Guides
Buying Property in Turkey
This guide is general information, current as of 2026 and subject to change. It is not legal or financial advice — confirm specifics with the relevant Turkish authorities or speak with us directly.
Can foreigners buy property in Turkey?
Yes. International buyers can acquire property in Turkey, and many of our clients do so each year — whether as a home, an investment, or a route to citizenship. There are some restrictions, most notably around designated military zones, but for the vast majority of desirable locations in Istanbul and Bodrum, ownership is open to foreign nationals. The role of a trusted adviser is to confirm a property's eligibility, verify its standing, and ensure the transaction is conducted properly from start to finish.
The tapu, and why it matters
The Turkish property transaction centres on the tapu — the official title deed. Ownership transfers when the tapu is registered in your name at the Land Registry, and it is this document, above all, that establishes your legal title. As of 2026, a government-licensed valuation report is required as part of the process; it provides an independent assessment of the property's value and is a safeguard for the buyer as much as a formality.
To protect both sides, secure tapu payment and escrow arrangements are increasingly used, so that funds and title change hands in a controlled, simultaneous manner. We consider this best practice and arrange it as a matter of course for our clients.
Commissions and costs to budget
For a resale purchase, agency commission typically follows the Ministry of Trade norm: 2% from the buyer and 2% from the seller, exclusive of VAT. For new-build property, the agency fee is often paid by the developer. Beyond the price itself, it is prudent to budget for the additional costs that accompany any acquisition:
- The title-deed (tapu) fee.
- The government-licensed valuation report.
- Notary fees, where applicable.
- Official translation of documents.
Tax treatment depends on your circumstances, and we recommend taking professional advice on it rather than relying on general guidance. We will, however, set out the transactional costs clearly so there are no surprises.
Citizenship by investment
For clients with that ambition, Turkey offers a real-estate route to citizenship by investment. As of 2026, the threshold is a minimum of USD 400,000 in property, held for three years, with the commitment registered on the tapu. The application can include your immediate family — a spouse and children under eighteen — within the same investment.
It is a considered decision with both lifestyle and legal dimensions, and the choice of property is central to getting it right. We advise clients through the entire journey, from selecting a qualifying property to overseeing the registration. To browse acquisitions suited to this route, view our properties→, or read our guide to the Turkey residence permit→ if residency rather than citizenship is your aim.
Buying versus renting
Not every client should buy immediately, and we will say so when renting first is the wiser course — to settle into a neighbourhood, for instance, before committing capital. If you are weighing the two, our guide to renting in Istanbul→ sets out the alternative. Our role is to advise in your interest, whichever path that points to.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners legally buy property in Turkey?
Yes, foreign nationals can buy property in Turkey, subject to certain restrictions such as those near military zones. For most sought-after locations in Istanbul and Bodrum, ownership is open to international buyers. We confirm a property's eligibility as part of our service.
What is a tapu?
The tapu is the official Turkish title deed. Ownership is established when it is registered in your name at the Land Registry, making it the central document of any property transaction.
What are the agency commissions when buying property in Turkey?
For resale purchases, commission typically follows the Ministry of Trade norm of 2% from the buyer and 2% from the seller, exclusive of VAT. For new-build property, the fee is often paid by the developer.
How does citizenship by investment through property work?
As of 2026, the real-estate route requires a minimum investment of USD 400,000, held for three years and registered on the tapu. A spouse and children under eighteen can be included in the same application.
What additional costs should I budget for when buying?
Beyond the purchase price, budget for the title-deed fee, the government-licensed valuation report, notary fees where applicable, and official document translation. We recommend professional advice on any tax implications.
Is a valuation report required to buy property in Turkey?
Yes. As of 2026, a government-licensed valuation report is required as part of the purchase process and serves as an independent safeguard for the buyer.
Speak with Dominique
Acquiring property in Turkey should be assured, transparent and entirely in your interest. Speak with Dominique Le Doaré for discreet, expert guidance through every stage — from selection to the tapu.
Begin with the collection. Browse our properties→