Purchase Procedure

Buying Property in Turkey | A Guide for Foreigners

Purchasing real estate in Turkey is a straightforward and well-established process. Once you have selected the right property, the transaction is completed and you receive the title deed (TAPU), usually within 5 to 7 business days.

Foreign citizens enjoy the same rights as local residents when purchasing real estate in Turkey and can freely acquire both residential and commercial properties.

Below is a step-by-step guide for foreign buyers planning to purchase or invest in property in Turkey.

• Selecting a property

In the first stage, you determine the type of property, its main characteristics, and the region that best suits your goals. It is important to understand whether you are purchasing the property as an investment, as a personal residence, or a combination of both.
Working with our real estate agency makes the process much easier, especially if you are buying property in Turkey for the first time.

• Viewing properties

You personally inspect the selected options.
We organise viewings, accompany you every step of the way, and provide complete and transparent information about each property during your visit.

• Reserving the property and signing the contract

After selecting the property, we negotiate with the seller on the final price, the terms of the transaction, and the payment schedule.
Lawyers prepare an agreement that details all the terms, as well as the rights and obligations of the parties.

To secure the property and the price, a deposit of 5,000 USD/EUR is paid.
The first instalment is made within 1–4 weeks after the deposit.
The remaining amount is paid on the day the ownership is transferred.

• Preparing the documents and transferring ownership

At this stage it is necessary to:

1. obtain a tax number (only a passport is required, and registration is possible online);
2. open a bank account in order to make the payments;
3. prepare a real estate valuation report when applying for a residence permit or citizenship (a mandatory requirement).

The seller submits an application to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre for the transfer of the title deed (TAPU) into the buyer's name.
Full payment for the property is made before the final signing of the documents.

• Receiving the keys and moving in

Once the title deed (TAPU) is registered in your name, you receive the keys to the property and can connect all utilities and begin moving in.

If you do not have the time to travel and complete the transaction in person, you can opt for a remote purchase. The online format allows you to select a property without travelling to Turkey. Our specialist will organise a detailed live video viewing, during which you can examine the property in detail, ask questions, and receive comprehensive information, just as you would during an in-person visit.
Your personal presence is not required to complete the transaction — you can grant power of attorney to our company, to a lawyer, or to your own representative.

Turkey also has a state programme called "Citizenship by Investment", which allows foreigners to obtain a Turkish passport by purchasing real estate worth at least USD 400,000. The property must remain in the investor's ownership for at least three years. Detailed terms and conditions for participation in the programme are available in the section on obtaining Turkish citizenship.

For those who plan to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, a residence permit is available. A residence permit based on property ownership can be obtained by buyers of real estate valued at a minimum of USD 200,000. Detailed information is available in the relevant section of the website.

Foreign buyers can also take advantage of additional financial opportunities — instalment plans offered by the developer. Current financing options are described in detail in a separate section.

You will find a detailed transaction algorithm in our guide to buying property in Turkey, and information on all mandatory expenses and fees is collected on the "Costs of purchasing real estate" page.

Documents required to purchase real estate in Turkey

For foreign buyers, the document preparation process is extremely simple. You will only need two documents from your home country:
a valid passport and a document confirming your residential address.

To open a Turkish bank account, you need proof of an address outside Turkey. A utility bill (electricity, water, internet) showing your name and address is accepted as proof of address.
All other documents are processed in Turkey.

To purchase real estate you will need:

• A notarised translation of your international passport (the translation is done in Turkey)
• A Turkish tax identification number (we will arrange this for you)
• A translation of the document confirming your residential address (a utility bill from your country)
• A photograph in the required format (taken in Turkey)
• A real estate valuation report, required when applying for a residence permit or Turkish citizenship
• A currency exchange certificate (DAB), issued by a bank or exchange office with the assistance of your real estate agency

This way, most formalities are resolved quickly and without unnecessary complications after your arrival, or even remotely.

Choosing a reliable real estate agency

When purchasing real estate, it is especially important to work with a professional and licensed agent. This reduces risks and protects you from potential errors and dishonest practices. Unfortunately, there are situations in the market where a property's documentation does not match its description, where the price is inflated because the buyer lacks market expertise, and where hidden technical defects are discovered only after the transaction.

Even after finding a suitable property, a single inaccuracy in the paperwork can delay or even derail the deal. During this time, the seller has the right to change the terms or cancel the sale. This is why it is so important to work with an agency that is officially registered, accountable to the client, and involved at every stage of the transaction.

In tourist regions, unlicensed "middlemen" are common — from casual acquaintances to service industry workers. They typically operate through informal connections and are interested only in their commission, without providing legal protection to the buyer or being held accountable for the outcome.

A reliable agency builds relationships on transparency and trust.

At Ayvazoglu Homes, we thoroughly inform our clients about every stage of the transaction and provide full support — from the initial enquiry to receiving the TAPU and the keys. Over the years, thousands of our clients have successfully purchased real estate in Turkey and been satisfied with the result.

Our international team speaks six languages, so you will be connected to a specialist who speaks your language and understands your cultural nuances. We also stay in touch after the transaction is completed, assisting with utilities, furnishing, and the purchase of furniture and appliances.

If necessary, you can issue a power of attorney to a representative of Ayvazoglu Homes so that all legal actions are carried out on your behalf lawfully.

In addition, the entire transaction can be carried out online. You can choose and purchase real estate via video calls and instant messaging without travelling to Turkey. For more information, please contact us by phone or write to us in whichever way is most convenient for you.

If you haven't found the answer to your question — write to us!