Foreign buyer guide
What applies specifically to non-Turks: the limits on ownership, the valuation report, taxes, and buying by power of attorney.
Who may buy, and the limits
Nationals of most countries may own property in Turkey, subject to two limits that apply together: 30 hectares per person nationwide, and no more than 10% of a district's privately owned area held by foreigners in total. Military and security zones are excluded. The second limit catches buyers out because it depends on the district, not on them — check its status before paying any deposit.
Source: General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre — Land Registry Law art. 35· Verified: 22 August 2026
The valuation report is not a formality
A foreign buyer must obtain a valuation from a capital-markets-licensed appraiser. It exists to protect you: it shows the property's market value independently of the seller's asking price, which is what exposes the mark-ups aimed at overseas buyers. Do not accept a report supplied by the seller without checking the appraiser's licence and its date.
The taxes and fees you will pay
On purchase, the title deed fee is 2% from each of buyer and seller, on the declared price, which may not be below the municipal assessed value. Annually you pay property tax — 0.2% for a residence in Istanbul, because rates double inside metropolitan boundaries. The VAT exemption is available to non-residents on the first delivery of a new unit where the price is brought in as foreign currency, and is clawed back with deferral interest if you sell within 1 year.
Source: Revenue Administration — Law of Fees — title deed fee· Verified: 22 August 2026
Buying remotely
A purchase can be completed without you present, through a notarised power of attorney issued at a Turkish notary or a Turkish consulate. A power of attorney is both powerful and dangerous: limit it to the specific property and transaction, and avoid general wording that authorises sale or mortgage. You can follow what is recorded against your property through the land registry's online platform.
After the purchase
Transfer the utilities into your name, take out compulsory earthquake insurance, and register with the building management. If you let the unit, the rental income is declarable in Turkey even if you are not resident. If you sell within 5 years of buying, the gain is taxable as a capital gain — keep your purchase and cost documents, as those are what get deducted.
Source: Revenue Administration — Income Tax Law — capital gains· Verified: 22 August 2026