Legal Matters Concerning the Purchase of Property in Turkey
Buying real estate in Türkiye is completed through registration at the relevant land registry directorate. A reservation form, private contract or preliminary sale agreement can record the parties’ commitments, but it does not by itself transfer legal ownership.
This guide summarises the official process for foreign buyers. Eligibility and required documents can depend on the buyer, the property and the location, so every transaction should be checked against the current rules before money is transferred.
Who can acquire real estate in Türkiye?
Foreign natural persons may acquire real estate where private ownership is permitted, subject to nationality-based eligibility and statutory restrictions. The official Invest in Türkiye guide states that a foreign natural person may generally acquire up to 30 hectares nationwide and that foreign acquisitions may not exceed 10% of the privately owned area in a district. Prohibited military zones, military security zones and some special security zones are subject to additional restrictions or permissions.
Rules for foreign legal persons and Turkish companies with foreign capital are different from the rules for individual buyers. A company should obtain transaction-specific advice before signing an agreement.
Checks to complete before signing
- Confirm the seller’s identity and authority to sell.
- Confirm the title record, parcel and independent-section details.
- Check for mortgages, liens, annotations, restrictions and other burdens that could prevent or affect the sale.
- Review zoning, building and occupancy records with the relevant authorities.
- Check whether the property is in a restricted area or whether the buyer needs a special permission.
- Use an independent Turkish lawyer when legal due diligence or contract advice is needed.
The General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM) provides official parcel and transaction services. The official Invest in Türkiye guide also directs buyers to the TKGM parcel inquiry and appointment systems.
Documents and registration
The exact document list is set by the competent authority for the transaction. Official guidance commonly refers to the property’s land-registry information, the parties’ identity documents, a municipal document showing the current value, compulsory earthquake insurance for buildings, photographs, and representation documents where a power of attorney is used. A certified interpreter is required when a party cannot conduct the transaction in Turkish.
Foreign documents may need certification, an apostille or consular legalisation, and a notarised Turkish translation. Requirements for a power of attorney issued abroad should be confirmed before it is used.
Costs, taxes and professional advice
Land-registry charges, taxes, valuation, insurance, translation, notary, legal and banking costs can vary with the transaction and may change. Obtain a written cost schedule and verify current official amounts with TKGM, the Revenue Administration, the municipality and your professional advisers. Do not rely on an undated percentage or fee quoted in a sales article.
Official sources
Sources checked on 15 August 2026. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Obtain transaction-specific advice from the competent authorities and qualified professionals.