Q. What nationalities are permitted to purchase a property?

A. Some of the countries Turkey has a reciprocal agreement for the purchase of land and properties;
England, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, USA, Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Australia, France, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Croatia, Israel, Finland, Estonia, Hungary, and some African and South American states.

Q. How long does it all take and how does it work?

A. It takes between 1 to 2 months to receive the final Tapu ( Title Deeds).
After signing the reservation contract, the copies of the buyers passport will be handovered to the local land registry office, the copies and the official papers showing the location of the property will be sent to a Military Head office in Izmir to be checked that the mentioned property is not in a Military Zone. After the approval of the permission our company pays the necessary fees and taxes to the authorised bank (T.C. Ziraat Bankasi) and to the tax office in Manavgat. The official receipts of these taxes and fees will be declared during the transaction in the Land registry office. Finally the buyer and seller signs the land registry book under the supervision of an official interpreter.

Q. Do I have to be a resident or have a resident’s visa to purchase?

A. No, To buy a property you do not have to have a Residents visa. This is only required if you want to stay longer than three consecutive months, or wish to have a phone or buy a car. Then the three months tourist visa is not enough.

Q. What do I have to check before purchasing?

A. Check that there are no outstanding rental agreements or mortgages.
That the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that they have a Tapu ( Title Deeds) for it.
If there is an agent how much commission is payable, commissions rates are usually very high in sales where European clients are involved.

Q. Do I have any Taxes and fees to pay for the purchasing?

A. There are some taxes payable, however some are a “once only tax” i.e.
3% of the declared value of the property,
Education and earthquake tax approx. £30
All formal documentation and copies approx. £180
Interpreter fees approx. £50

Water: Connection fee for new homes, approx. £55 Paid by Mecitoglu Homes
Electric: Connection fee for new homes, approx. £80 Paid by Mecitoglu Homes
Telephone: Connection fee £15 approx.
All these costs are included in our property prices, which is not a regular application in Turkey.

Q. If I sell my property can I take the proceeds back to the U.K.?

A. You have the legal right to take the proceeds back to the U.K.

Q. Can I will my property to my beneficiaries?

A. You can make a Turkish Will and leave your property to your beneficiaries, however if you hadn’t made a will, the property goes to your next of kin.

Q. Can I import my belongings/furniture and car into Turkey?

A. You can, but it is expensive for transportation and Duty, so it may be advisable to purchase your furniture here.