FAQ

What nationalities can buy a house in Turkey?

Turkey has a reciprocal agreement for the purchase of land and properties with the following countries; USA ,Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, England,Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Australia, France, Greece, and some other African and South American states.

 

What documentation will I need?

Your passport is the only documentation you will need to purchase a property in Turkey.

 

Do I need to obtain citizenship before I buy?

No, non citizens and non residents can buy a property in Turkey

 

Do I need a visa entering Turkey?

Yes, most nationalities require a Visa to enter Turkey. This can be obtained at Immigration once you arrive in Turkey - Visitors Visas currently cost  10 Euro for an Irish National and STG 10 Pound for a UK Citizen. Prices vary depending on nationality, so if you hold another passport, please check with your local Turkish Embassy. 

 

How long can I stay in Turkey on the normal Visitors visa?

Visitor Visas are valid for 3 months.

 

Do I need to open a bank account in Turkey?

Most people do open bank accounts so funds can be transferred prior to travelling and so funds are available for contract completion. Direct Debits can also be set up to pay utility bills.

 

As a property owner, do I need to register for Tax in Turkey?

Yes, but this is a very straight forward procedure which we can guide you through.

 

Can I get a house and contents insurance in Turkey?

Yes, many well known international insurance companies and local Turkish companies offer building and contents insurance. Earthquake Insurance is now compulsory in Turkey and is readily available and a straight forward transaction.

 

How will I set up Utility Services - Gas, Electricity, Telephone?

As part of the buying process we will assist you to do this.  Telephone Lines are offered to non nationals who gets residence permit for 5-10 years in Turkey.  Mobile phones with Pay As You Go Cards are readily available.

 

Is satellite TV available in Turkey?

Yes, a wide range of satellite TV services are available in Turkey.

 

Will I be able to rent my property on long term or short term basis and if so what can I expect to get rental?

Turkey is an ever increasing destination for Europeans, and resorts are also popular with Turkish tourists during the summer months.Long term Rentals are normally on 6 months or 1 Year Basis. 6 month rentals would normally be for summer months, so if you want to use your property, then long term options would not be feasible.

Properties can also be let out on a daily and weekly basis. Prices are property and time of year dependent.

  

If I want to sell my property in Turkey, are there any restrictions and what are the costs?

Resale costs would be approximately 5% comprising of sales tax, local documentation and legal fees. Property may be sold to Turkish, or foreign nationals without restriction.

Because of the change in law (Decree 32 August 1989) the lira is now convertible so proceeds of the sale of a property can be converted to what ever currency and subsequently transferred to any country you choose.

 

What are the medical and dental care facilities in Turkey?

Turkey has both public and private facilities available. Private facilities are to  a very high standard and costs are approximately 40-50% cheaper than other European countries.

 

 Can we get private health insurance in Turkey?

Yes, Private Health insurance is readily available in Turkey and costs again are

considerably cheaper than at home. Individuals who are travelling to Turkey for 3 months or less and hold private health insurance at home should be covered, but please check this with your Insurer before travelling.

 

 Will I have to pay tax or charges when bringing funds into Turkey?

There are no government charges for transferring funds but your bank at home will charge you transfer fees and receiving banks in Turkey normally have a small charge also. There are government tax charges when buying a property and annual property taxes also.

 

 If I sell my property, can I freely transfer my funds out of Turkey?

Yes, Turkey has a very liberal investment climate, including free (international) movement of capital, profits, dividends and salaries, free-trade zones and subsidies. Again small bank charges may apply.

 

 What legal representation should I have when buying a property in Turkey?

Under Turkish Law, no legal representation is needed when buying or selling a property in Turkey as all documentation issued by the Land Registry Office are legally binding in their own right.