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Describe the home you are looking for, or the property you want to sell or let. We can start with your neighbourhood and budget.
Buying property in Turkey: the essentials.
Foreign buyers must meet the nationality, property and transaction requirements. Confirm eligibility and the current documents with the land registry before committing to a purchase.
Choose and agree
Choose the property and agree the price and terms with the seller. Before paying a deposit, check the seller's authority and agree the payment and refund conditions in writing.
Tax number and bank
Get a Turkish tax number with your passport and, usually, open a Turkish bank account for the payment.
Paperwork
Confirm the identification, translation, payment documents and applicable DASK insurance for your transaction. Foreign buyers should also check the current Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB) requirements with their bank and land registry.
Title deed (TAPU)
A property sale can be completed through the land registry or an authorised notary. Confirm representation and interpreter requirements before the appointment.
- Title deed fee
- In a standard sale, buyer and seller each owe 2%, based on the actual sale price or the property tax value if higher. See the cost answer below.
- Annual property tax
- Check the municipal tax value and any applicable exemption with the municipality. See GİB property tax guidance; annual thresholds require a fresh check.
- Valuation report
- Confirm the report required for your exact transaction with the land registry before committing, especially when applying through an investment route.
- Residence permit
- Ownership may support an application; approval is not automatic. Check current property and applicant requirements with Migration Administration.
- Citizenship
- Property investment has a separate application process. Confirm the current conditions and eligibility before paying; a purchase alone does not grant citizenship.
- Who can buy
- The land registry must confirm nationality, property and applicable restrictions for your transaction.
- From abroad
- You can sign in person or through a representative with a power of attorney issued by a Turkish notary or consulate.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, please also consult a lawyer.
Moving to Istanbul? Live close to the Bosphorus.
Tell me your budget, the number of rooms, furnished or unfurnished, and what matters most: the sea, schools, the commute to Maslak or a garden. I will shortlist and arrange the viewings.
- Deposit: under Turkish law, at most three months' rent.
- To sign: your passport and a Turkish tax number.
- Contract: long-term rentals are usually signed for one year.
Rent increase and exchange rates, at a glance.
The legal cap on residential and roofed commercial rent increases in Turkey. Calculate your own rent.
Calculate your new rentListing prices also convert to dollars and euros with one tap on each listing page.
Fix the light and colour of the listing photos you took on your phone, compare before and after on one screen, and make a short video with an opening card and ready-made music. Photos are processed on your own device and are not uploaded.
Open the Photo Studio →Preparing your home for sale or rent, moving into your new place, or something just broke? Painting, tiling, plumbing, electrics, carpentry… I'll put you in touch with craftsmen I have known for years and trust.
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Questions foreign buyers and tenants ask.
Can foreigners buy property in Istanbul?
Eligibility depends on nationality, the property, area limits and security restrictions. Ask the land registry to confirm the proposed purchase before making a commitment; a general statement about foreign buyers does not establish eligibility for your transaction. Official source.
What are the costs of buying?
In a standard sale, buyer and seller each owe 2% title deed tax. The basis is the actual sale price, or the property tax value if higher. Budget separately for the revolving fund charge, agreed brokerage fee, applicable insurance and any translation or finance costs. Check the transaction-specific amounts before signing. Official source.
Can I get a residence permit by buying property?
Property ownership may be a basis for a short-term residence permit application when the property is residential and used for that purpose. Buying does not guarantee approval. Before committing, check the property's address, your circumstances and current documentary requirements with the Provincial Migration Administration. Official source.
Can I get Turkish citizenship by buying property?
There is a property investment application route, subject to eligibility, valuation, payment and non-sale commitment requirements. A purchase alone does not grant citizenship. Check the current official conditions and the exact property with the competent authorities before paying a deposit. Official source.
Do I have to be in Turkey to buy?
Most of our communication can be done by WhatsApp. For the signing at the land registry you can attend in person or appoint a representative with a power of attorney issued by a Turkish notary or consulate.
Which Sarıyer neighbourhoods are on the Bosphorus shore?
From south to north: Baltalimanı, Rumelihisarı, Emirgan, İstinye, Yeniköy, Kalender, Tarabya, Kireçburnu, Büyükdere, Sarıyer centre, Rumelikavağı, Rumelifeneri and Garipçe.
Where should I live if I work in Maslak?
Compare your exact workplace route from each property, including walking, transfers and peak-hour traffic. We can consider İstinye, Emirgan, Yeniköy and the Hacıosman metro area against your budget and travel preferences; neighbourhood names alone do not establish journey times.
Which areas are best for families?
Start with school and work routes, budget, building condition and outdoor space. Emirgan, Zekeriyaköy, Bahçeköy, Tarabya and Kireçburnu offer options to compare against those needs. Visit the exact street and building before choosing.
Can you recommend craftsmen for repairs or renovation?
Yes. When you need painting, tiling, plumbing, electrics or carpentry, I put you in touch with craftsmen I have known for years and trust. The craftsman does the work; I make sure you meet the right person. Just send me a message on WhatsApp.
Where can I see your current listings?
You can view my current properties for sale and rent on this site's Listings page, or browse my sahibinden.com shop. If you do not see a suitable option, share your criteria and I can contact you if a match becomes available. Leaving a request does not guarantee a match or advance access to a listing.
How much can a landlord raise the rent each year?
For renewed residential and roofed commercial leases, an agreed increase cannot exceed the 12-month average change in TÜFE. This ceiling does not automatically replace a lower contractual increase. Rent determination after five years requires separate assessment. Check the period and source date in our rent calculator. Official source.
How much deposit can a landlord ask for?
For residential and roofed commercial leases, security cannot exceed three months' rent. Cash security is held in a bank account with restricted withdrawal. Consent, final enforcement or a final court decision can allow release; the tenant may also request release if the landlord fails to notify the bank of relevant proceedings within three months after the lease ends (art. 342). Official source.
What is the estate agent's fee?
The total brokerage fee is capped at 4% of the sale price or one month's rent, excluding VAT. Unless the brokerage agreement sets a different allocation, this total is shared equally between the parties. There is no fixed 2% cap for each party separately. Confirm the allocation and VAT in writing. Official source.
Can't find your question?
Ask me and I will answer. Your question comes straight to me; I will reply by phone or WhatsApp.