Home Purchasing Process and Legal Procedures in Turkey for Foreigners
According to the housing sales statistics of the Turkish Statistical Institute, the tendency of foreign nationals to acquire real estate in Turkey has been continuously increasing since 2015. Especially in recent years, this trend continues to increase significantly. This situation shows that the interest of foreigners in purchasing property in Turkey is increasing and the need for information in this field is increasing among both real estate owners and buyers.
How to Sell a House to Foreigners?
Although foreigners who want to buy real estate in Turkey do not require a residence permit, there are certain legal restrictions. Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644. This article details the real estate that foreigners can purchase and the limitations in this process. The law grants the right to own property to citizens of countries determined by the President in line with international relations and national interests. These rights are limited to certain criteria and cannot exceed a certain total amount of space for each foreign person.
During the sale of real estate, an undertaking is received from foreign buyers that these restrictions are complied with. This undertaking declares that the amount of acquired properties should not exceed the determined limits.
House Sales Transactions to Foreigners
For house sales to foreigners, it is necessary to make an appointment from the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. Additionally, an online appointment request can be made via the Land Registry Appointment System. On the appointment day, the real estate owner and the foreign buyer must be present at the land registry office.
Documents Required for Title Deed Transfer
The documents required for house sales to foreigners are:
- real estate deed
- Identity document or passport (Translation of the passport may be required)
- Real estate market value certificate to be obtained from the municipality
- Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
- If transactions will be made with a power of attorney issued abroad, the original and notarized copy of its sworn translation.
- Real estate expertise report
The real estate appraisal report is used to determine the current value of the real estate and must be recorded in the online TAKBİS system of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. If there is a party who does not speak Turkish in the title deed transfer process, a sworn translator must be present.
These procedures include the basic steps that should be taken into account when explaining the process of selling real estate in Turkey to foreign nationals. Following each step correctly ensures that sales transactions are completed smoothly.
