The process of registration of real estate in Turkey

Buying property is a major step in which mistakes are simply not an option. This is why, when buying an apartment in Turkey, it is best to complete the transaction with the support of experienced local specialists, such as the team at Yekta Homes. They will help you go through every stage of the transaction correctly, safely and on the best terms. Read on to find out how the property registration process works in Turkey.

What you need to know when buying an apartment in Turkey

Buying a home abroad requires some preparation. It is better to learn about the nuances of foreign legislation in advance so that they do not become an unpleasant surprise later. Here is what you should know before buying an apartment in Turkey.

Specifics of buying Turkish property as a foreigner

Foreign nationals can own property in Turkey. This applies to citizens of most countries, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and many others. The buyer can be an individual or a legal entity.

Restrictions include limits for citizens of certain countries in some coastal and border provinces, as well as a ban on buying in military and security zones without permission: the status of a specific plot is checked before the transaction. Foreigners also cannot buy plots larger than 30 hectares, and all foreigners combined cannot own more than 10% of a district's area.

Turkey is very welcoming to foreigners who invest in local property. Such an investment can be grounds for the buyer to obtain a Turkish residence permit. This applies to property worth $200,000 or more at the TAPU price. With a purchase of $400,000 or more, the buyer can apply for Turkish citizenship.

As in any other country, a property owner must pay property tax, even as a foreigner, comply with local law and the law of their own country, and pay utility bills on time.

How to find property in Turkey?

You can search for suitable options yourself or with the help of an agency. It is much more convenient for foreign buyers to work with local companies that know the market well. For example, contacting Yekta Homes gives you:

a wide choice of properties directly from the developer;
a full range of services, from personal property selection and organizing an inspection trip to protecting your interests in the transaction and after-sales service;
guarantees that the transaction is legally sound;
full professional support, and more.

Our company offers properties in modern completed and under-construction residential complexes that are ideal for holidays, living or renting out. With us, choosing property in Turkey is a simple and pleasant process that gets you exactly what you have always dreamed of.

The process of registration of real estate in Turkey photo-5

The property purchase procedure in Turkey

Buying a home in Turkey involves several stages:

choosing a property;
signing the sale contract;
preparing the necessary documents;
payment;
transfer of ownership and the TAPU;
transferring utility contracts.

Each of these stages involves several tasks. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Choosing a property

Choosing a property can be difficult given the variety of offers on the Turkish market. This is why we offer our clients only quality properties, completed or under construction, built to modern standards of quality, safety and comfort. Among Yekta Homes' offers, you will easily find a property with the features you need, whether a cozy studio for seasonal holidays or a luxury apartment for a large family.

Once you have narrowed down your options, we will organize an inspection trip for you. It is a great opportunity to see properties with your own eyes rather than buying "blind," and the most effective way to choose a home in Turkey. During the inspection trip, you will make your final choice and can be completely confident in it. Our company takes care of organizing the trip.

Stages of buying property in Turkey: the sale contract

Once the buyer has chosen a property, the buyer and seller need to sign a contract. It specifies:

details of the parties;
information about the property;
payment terms;
the parties' liability.

The buyer pays a deposit to secure the property as the sole buyer. It is usually 5–10% of the full price.

To sign the sale contract, a foreign buyer only needs a passport. The contract is drawn up in two copies in languages convenient for the parties. However, it does not transfer ownership. For that, the transaction must be registered with the state.

Preparing documents to register the transaction

After the sale contract is signed, there is substantial paperwork to do:

Obtaining a tax number. To buy property, a foreign national must obtain a Turkish tax number. This is easy: you go to the local tax office, fill in an application and show your passport.
Giving a power of attorney to a real estate agent. This is optional, but it makes the purchase much easier for a foreign buyer. With a power of attorney, an experienced specialist will handle all the paperwork for the transaction.
Opening an account with a local bank. This is common practice when buying property in Turkey. Later, the new owner can pay utility bills from the same account. For this, the buyer needs to provide a passport with a copy, a Turkish tax number and a document confirming their home address.
Obtaining state permission. Some properties in Turkey may require permission from the military authorities.
A valuation report. It is mandatory for transactions with foreign nationals: it is prepared by a licensed valuation company and is valid for 3 months.
A compulsory earthquake insurance policy (DASK). Without it, the transfer of ownership will not be registered.

Each transaction requires its own set of documents. Yekta Homes specialists are ready to help you prepare them. Once the documents are ready, you can move on to payment.

How to pay for property in Turkey

You can pay for a property in Turkey in dollars, euros, British pounds or Turkish lira. On the coast, payment is most often made in euros. If the buyer prefers a particular currency, it is best to agree on this with the seller in advance and record it in the sale contract.

Payment is usually made by bank transfer. Part of the amount can be paid in cash. However, if the purchase is for citizenship, only bank transfers are accepted, and cash payments are hard to prove later, so paying through a bank is the safer option. Full payment must be made before the TAPU is issued. In Turkey, you can also buy property with a mortgage or in installments, which is recorded on the title deed as an encumbrance.
The process of registration of real estate in Turkey photo-6

Transfer of ownership and obtaining the TAPU

The transfer of ownership takes place at the land registry office, in the presence of the seller and buyer (or their legal representatives), the real estate agent and a sworn translator. The essence of the procedure is the transfer of the main ownership document, the TAPU (title deed). The new owner receives it five days after applying to the land registry office. Only then do they become the full legal owner.

Setting up utility contracts

After this, the new owner only needs to transfer the utility contracts to their name.

When buying a new-build property, you first need to obtain the building's occupancy permit, the iskan.

Can a property transaction be completed remotely?

To make the transaction as comfortable and simple as possible for a foreign buyer, we offer a remote purchase service. Our specialists will complete all the necessary steps for you. All you need is a notarized power of attorney. You only need to choose a suitable apartment and pay for it, and our team will take care of everything else. This not only saves you time and effort but also ensures the transaction is correct and safe. Many foreign buyers prefer to entrust the property registration process to professionals in the Turkish market. All stages are described in detail in our article on the property acquisition procedure in Turkey.

A power of attorney for the land registry transaction can be issued in one of two ways:

Where to issue it	What to keep in mind
At a Turkish consulate in your country	Book an appointment in advance and attend in person. The power of attorney is valid in Turkey without an apostille or translation. The consular fee is usually $60 to $400, depending on the country
At a local notary	A full notarial deed is required, not just a certified signature, with the principal's photo. Then an apostille and a notarized translation into Turkish

The power of attorney lists every action the representative can take: obtaining a tax number, opening a bank account, signing at the land registry and connecting utilities. The more precise the list, the lower the risk that the land registry will ask for a new power of attorney.

"When buying remotely, the key is to get the power of attorney right the first time, with a list of all actions and the property details. Then the transaction goes through without repeat trips," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Costs of buying property in Turkey

In addition to the main expense, the price of the property, you need to budget for other costs when buying a home in Turkey. These include:

The title deed transfer fee: 4% of the value stated in the transaction, but not lower than the tax value; by law, it is split equally between the buyer and the seller.
The land registry fee for a foreign buyer: TRY 20,870 (about €378) in 2026, plus the sworn translator's fee.
The cost of the power of attorney: €100–150.
Real estate agent services: the fee is agreed individually.
Obtaining the iskan occupancy permit when buying a new build: from €300 to €1,000.
DASK insurance: TRY 500–3,000 (about €9–€54) a year.
Connecting utilities: €200–300 for a new build; transferring them: €50–150 for a resale property.
The valuation report: paid by the buyer, the amount depends on the company.

Additional costs usually amount to 5–7% of the property's price. In Turkey, this figure is much lower than in other European countries.

Example for a €120,000 apartment: the title deed transfer fee is €4,800 for both sides, of which the buyer pays €2,400; the land registry fee is about €378; DASK insurance is up to €54 a year. Euro amounts are converted at the Central Bank of Turkey exchange rate on October 6, 2026: €1 = TRY 55.19.

How to buy an apartment in Turkey: top 10 secrets

How to Choose Reliable Investment Property in Turkey

Who a remote transaction is not right for

Those buying for citizenship. You can buy an apartment through a power of attorney, but a citizenship application requires submitting biometrics in person.
Those who have not seen the apartment and are not prepared to view it by video. In this case, it is better to come for at least one day for a viewing.
Those living in a country without a Turkish consulate. A power of attorney from a local notary will require an apostille, and in countries outside the Hague Convention, consular legalization, which takes longer.

All three situations can be foreseen, and each has a solution: a short trip for a viewing or biometrics, a video viewing, or a correctly drawn-up power of attorney.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy an apartment in Turkey without traveling there?

Yes, through a power of attorney. It is issued at a Turkish consulate or by a local notary with an apostille and translation.

How much does registering the transaction cost?

Usually 5–7% on top of the price: the 4% title deed transfer fee (2% from the buyer and 2% from the seller), the TRY 20,870 land registry fee for a foreign buyer, insurance, the valuation and a translator.

Can I pay in cash?

Partly, yes, but for citizenship only bank transfers are accepted, and cash is hard to prove, so paying through a bank is safer.

Do I need a translator at the land registry?

Yes, if the buyer does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator attends the transaction.

Professional help with property registration in Turkey

Our specialists have extensive experience in handling property purchases and registration for foreign buyers. We offer a full range of services and guarantee safety, reliability and a legally sound transaction. All our clients can complete their purchase remotely and be confident that the procedure will be carried out to a high professional standard. Do you have questions about registering property in Turkey? Call us at +90 533 782 0000.