardens, and kid’s playgrounds. Some places like Beylikduzu, Esenyurt, Sancaktepe, Kucukcekmece. Sisli and Kagithane receive more attention than others.
Majestic Bursa: Investors like property in Bursa because of the potential capital appreciation and healthy rental returns. Home buyers who want city pads enjoy summer and winter tourism markets. Bursa is close to Istanbul, the king of Turkey, and buyers get more value for money. Osmangazi Bridge makes getting to Istanbul easy for tourists, city workers and property purchasers. International flights are frequent to Bursa, and some foreigners prefer to fly to Istanbul and then onto Bursa by ferry or car.
Alanya on the Southern Coast: In most cases, home buyers in the country often choose the Mahmutlar neighbourhood, but other choices include Avsallar, Oba, Kestel, and Tosmur. Apartments sit on large, lifestyle complexes featuring communal facilities like a swimming pool, gym, sauna, and onsite bars, and styles include duplexes, penthouses, and ground floor apartments. Additionally, private villas for sale feature a swimming pool and garden. You expect modern architecture, stylish décor and design, and an ideal investment in the country regardless of what you buy. Of course, not everyone wants to rent their home out. Still, many foreigners recoup their residence investments with healthy rental returns by using excellent rental office companies.
Antalya City Centre: Residence properties in the Antalya area are affordable, and who doesn’t want to own their piece of Mediterranean sun in Turkey? What does Antalya have to offer? Apart from beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking views along palm-fringed shores, expect 300 days of sunshine, hot, dry summers, and mild winters. Shopping social scenes throughout the area feature modern malls, traditional local markets, designer boutiques, and Turkish and international brand name shops. Throw in historical sites, museums, art and culture, festivals and events, and mouth-watering cuisine for a perfect destination to own property. There is just about everything your heart desires in this fabulous city and area.
Prestigious Kalkan: This lovely old fishing town between Kas and Fethiye in Mediterranean Turkey is famous for its whitewashed houses with stunning bougainvillaea. There is so much to do in and around the Kalkan area for cultural stimulation, including historical sites like Tlos and Kekova. Kalkan is close to many ancient Lycian sites and other places of interest. Another great day out is traditional Elmali in the Taurus Mountain range to see how Turkish life was like over 100 years ago. Also, visit Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest canyon. Investors and holiday home buyers choose this town for its beauty and proximity to Fethiye. Buy property in Kalkan for a home base and be close enough to lively Fethiye to enjoy spending time there.
Do You Get a Residency When Buying Property in Turkey?
On occasions, our foreign house buyers think residency and property ownership are connected. Of course, this question is understandable since having residence in Turkey makes life so much easier. However, residency and real estate purchases are separate. People can rent property in Turkey and get residency. Additionally, owning property does not automatically entitle residency permits in the country. Everyone who wants to stay longer than 90 days in Turkey must undergo application processes regardless of purchasing. (A guide about property, the citizenship by investment program and living in Turkey.)
More About Turkey
So, we hope we answered your question about where foreigners buy property in Turkey and gave lots of helpful information and advice at the same time. If you want to chat with an agent, contact our office today, or follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with services and news about property in the country of Turkey.
