If you are a non-resident seeking to buy a house in Turkey, there are a few things you should know before proceeding. This article will show you all you need to know about legal procedures and the important features of Turkey.
Due to its amazing culture, history, natural beauty, and climate, Turkey has long been a desired and preferred destination for many people. As a Mediterranean country, it offers numerous fascinating coasts and areas where everyone wants to reside.
What are the Features of Houses in Turkey?
Turkish history dates back to the history of Central Asia through Asia, all the way to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. That distinct culture has an impact and reflection on the architecture of the houses. From the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic style, there are several types of homes. Turkish homes often feature the following characteristics.
- The shape of the original room: The room is the most essential feature of a Turkish home. Its features have remained mostly unchanged.
- Plan design: The most distinctive plan styles are those with projections and outside or open couches. The distinct feature of these floor plans is the independence of the room divided from the others by couch extensions.
- Buildings with several stories: Plan styles with center couches evolved throughout time. Most residences have at least two stories. The upper level is the primary living space and shows floor plan specifics. The ground floor is often fortified with a high, substantial stone wall. The top level has a view of the street.
- Roof forms: The roof has a basic form with no indents or expansions and is sloped on all four sides. The eaves are both broad and horizontal.
- Building: The timber frame with in-filling material or lathe and plaster is the most basic form of construction.
All of these traits are shared by all houses, regardless of their owners’ socioeconomic position. This home style is analogous to a seal that Turkish culture has imprinted wherever it has been established. It is immediately distinguishable from dwellings of other civilizations.
The room, on the other hand, is the most essential unit in any Turkish home. In each chamber, you may relax, recline, bathe, dine, and even cook. All of the rooms share the same features. The size may fluctuate, but the basic qualities remain constant. These are all about a way of life that hasn’t altered much throughout time. As a result, the room has stayed unchanged.
The layout of a Turkish house is established by arranging the rooms around a sofa. The room is a living unit, with the same shape, size, and features from one to the next. The sofa, on the other hand, may vary in all of its many characteristics. As a result, the sofa in the room is often used to define the house’s style.
When it comes to Turkish home construction, the major building material is wood, and the main building method is typically timber frame. Timber frame building is consistent with Anatolia’s and Thrace’s forest cover, and it is also preferred since these areas are seismically faulted.
Furthermore, this technology allowed for fast building, which fit the demands of an ever-expanding civilization that was constantly on the move. The features of wood construction are also relatively basic for the same reason; simple joints and nailed bindings were favored over complex joint details.
What are the Steps to Buy House in Turkey?
When you decide to buy a house in Turkey, there are several procedures you must complete. You can follow these steps to locate your ideal home in this beautiful Mediterranean country.
1. Research
As the Turkish property market is expanding daily, you need to have an idea. You might watch and read about Turkey to learn about its culture, lifestyle, and home styles.
2. Visit Turkey to Determine Where to Live
First, you must decide where you wish to reside and then purchase a home. You might begin by learning about the locations, culture, and living conditions. In general, international consumers choose Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
For example, you can make research about Izmir, Antalya, Alanya, Kas, and other cities. If you wish to live close to the metropolis of Istanbul as well as the capital city of Ankara, consider the Marmara areas of Bursa and Sakarya.
3. Find the Right Real Estate Agent
As the market expands, there will be more agents available to assist you in finding a home. However, it is critical to locate the proper agent who understands your needs and expectations. As a result, you should look for an experienced representative who is aware of the customer’s requirements.
4. Talk with Real Estate Agent for Your Needs
Spend time chatting with your agent. While it is critical to clear your thoughts and doubts, you must collaborate to create a report outlining the best alternatives for you. It is very important to establish a genuine relationship.
5. Take a Property Inspection Trip in Turkey
You may arrange a property inspection tour to visit and study the locations and properties before making a decision. Realty Group organizes inspection tours to help you understand the fields.
Our real estate experts are ready to assist you with the following excellent services:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel and secure your comfortable stay, then arrange an appointment to see the projects or areas suitable for you. A detailed explanation about Turkey and the city you are interested in buying your property in will be given. You will be provided with all the information you need to know. You will have an answer to any question related to buying real estate, and you will have the chance to compare to choose the best.
- Organize a field visit to the selected projects upon your request and within your budget and other requirements.
- After visiting the projects, our consultants give you their advice to ensure that you choose the best one for you, and they walk you through the process of reserving the property of your choice or signing the contract. -Complete the sale procedures by notarizing the sale contract to protect your rights or obtaining the Title Deed after the sale.
6. Review the House Options
To make a good decision, you must carefully consider all of your options. You may consult with your realtor and research the property, the location, and the neighborhood to learn about their amenities, advantages, and drawbacks. Make sure that you are completely happy with your decision.
7. Bargain
Turkish people like negotiating. You can bargain over the price of the home with the help of your agent.
8. The Property will be Held in Reserve and the Price will be Fixed
After you make your decision, the property will be held in reserve and the price will be fixed by what you agreed upon.
Property reservations in Turkey cost about US$1,130 and are non-refundable. As a reservation deposit, this sum is provided to the vendor.
9. Appoint a Solicitor to Complete the Transaction on Your Behalf Using a Power of Attorney
The simplest approach to buying a home in Turkey is to give power of attorney to a Turkish solicitor to complete the transaction on your behalf. This saves you time and eliminates the need for you to be in the nation during the sales process.
10. Checking the Property One Last Time
After signing the contracts, you should wait a few weeks before proceeding with the purchase. If you choose one, your designated solicitor will conduct all essential examinations on your behalf.
11. You Will be Given the Title Deed
The final step is to register Turkish tapu, often known as a title deed. After all of the paperwork is completed, both parties must follow their contractual responsibilities. You will be given legal paperwork proving that you have a new house in Turkey.
Is Buying a House in Turkey Safe?
Yes, buying a house in Turkey is safe. The first thing you should do is select a competent firm with reputable lawyers. A professional real estate business provides competent lawyers, which is especially important when purchasing a home in another country. Although Turkish law does not force purchasers or sellers to hire a lawyer. As procedures and regulations change from time to time, in each case of a new property, the lawyer will do formal checks to guarantee your investment is safeguarded on paper.
Is It Easy To Buy A House In Turkey?
Yes, buying a house in Turkey is easy. First of all, there are so many options, both in terms of price and location. Houses are cheap, especially in districts such as Beylikduzu, Silivri, and Esenyurt. Turkey offers you other opportunities besides the ease of buying a house according to your budget. For example, citizenship is open to foreigners who buy a house in Turkey. Citizenship is given to foreigners who will buy real estate (such as a house) for at least 400 thousand dollars in Turkey. In other words, by purchasing a house in Turkey, you will both make a profitable investment and become a Turkish citizen. In addition, if you buy a house of 75 thousand dollars or more in Turkey, you can get a 3-year residence permit for yourself and your family on the first application. With this residence permit, children of foreigners can study in Turkey. It is easier for foreigners with a residence permit to find a job, and it is easier to get a work permit within companies.
Is Turkey Cheap to Live in?
Yes, Turkey is cheap to live in. The cost of living in Turkey varies from place to place, but not much, especially in the case of real estate pricing. Renting in Istanbul, for example, is twice as expensive as it is in Adana. Restaurant dinners in Ankara or Istanbul will likely be more expensive than in other cities.
You can add 20% to the typical overall cost of living if you’re going to buy a house in a metropolis like Istanbul Turkey, but other expenditures such as utilities, food shopping, and transportation will be similar.
In terms of the exchange rate of Turkish liras, foreigners earning dollars and euros will find Turkey much more affordable.
Can You Be a Turkish Citizen by Buying House in Turkey?
Yes, you certainly can. Due to the Turkish government’s new regulations on getting Turkish citizenship, it is now much easier to obtain it for you and your family by purchasing one or more homes worth at least US$400,000.
What are the Conditions for Foreigners to Buy a House in Turkey?
Foreign nationals can purchase immovables such as residences, workplaces, land, and fields in Turkey, provided that they comply with the restrictions specified in the law. An error to be made at any stage during the purchasing process may have consequences for the foreigner. For this reason, foreigners must act by taking into account the things to be considered while buying real estate in Turkey, and the transactions related to the purchase should be carried out with the help of an experienced lawyer. The conditions for foreigners to buy a house in Turkey are very important and there are some basic issues to be considered in this process:
- The first thing that the foreigner should pay attention to when buying a house in Turkey is whether there is a situation that will prevent the house from being sold, such as a mortgage or foreclosure. Buying a mortgaged or foreclosed house can lead to a great loss of rights. Information on this subject can be obtained from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.
- If the foreigner is going to carry out transactions with an intermediary company while buying a house, the reliability of this company is very important. Legal advice should be sought from a lawyer on this matter.
- The zoning status of the house to be purchased should be questioned.
- The authority of the owner and seller of the house to be purchased should be checked. Attention should be paid to the fact that these transactions are carried out with fake power of attorney.
- Promising sales contracts concluded only in the presence of a notary public are not sufficient for sales. Official procedures should be carried out by the necessary procedures in the land registry offices.
- Foreigners do not need to have a residence permit to purchase real estate in Turkey.
- After the foreigner has made an application to buy real estate in Turkey, this application may result in rejection. In this case, the person can file an objection application to the Regional Directorate to which the Land Registry Office is affiliated.
Documents Required for Foreigners to Buy Real Estate in Turkey:
Foreigners who want to buy real estate in Turkey must first make an application for this. This application is made to the Land Registry Office. The documents that should be included in the applications made by real persons can be listed as follows:
- Identity and passport of the foreigner
- Fair value certificate for the real estate planning to be purchased
- Housing, workplace, etc. of the real estate.
- Earthquake insurance policy
- Title deed of the real estate
- Photo of seller and buyer
- If the purchase will be made with a power of attorney made abroad, the original, certified copy and translation of this power of attorney.
Who can Buy Property in Turkey?
Aside from five countries (Syria, Armenia, North Korea, Nigeria, and Cuba), any global citizen can purchase property in Turkey. Some nations, such as Iran and Palestine, need authorization from the interior ministry before making a purchase.
Where Should You Buy House in Turkey?
In Turkey, especially in Istanbul Property, there are many excellent places to buy a home. Here is a list of the best cities to live in Turkey.
- Izmir
- Istanbul
- Antalya
- Alanya
- Bursa
- Sakarya
- Bodrum
What are the Best Real Estate Agents in Turkey?
There are plenty of real estate agents available in Turkey. You can find these agents below.
- Skyturk Property: Sky Property was started to help businesses and people who want to buy or invest in real estate in Turkey get help from experts. Sky Property is a well-known real estate investment company with a well-known staff. Furthermore, our services are known for their trustworthiness, specialization, and high quality, among other things.
- Intro Property: At Intro Property Istanbul, their main goal is to provide honest and straightforward legal and real-estate consulting services. They do this by getting to know their client’s needs and finding projects from the most trusted developers in Turkey, as well as after-sale services, like renting your home or selling it, to getting residency in Turkey.
- Ultra Property: With its experienced management staff, and youthful, dynamic, and professional workforce, Ultra Property is a local firm established to give the most guaranteed projects in Turkey at the best pricing and finest quality service.
- Realty Group: Realty Group has been the most professional real estate market leader in Turkey since 2009. We have the expertise, knowledge, and most importantly, enthusiasm to guide you through the correct decision of your property, whether you are buying, selling, investing, property management, finance, after-sale services, or gaining Turkish Citizenship. With over +11 years of experience and a reputation built on customer satisfaction, we are proud to say that over 73 percent of our new client base comes from referral clients who have not only achieved success through us but also had a hassle-free and stress-free experience buying properties in Turkey. Realty Group is the home of passionate, motivated, and highly qualified sales specialists who are committed to exceeding our client’s expectations. Due to our independence and involvement in the real estate market, we can expand our serviceability and marketing options to our customers. We like what we do, which is why we strive to be active and inventive in our approach to real estate. We welcome new technology and are constantly looking for more effective and efficient methods to perform our business. At Realty Group, we want you to be happy with your choice of real estate advisor, therefore we are devoted to exceeding your expectations in every element of our business.
What is the Cost of Buying a House in Turkey?
When buying real estate in Turkey, there are additional costs such as title deed fees, valuation reports, TCIP insurance, subscriptions, and translation fees, in addition to the real estate sales price. Also, there are extra fees such as notary fees for sales that require power of attorney, and interest fees for sales on credit. These will be paid in addition to the house fee. The total amount depends on the house you will buy.
How to Buy Real Estate in Turkey?
Real persons of foreign nationality may purchase real estate to be used as a workplace or residence in Turkey, provided that it is mutual and legal restrictions are complied with. According to the law, the first condition for a foreign person to acquire real estate in Turkey is reciprocity. The determination of reciprocity is based on the legal and actual situation. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey to the country of the foreign person, what rights and what limitations they are subject to when buying real estate; The foreign person also has the same rights and is subject to the same limitations when acquiring real estate in Turkey. The maximum amount of real rights limited to real estate that foreign real persons can acquire throughout Turkey is 2.5 hectares. These persons, based on central districts and districts, may acquire real rights limited to immovable in up to ten percent of the total area within the boundaries of the implementation development plan.
Application and method followed: To buy real estate, it is necessary to apply to the Land Registry Directorate of the district where that real estate is located. Those who want to take action against the Land Registry Directorates inform the Land Registry Manager about which action they want to take, either in person or through their proxies (representatives), if any their legal representatives (attorney, guardian, trustee). They also submit the necessary documents for that transaction. If the applicants themselves do not know Turkish, they must have a sworn translator with them.
Required documents: The documents required from foreigners to acquire real estate are the same as those required from Turkish citizens:
- The title deed of the real estate, if not, the name and parcel number information of the real estate or the verbal statement of the owner.
- Identity document or passport of the foreigner and two passport photos (4.5 x 6 cm)
- If the transaction is made with the representative of the foreign person who wants to acquire real estate, the power of attorney regarding the representation, the representative’s photo identity document, and a photograph of 4.5 x 6 cm.
An “Apostille” annotation should be taken on the power of attorney issued in foreign countries or it should be certified by the Turkish Consulate. The Turkish translation of the power of attorney must also be submitted.
When purchasing real estate, the title deed fee and revolving fund fee are collected through the bank at the rates determined separately for the seller and the buyer, on the declared value for sale, not less than the real estate declared value determined by the municipality to which the real estate is affiliated.
It is free to transfer the revenues and sales prices of immovable property purchased by foreigners by exchanging foreign currency or without exchanging it with banks and private financial institutions.
What is the Property Purchase Procedure in Turkey?
Foreign nationals who want to buy a house in Turkey must first make an appointment to carry out the title deed transfer process. Online appointments can be made through the Land Registry Appointment System of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. The documents required for real estate sales to foreign nationals are as follows:
- Real estate deed
- Identity document or passport (Translation of these documents can be requested if necessary.)
- Real estate market certificate from the municipality
- Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
- Real estate valuation report. It is also necessary to obtain a real estate appraisal report. The real estate valuation report is considered valid for 3 months from the date it is issued. The appraisal report, which indicates the value of the real estate in the period to be purchased, must also be recorded in the online TAKBİS system of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. If the power of attorney is to be processed, the original and certified copy of the power of attorney issued abroad is required.
If one of the parties does not speak Turkish, it is obligatory to carry out the transactions with a sworn translator.