Cost of Buying Property in Turkey in 2026

House prices in Turkey vary depending on the city, district, property size, building quality, social facilities, developer reputation and proximity to transportation. For example, house prices in Istanbul can be very different from prices in smaller cities such as Sivas. Even within Istanbul, prices may change significantly from one district to another, especially for new 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Istanbul. Prices also vary across popular coastal and investment regions such as İzmir, the city of Antalya, Bodrum, Alanya and Muğla.

In addition to the property price, buyers should also calculate official purchase expenses, taxes, insurance, notary costs, translator fees and utility subscription costs. Understanding these costs in advance helps foreign buyers plan their budget more accurately and avoid unexpected expenses during the purchase process.

What are the Property Expenses in Turkey?

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), foreign demand for Turkish property reached its recent peak in 2022, when sales to foreign nationals reached a record 67,490 homes. Demand has cooled since then. In 2025, foreign buyers purchased 21,534 homes in Turkey, down 9.4% compared with 2024. Their share of total housing sales fell to 1.3%.

Istanbul, Antalya and Mersin remained among the leading provinces for foreign buyers, while Russian, Iranian and Ukrainian nationals continued to be among the most active buyer groups. For buyers today, this means more room to compare different properties, negotiate payment terms and choose better-located homes than during the 2022 peak. As a result, understanding the true cost of buying remains an important question for foreign buyers.

The main property purchase expenses in Turkey are listed below:

• Real Estate Agent Fee: Istanbul Property does not charge any real estate agent fee from the buyer.
• Notary and Translator Fee: If one of the parties does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator must be present during official procedures. In some cases, a notary-certified document may also be required. Both services carry a separate fee.
• Title Deed Fee (Tapu Harcı): To register the title deed in the buyer’s name, a title deed fee of 4% of the declared property value is paid to the government. By law, this amount is split equally as 2% from the buyer and 2% from the seller. In practice, however, the payment responsibility may be negotiated between the parties and is sometimes paid fully by the buyer.
• Earthquake Insurance (DASK): Compulsory earthquake insurance is required for every property in Turkey. The premium varies depending on the property’s size, location, construction type and other technical details.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): VAT may apply especially to first-hand property purchases from developers. The applicable VAT rate can vary depending on the property type, size, legal status of the transaction and whether the buyer qualifies for an exemption. Foreign buyers may be exempt from VAT on eligible first-hand purchases if they meet the legal conditions, such as living abroad, paying in foreign currency brought from outside Turkey and holding the property for the required period.
• Subscription Fees: Natural gas, water and electricity connections require one-time subscription fees. These are usually paid by the new property owner after the purchase is completed.

What are the Additional Costs of Buying a Property in Turkey?

Some additional costs may occur depending on the property, buyer profile and transaction type. These may include attorney fees, property valuation report fees, bank transfer costs, power of attorney costs, property insurance and after-sales service expenses. These costs are not always the same for every buyer, so they should be checked before signing the final agreement.

Which Regions in Turkey are the Best for Buying Property?

The best region for buying property in Turkey depends on the buyer’s purpose. Istanbul is usually preferred for investment, rental income and city living. Antalya and Alanya are popular for lifestyle, coastal living and holiday homes. Bodrum attracts luxury buyers looking for villas and premium summer residences. Bursa may be suitable for buyers who want a quieter city with more affordable options compared with Istanbul.

Popular regions for buying property in Turkey include:

• Property in Istanbul
• Property in Antalya
• Property in Alanya
• Property in Bodrum
• Property in Bursa

What Should Be Considered While Buying Real Estate in Turkey?

Buying real estate in Turkey requires careful legal and technical checks. Foreign buyers should not only focus on the price, but also review the property’s title deed status, building license, municipality records, earthquake risk and legal suitability for sale.

Before buying a property in Turkey, buyers should check the following points:

• Title deed registration and ownership status
• Building license and occupancy permit
• Earthquake risk and construction quality of the building
• Municipality records and zoning status
• Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) policy
• Real estate valuation report when required
• Legal restrictions, mortgages or annotations on the title deed
• Experience and reliability of the real estate company

How to Choose a Reliable Real Estate Company in Turkey?

If you are planning to move to Turkey or invest in Turkish real estate, working with a reliable real estate company is one of the most important steps. A professional company should guide you before, during and after the purchase, explain the real costs clearly and help you avoid legal or financial risks.

Here are a few points to consider when choosing a real estate company in Turkey:

• Ask for recommendations from people who have already purchased property in Turkey.
• Check whether the company has real market experience in the city or district where you want to buy.
• Review customer testimonials, past transactions and after-sales service quality.
• Make sure the company explains taxes, title deed procedures and extra costs transparently.
• Work with a company that can support you in your own language when possible.

Why Choose Istanbul Property?

Istanbul Property is a leading real estate company in Turkey with over 17 years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers. The company supports local and international buyers throughout the property purchase process, from online consultancy to title deed procedures and after-sales services.

Istanbul Property offers a wide range of services, including:

• Online property consultancy
• Online property sales support
• Buyer-focused guidance with no buyer commission
• Assistance during title deed and official procedures
• After-sales support for foreign buyers