Select one of the frequently asked questions below to learn more about buying, selling, and renting real estate. Also, begin to think about important things to consider when diving into your real estate search.
Can foreigners purchase Property in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can purchase Property in Turkey.
Citizens of which countries are allowed to purchase a real estate in Turkey?
Citizens of all countries can purchase, except citizens of Syria, Armenia and North Korea.
What is TAPU?
In Turkey the Tittle Deed for an immoveable property is called TAPU.
Can I add my spouse’s and kids’ name in the Tittle Deed?
Yes, you can even add your parents name.
Can I purchase property without having residence permit?
Yes, you can.
Can I get residence permit (ikamet izni) after purchasing real estate in Turkey?
Yes, as long as you hold the property you can get residence permit for one year (renewable) for yourself and your dependent family members.
How can I get residency in Turkey?
The safest and easiest way is to consult our expert immigration lawyers for residency matters.
Can I get Turkish citizenship if I purchase property in Turkey?
Yes, You can get Turkish citizenship upon purchasing property based on two conditions;
- If you purchase property worth minimum USD 250,000.
- If you purchase a valuable property and hold it till 3 years. (it has special terms and conditions)
For further information on how to get Turkish citizenship, please click here.
Shall I buy property in Asian Side or European side of Istanbul?
Both Asian and European sides of Istanbul are good for investment and living. It depends on your lifestyle. Foreigners mostlyprefers European side of Istanbul due to its historical and touristic attractions. European side is also considered as the commercial center of Istanbul.
Should I invest in Istanbul or other cities in Turkey?
It mostly depends on your lifestyle, are you purchasing property for leisure? for family relocation? for business purpose? Or for investment purposes? The answer to these questions will determine your investment location. However, Istanbul mainly is the most favorable city by foreigners and it is also the major, the most developed and diverse city of Turkey.
Can I buy property on installments?
Yes, you can. Each developer have their own installment plans, please contact us to learn the payment plans for specific projects.
Should i buy New Home or Second Hand Home?
This is really just a matter of preference, but both newer and older homes offer distinct advantages, depending upon your unique taste and lifestyle.
Older homes can generally cost less than new homes, however, there are many cases where new homes can also cost less than older homes.
Taxes on some older homes may also be higher. Some people are charmed by the elegance of an older home but shy away because they’re concerned about potential maintenance costs. Consider a home warranty to get the peace of mind you deserve. A new Home protects you against unexpected repairs on many home systems and appliances for a full year or more after you move in.
In a new house, you have the latest and modern, flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, custom wiring for TV, electrical, computers, phones and speakers, etc., as well as have more upgrade options. Modern features like media rooms, extra-large closets and extra-large bathrooms and tubs. In a used home, you rely largely on the previous resident”s tastes and technological whims, unless you plan to farm thousands into a remodeling and rewiring.
New-home designers use new building materials such as glazed Energy Star windows, thicker insulation and other technology that will lower future energy costs for the owner. Most new homes have minimum energy-efficiency requirements. Kitchens and laundry areas in new homes are designed to house more efficient energy-saving appliances. Older homes, unless they have undergone an energy retrofit, usually cost much more per square foot to air-condition and heat.
Builders have to follow very strict guidelines in new-homes and additions, especially in the major cities of Turkey, where earthquake safety standards must be observed. In general, new homes are usually more fire-safe and better accommodating of new security and garage-door systems.
Older homes can be better judged for their quality and timeless beauty. New homes that now possess a smooth veneer might reveal the use of substandard building materials or shoddy workmanship over time.
As you can see there are advantages and dis-advantages to each, but it really comes down to what fits you and what you are looking for in a home.
How long does it take to get TAPU?
If you purchase property by cash you will most probably get the TAPU in two to three working days. If you are the first foreigner buying property in that project then it may take longer. However, if you are purchasing on installments you will receive TAPU after your instalments are completed.
Can FIN Real Estate buy property on my behalf?
Yes, we can buy property on your behalf but we do not recommend it. We recommend you to come, see the property and decide on the one that suits you best. If you are too much busy we suggest to come for a day to choose the property, pay deposit and give us Power of Attorney. You can leave the country and we will handle all the paperwork here on your behalf.
The prices of properties on your website are including VAT?
Some are including VAT and some are not, please contact us to get the detailed price breakdown of the specific property.
Do I need to pay taxes in Turkey as foreigner?
Yes, you have to pay purchase Taxes, rental income Taxes, and annual property tax. Foreigner and Turkish citizens pay the same amount of Taxes while purchasing or selling property. For further information on Taxes payment please contact us, our expert Tax consultant will provide you detailed information.
Do I need a bank account to purchase property in Turkey?
No you do not need bank account, however if you open an account it would be much better for you. The required documents are; Turkish Tax Number, your passport and any utility bill from your country proving your name & address.
Which currency is accepted for purchasing property?
In order to be transparent, all our properties are advertised in Turkish Liras. You can pay either in Turkish Liras, US Dollars or Euros.
Can I apply for mortgage in Turkey?
Yes, you can get mortgage from a bank or use the developer’s long term payment plans. Please contact us to get detailed information.
Purchasing property by FIN Real Estate Vs Developer?
We advise you to work with a professional, registered and licensed real estate company like FIN Real Estate based on these 6 important facts;
- Developer hire salesmen whose job is just to sell property, however we will provide you professional and honest services during and after sales.
- Developer will never tell you about the problems of their project, however we will tell you the positive and negative parts of the project.
- Dealing with developer will cost you more and waste your time, however by working with us you will save money and time.
- Developer will offer you their standard price list, however we get special offers and discounts from developers.
- Developer will give you one option only, however we will show you the best options available for you in the market.
- Developer is mostly unavailable to answer your questions, however we work for you 12 hours a day and 6 days a week.
How much is the Real Estate agent’s fee in Turkey?
According to the recent amendments in Turkish Real Estate Laws. All Real Estate companies should be registered with Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and should get special license. Rea Estate agent’s fee also reduced by law from 3% (including VAT) each from buyer and seller to 2% (Including VAT) each from buyer and seller separately.
What are the steps to buying property in Turkey?
Following are the major steps;
- Check our website for properties
- Contact us for consultation
- Book date/time for viewing selected properties
- Visit the selected properties with us
- Choose a property, sign reservation contract and pay deposit (depends on payment term of developer)
- Make full payment upon transfer of TAPU (Tittle Deed)
- Congratulation, the home is yours J
How much will it cost me to buy property in Turkey?
We would recommend to budget around 5 – 6% of the total sales price. It includes all the taxes, Notary costs, translation costs, Title Deed expenses, agents fee…etc.
Do you work with all developers in Turkey?
No, we do not work with all developers in Turkey. There are thousands of developers all over Turkey. We work only with trusted, insured by major banks and reputable builders in Turkey. Most of the builders that we work with, have government’s support financially and technically.
Are the prices fixed for properties?
Some of them are fixed and some are not. It mostly depends on the ability of real estate agent to negotiate. At FIN Real Estate we always negotiate with developers to get the best possible offers for our customers.
Do I need to ensure my property?
Yes, there are two types of property insurances in Turkey.
- Compulsory earthquake insurance, which is called DASK in Turkish.
- Private property insurance (optional)
What is promise to sell agreement?
There are three kinds of property sales contract in Turkey
- Property Booking/perseveration contract; this is signed when you pay deposit and reserve the property by your name.
- Actual Sales Agreement; this is basically the TAPU (Tittle Deed). According to Turkish laws the sale of a property can only be completed before the relevant land registry officer with presence of buyer, seller and translator.
- Promise to Sell Agreement; this type of contract is mostly signed when the property is still under construction. And It is ONLY valid when singed before a Notary publish with presence of buyer, seller and translator.
What is property management service?
It is a term widely used for management of properties. For example, if you purchased a property for investment purpose then you must rent it out to make profit. Or if you purchased a vocational property for leisure then you must need someone to take care of it till your next holiday visit.
While it seems easy task but in reality it is not, it needs a dedicated property management consultant to take care of your property while you are away. Make sure that renter is paying rent, utilities and dues are paid on time and to make sure that your vocational property is in its best condition upon your return. For detailed information please click here.
