Buying a House in Turkey

Buying a House in Turkey - What, Where, How?

What can you buy?

The total area of land a foreign national or company can buy cannot exceed 2.5 hectares. Foreign nationals are also not allowed to buy more than 10% of a town’s total area, although this ratio can be reduced on a town by town basis by the Council of Ministers (taking into account a town’s specific infrastructure etc...)

Where can you buy?

Foreign nationals are allowed to buy property in any area covered by an Implementary Development Plan (“Uygulama Imar Plani” in Turkish) or a Local Development Plan. HOWEVER, foreign nationals or foreign companies cannot buy properties in those areas classed as military, strategic and security zones in Turkey. In addition, The Council of Ministers can also designate specific zones as strategically important to energy, agriculture, mining, history, cultural values, biological fauna and national security, and foreign nationals or companies will not be able to buy property here either.

What does this mean?

In a nutshell, it means your local TAPU (Land Registry) office first has to check if your potential property sits within a forbidden zone; only if the military authorities confirm it sits outside of these zones, will your application be accepted.

Word of warning: This can take a considerable amount of time!          

It is advisable to hire an English-speaking solicitor (or one who speaks your native language) before you attempt to buy in Turkey. If necessary, you may also need to hire a translator. While the Turkish real estate agents will tell you buying in Turkey is easier than in your own country, a quick look at any of the Turkish forums on the web will show you people’s complaints about the system. You need a professional to help you through the process.

How to find your new home in Turkey

There is no officially recommended list of real estate agents in Turkey as it is not a regulated industry. Some emlaks – real estate agents – are better than others. You can find real estate agents via search engines, or if you visit/ live in the town of your choice. It is also worth asking around for personal recommendations – a good emlak can make a big difference to your experience of buying a house in Turkey. If you do not know people to ask face-to-face, ask for advice on the various forums on the internet. 

1.	How to buy a house, property or land in Turkey... tips and advice for foreign nationals.
2.	Countries with Reciprocal Property Rights with Turkey
3.	Buying a House in Turkey - What, Where, How?
4.	Step by Step Guide to Buying a House in Turkey
5.	10 Tips for Buying a House in Turkey
6.	10 Fast Facts About Buying a House in Turkey

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