Turkey Real Estate FAQ 2025: Expert Answers for Foreign Buyers

Your 2025 Guide to Buying Property in Turkey

The Turkish property market attracts people from all over the world: investors seeking long-term value, families searching for a safe lifestyle, retirees wanting a warm climate by the sea, and young professionals looking for an affordable second home. Over the last two decades, we have welcomed thousands of buyers who ask very similar questions. This extended Turkey Real Estate FAQ brings the most important ones together and answers them in a clear, practical, and human-focused way — based on real daily experience, not theory.

1. How stable is the property market in Turkey today?

The market has faced global challenges like every country, yet Turkey’s main cities continue to show strong resilience. Locations such as Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Alanya maintain demand because they offer a rare combination of lifestyle, climate, infrastructure, tourism, and affordability.

Growth varies by district, but overall the long-term trend remains positive. Buyers who study location carefully usually achieve better appreciation. Foreign demand stays strong because Turkey remains an accessible, affordable Mediterranean market with diverse appeal.

2. Are the real monthly ownership costs high?

Ownership costs in Turkey are surprisingly affordable compared to Europe. Property tax is low, and most apartments pay well under €100 per year. Utilities remain manageable, except during extreme summer months when air-conditioning increases usage.

The only variable cost is the “aidat” maintenance fee, which depends on security, caretaker services, gardens, pools, elevators, and general common-area management. Smaller complexes may cost €30–€40 monthly, while luxury residences can reach €150–€200.

3. Should I buy a new apartment or a resale property?

Both can be good choices, but new developments usually offer higher safety and long-term value for foreign buyers. Since 2018, Turkey applies strong construction regulations, modern insulation requirements, and strict earthquake standards.

New residences typically include backup generators, elevators, parking, security systems, and better energy efficiency. Resale properties may appeal due to location, but buyers should always inspect the building age, structural condition, and legal documentation.

4. Can foreigners access payment plans or mortgages?

Yes. Turkey is one of the easiest markets for foreigners who need flexible financing.

Developer Payment Plans

• No bank approval required.
• Often interest-free during construction.
• Down payments around 30%–50%.
• Installments over 12–60 months.

Turkish Bank Mortgages

• Passport and proof of income required.
• Finance up to 50% of the property value.
• Terms up to 10 years.
• Approval in 3–7 days.

Many foreign buyers choose payment plans because they offer simplicity, flexibility, and early access to new projects.

5. Is buying without a real estate agency cheaper?

Rarely. It is far easier for foreigners to make costly mistakes without expert guidance. Title deed checks, zoning confirmation, valuation rules, building permits, and municipal documents are all in Turkish.

Typical risks of buying alone include:

• Missing or outdated building permits.
• Incorrect market prices due to lack of comparison.
• Hidden legal or technical issues.
• Complications during Tapu transfer.

Most professional agencies do not charge the buyer, so using expert assistance usually saves money while offering full protection.

6. Should I buy furnished or unfurnished?

Both options work well depending on lifestyle and goals.

Furnished:

• Ideal for immediate rental income.
• Convenient for foreign buyers not living in Turkey.
• Developers often offer cost-effective packages.

Unfurnished:

• Allows full control of style and quality.
• Furniture shops deliver within 24–48 hours.
• Surprisingly small price difference compared to furnished units.

7. What taxes and fees should buyers expect?

• Title Deed Tax: 4% (shared depending on negotiation)
• Valuation Report: mandatory for foreign buyers
• Notary Fees: translations and power of attorney
• Bank Transfer Fees: small charges depending on bank

There are no hidden taxes when the transaction follows legal procedures with verified documentation.

8. Can buying property give residency or citizenship?

Residency: Any property purchase qualifies the buyer and immediate family members.

Citizenship: The investment threshold is USD 400,000 with a three-year holding period. The property must meet valuation and regulatory requirements.

9. How long does the buying process take?

• Tax number: same day
• Bank account: same day
• Valuation report: 1–2 days
• Tapu transfer: 2–5 days

Most buyers complete the full process comfortably within one week.

10. What is the biggest mistake foreign buyers make?

• Buying without checking permits or documentation
• Listening to unrealistic price promises
• Paying sellers directly instead of secure channels
• Skipping the valuation report
• Choosing very old buildings without understanding renovation costs

These issues are preventable with proper guidance and verified procedures.

11. Is Turkey safe for long-term investment?

Yes. Strong tourism performance, young population, rental demand, continuous infrastructure projects, and long-term international interest make Turkey one of the most appealing markets in its region.

Final Notes

This extended Turkey Real Estate FAQ was created for real buyers who want clarity, not promotional language. These answers reflect two decades of real experience in the field, assisting families, investors, and homeowners from more than sixty countries. Every buyer’s situation is unique, and while this FAQ offers a solid foundation, personalized guidance is always the most reliable way to make confident decisions in the Turkish market.

For comprehensive information about buying property in Turkey, see our Buying Property in Turkey guide. For information about legal protection during the purchase process, see our Property Lawyer in Turkey guide. For buyers who prefer professional execution support, our Buying Property Assistance in Turkey service provides full coordination of the purchase process.