Turkey Property UK

The process of buying property in Turkey

With Turkey Property UK, buying a property in Turkey is a straight forward process. From our UK and Turkish offices, we will provide you with full guidance at every stage of the process according to your requirements.

A summary of the buying process

Once you have made the decision to go ahead with the purchase of a property, it is theoretically possible to do so without the use of a lawyer as everything can be handled through the local Land Registry Office. However, we will only sell a property in conjunction with a lawyer who will ensure your interests are fully represented throughout the entire purchasing process. We have established relationships with English speaking lawyers who are experienced in representing British clients and we will introduce you to their independent services according to your requirements. On a new build property you will normally pay a reservation fee of around £2,000 and then a deposit of up to 30% thirty days later. This can vary according to the developer, most of whom will then offer stage payments, the details of which will be agreed at the time of the purchase.

Your lawyer will carry out necessary title checks and ensure a contract is drawn up in English between the seller and the purchaser detailing the agreed terms and conditions of the purchase. This is checked thoroughly by all parties before signing and is also signed by a witness, before the deposit is paid.

Purchasers will visit the Notary's office where passport details are translated and a copy of their passports is taken. The office works in association with the Aegean army who will perform a background check on all foreign nationals buying property in Turkey, to ensure there is no record of criminal activity and that the property is not near to or intended for military operations.

In the case of new build property, location checks will be carried out to confirm dwelling permission has been granted. Your lawyer will carry out pre-completion checks and then you (or your appointed Power of Attorney) and the vendor will sign a deed of transfer in front of an officer at the Land Registry office. You are then recorded as the official owner and title deeds are issued.

All the properties we sell in Turkey are what we would refer to in the UK as Freehold.

Typical costs associated with your purchase

As a rough guide, you can expect to add 5 to 10% to the selling price of your property to cover legal, notary and translation fees, Army applications, Turkish property purchase tax (3%), mandatory insurances, utility connections and agency fees. The precise associated costs will be advised and fully explained at the time of your purchase.

Additional costs

As a general guideline you can expect to pay an annual property tax of just 0.3% to the local government (municipality). This is collected from the owner and properties are subject to revaluation every year for tax purposes. In addition a small community tax is payable generally twice yearly for local services such as the collection of rubbish and the upkeep of public areas.

There are numerous insurance companies offering comprehensive annual cover and premiums are reasonable. We of course advise clients to insure their properties and can recommend good companies for buildings, contents and medical insurance. Earthquake insurance is mandatory in Turkey and as a guide will cost £50 to £100. The cost of furnishing your property will of course, vary according to its size. As a rough guide allow from £5,000 to £10,000 for an average sized property. Many developers will offer their own furnishing options and we are happy point out the best furniture shops to our clients wishing to make their own arrangements.