Turkey has seen a recent influx of foreign real estate buyers as people from around the world realize the advantages to living in a country offering religious freedoms, a high quality of living and a wonderful climate and culture. Turkey also offers foreigners the opportunity to operate businesses and legally own real estate, something not offered in many other countries around the world.
So while it is possible to purchase and own property in Turkey, the country does have restrictions and a buying procedure that must be carefully followed if you are considering attempting the move.
Get Permission to Live There, Before Purchasing Land
The first thing you should do, if considering a relocation to Turkey, is to obtain permission to live in the country from the local military authorities for the region you are wanting to move to. The Land Title Registry Office will help you with this process and it must be obtained before attempting a land purchase as well. After all, what good is it to own property in Turkey if you can’t get permission to live there.
Understand Local Laws and Restrictions
Foreigners are only allowed to own 30 hectares of land total in Turkey, regardless of one or multiple locations. Observation of all legal restrictions and local laws for the property is enforced, so make sure you understand them before buying in the event you want to do something on the land that is not allowed.
Turkey only allows the citizens of certain nations to purchase real estate in the country, so check to see that your nation is included before attempting a purchase.
Legal Documents Required for Real Estate Purchase
No surprise is that you should submit your passport and/or other legal identity documents and a valid residence permit from the relevant police department to the Land Title Registry Office for purchasing property in Turkey. Another needed document is the original or certified power of attorney for an authorized signer if you cannot personally be there to sign the land transfer documents because Turkey does require a physical presence in the Office for the official signing.
Protect Yourself
Don’t sign contracts or legal documents until you have researched out the property for sale with the Land Title Registry Office. Investigate any person or agency attempting to sale you property in the country and get proof of their credibility. Property scams do happen in Turkey, so do your homework and be careful of claims for easy transfer and not having to physically show up in the country to sign the paperwork.
If you do need to file legal documentation in the event of a disagreement, it goes through the local judiciary system and the lawsuit is filed in Turkish courts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not step in on these matters.
Real Estate Contracts and Transfer of Land Titles
All official contracts transferring ownership of the property can only be made in the Land Title Registry Office. You can sign a promise-to-sell contact before but the actual transfer of the property and the contract signing must physically happen in the Office by person purchasing or authorized person with a power of attorney. Legal ownership of the real estate is only taken after the registration of the sale contract and land title is complete with the Land Title Registry Office.
While owning property is legal in for foreigners in Turkey, following the legal process to obtain rights to live and work in the country and to own property is necessary.
Loxley McKenzie, principal of Colordarcy.com, is an overseas property specialist offering a wide portfolio of properties for sale in Turkey.
