The buying process

Buying property in Turkey is very straightforward but It is a good idea to be familiar with the main points of the process.

Most people are surprised at how straightforward it is to buy property in Turkey. A property transaction between two Turkish people can be completed in an afternoon. For a foreign buyer it takes longer only because they must get official permission to proceed from the military authorities. This is a simple process, but it can take considerable time.

Deposit

It is normal to pay a deposit or reservation fee to hold a property while you get out to Turkey to view it, or while you organise the necessary finance. These are typically £1,500-£2,500 and can often be put on a credit card.

Searches

A solicitor should conduct searches to confirm that the property belongs to the seller, and that there are no outstanding debts against the property. They should also check for the necessary planning permission. Searches normally take a few days.

Military Check

Foreign nationals buying property in Turkey must be approved by the military authorities. Approval is based on cursory checks into the purchaser’s background and the location of the property. The military investigation takes 4-12 weeks depending on how busy things are.

Completion

Once you get the go-ahead from the military authorities you are ready to complete in the land registry office (tapu dairesi), or occasionally in a Notary Public. The procedure involves the seller, or their legal representative, giving consent for a new title deed (tapu senedi) to be issued in the buyer’s name. The formalities take anything from 30 minutes to several hours. By granting power of attorney to a legal representative these formalities may be completed on your behalf.