Q. What nationalities are permitted to purchase land and property in Turkey?

A. Some of the countries that Turkey has a reciprocal agreement with for the purchase of land and properties;

England, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden,  Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, USA,  Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Australia, France, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Croatia, Israel, Finland, Estonia, Hungary,  and some  African and South American states.

Q. How long does it take to purchase land or property and what is involved? 

A. It takes between 1 to 3 months to receive the final Tapu ( Title Deeds),

After signing the reservation contract, the copies of the buyers passport will be handovered to the local land registry office, the copies and the official papers showing the location of the property will be sent to a Military Head office to be checked that the mentioned property is not in a Military Zone. After the approval is given fees and taxes are to be paid to the authorised bank (T.C. Ziraat Bankasi) and to the tax office. The official receipts of these taxes and fees will be declared during the transaction in the Land registry office. Finally the buyer and seller signs the land registry book under the supervision of an official interpreter.

Q. Do I have to be a resident or have a resident’s visa to purchase? 

A. No, To buy a property you do not have to have a Residents visa. This is only required if you want to stay longer than three consecutive months.

Q. What do I have to check before purchasing? 

A. Check that there are no outstanding rental agreements or mortgages.
That the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that they have a Tapu ( Title Deeds) for it. If there is an agent how much commission is payable.
 
Q. Do I have any Taxes and fees to pay for the purchasing? 

A. There are some taxes payable, however some are a “once only tax” i.e.

3% of the declared value of the property,

Education and earthquake tax approx. £30

All formal documentation and copies approx. £180

Interpreter fees approx. £50

Water: Connection fee for new homes, approx. £55

Electric: Connection fee for new homes, approx. £80 

Telephone: Connection fee  £15  approx.

Q. If I sell my property can I take the proceeds back to the U.K.?
 
A. You have the legal right to take the proceeds back to the U.K.
 
Q. Can I will my property to my beneficiaries?
 
A. You can make a Turkish Will and leave your property to your beneficiaries, however if you have not made a will, the property will go to your next of kin.

Q. Can I import my own furniture into Turkey?

A. You can, but it is expensive, so it may be advisable to purchase your furniture localy in Turkey.