1. Define what the purchase needs to achieve

Decide whether you want a main home, a holiday property or a property to rent out. Write down your preferred location, essential features and intended ownership period. Consider how work, family needs and travel plans could affect your choice.

Separate requirements from preferences. A home that misses an essential need does not become suitable simply because the seller offers a discount. If your plans are still uncertain, allow time to clarify them before committing.

2. Build a complete budget and keep a reserve

Your budget should include more than the advertised price. Request an itemised estimate for the particular purchase and identify which amounts are confirmed, estimated or still unknown.

  • Purchase costs, including applicable taxes, transaction charges and professional fees.
  • Financing and currency-conversion costs, where relevant.
  • Repairs, furnishings, moving, utilities, insurance and building charges.

Keep a reserve for unexpected property expenses and your personal needs. Test whether the purchase remains manageable if a repair costs more than expected or your income changes. There is no single deposit percentage or reserve amount that suits every buyer and property.

3. Clarify financing before relying on it

If you need a loan, obtain a written proposal from the lender based on your circumstances and the selected property. Review the amount available, repayment schedule, interest terms, fees and conditions that remain outstanding.

Ask which parts are indicative and which have been confirmed. Compare proposals on a consistent basis, including the total repayment and relevant charges. Avoid building your purchase timetable around an assumed approval or a loan product described for another country.

4. Compare the property with realistic local alternatives

Compare homes with similar locations, sizes, layouts, building conditions and facilities. An apartment on another street or in a different development may not be a useful comparison without adjustments.

An asking price is not evidence of the final sale price. Ask what supports a quoted valuation and distinguish advertised examples from documented completed transactions. Review how long comparable homes have been marketed and whether their asking prices have changed.

Browse properties for sale in Turkey to build a shortlist, then verify the details and availability of each option.

5. Assess the season through your own needs

Do not assume that winter always means a lower price or that summer always means a higher one. Review the available properties, seller circumstances and local comparisons at the time you are searching.

Use visits to understand how the home would work for you. Consider noise, traffic, sunlight, ventilation and access to everyday services. For a holiday home, examine the area outside your preferred holiday period as well as during it.

6. Understand the payment terms and currency exposure

Confirm the agreed price, payment currency, deposit, instalments and payment dates in writing. If a conversion is involved, establish how the exchange rate will be determined and which charges apply.

For an instalment arrangement, review what each payment depends on and what happens if circumstances change. Assess the effect of currency movements on your own budget. An attractive headline price is only one part of the commitment you are considering.

7. Complete the property and document checks

Before making a binding commitment, arrange appropriate independent legal and technical checks. Ask qualified professionals to review the ownership documents, relevant restrictions, intended use, contract terms and physical condition of the property.

Keep track of unanswered questions and request supporting documents rather than relying on verbal assurances. Our guide to checks before buying a house can help you organise the preparation. The checks and completion timetable should reflect the individual transaction.

For official information about foreign buyers and transaction documents, consult the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre's Your Key Türkiye guidance and confirm the requirements for your transaction.

8. Decide whether to proceed or wait

You are better placed to decide when the property meets your needs, the budget is complete and important questions have clear answers. Consider waiting if:

  • You are relying on financing that has not been confirmed.
  • The purchase would leave you without a workable reserve.
  • Important documents, costs or payment conditions remain unclear.
  • You feel pressured to decide before completing the necessary checks.

There is no universal completion schedule for cash or financed purchases. Build a realistic timetable around the actual steps and parties involved. To discuss your requirements and organise a shortlist, contact our team.