Due to its cultural richness and economic conditions Türkiye has hosted high in number of tourists, especially in recent years and has become one of the most preferred countries for foreigners to purchase immovable properties.
Foreigners can purchase immovable properties in Türkiye to live or work. However the government imposes legal constraints on foreigners. Therefore it is important for foreigners to act with caution when purchasing immovable properties in Türkiye and to carry out the purchase process with the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
Foreigners may obtain information on whether they are eligible to acquire immovable property or limited real rights in Türkiye from the Turkish Embassy or Consulates General in their country, or from their own country’s diplomatic or consular missions in Türkiye.
Legal Constraints in Türkiye
A foreigner cannot purchase immovable properties which exceed 30,000 hectares, even if they are in different cities.
It is necessary to get permission from military authority before purchasing. Because the immovable property cannot be purchased if it is located in a military zone.
Purchasing property in strategic areas may also be subject to the authorization of certain government ministries.
The sales contract should comply with Turkish law. In Turkish law the contract is required to be in formal form. This means the contract must be executed at the Land Registry Office where the immovable property is located. And also it can be executed in the presence of a notary. (preliminary contract for real estate sale)
Necessary Papers
Applications to the Land Registry Office
- Identity or Passport
- Permit of residence (for foreigners subject to a residence permit for immovable property acquisitions)
- Letter of attorney (original document and its translation or a certified copy of the document) (if the transaction is carried out based on a power of attorney obtained from abroad)
You should check with the relevant Land Registry Office whether the immovable property is registered with any restricted real rights, is mortgaged, or has any other condition preventing its sale before the contract.
Be careful not to start transactions without checking the seller, and avoid dealing with individuals or companies who cannot prove they are trustworthy.
You can contact us for detailed information and legal consultancy services.
(This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only.)
