Foreigners who will buy real estate in Turkey do not need to have a residence permit. However, there are some legal restrictions for real estate that can be sold to foreign nationals. In Article 35 of the Land Registry Law numbered 2644, the restrictions regarding the real estates that foreigners can purchase are stated as follows: “Provided that legal restrictions are complied with, foreign national real persons, who are citizens of countries designated by the President of the Republic, can acquire real estate and limited real rights in Turkey in cases where the international bilateral relations and the country’s interests require it. The total amount of immovables acquired by foreign real persons and limited real rights of an independent and permanent nature.” Its area cannot exceed ten percent of the district area subject to private property and thirty hectares per person throughout the country.
Pursuant to the article of the relevant law that immovable property not exceeding 30 hectares can be purchased, the following commitment is taken from foreign nationals during the sale of real estate:
“The amount of independent and permanent limited real rights and immovables acquired by me within the borders of the Republic of Turkey, including this immovable, does not exceed thirty hectares. If the contrary is determined, I unconditionally accept and undertake that the excess amount will be liquidated and converted into value.
What are House Sales Transactions to Foreigners?
An appointment must be made from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre in order to carry out house sales transactions to foreigners. Appointments can be made by calling the Alo 181 line within the country and by calling +90 312 593 99 00 from abroad. An online appointment request can be created through the Land Registry Appointment System of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. Real estate owners and foreign buyers must be present at the land registry office at the date and time of appointment.
What are the Documents Required for the Deed Transfer Process?
The documents that must be submitted at the title deed in order to sell a house to foreigners are as follows:
real estate deed
Identity document or passport (Translation of the passport may be requested if deemed necessary.)
Real estate fair value certificate to be obtained from the municipality
Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
If the transaction will be carried out with a power of attorney issued abroad, the original and notarized copy of the sworn translation of the power of attorney
It is also necessary to obtain a real estate appraisal report. The valuation report, which determines the current value of the real estate, 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 there is a party who does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator must be present.
