5. Leasehold or Freehold?

The majority of property in Turkey is on a freehold basis. Occasionally, there are leasehold properties, often referred to as cooperatives. Should you opt to purchase one of these, then you will need to be informed of the cooperative system in place.
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6. Can I buy my property without a lawyer?

Yes, theoretically it is possible, everything can be done through the local Land Registry Office. However, we strongly advise you do use a lawyer. They lawyer will represent your interests throughout the entire purchase process.
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7. How long before I own the property?

Foreigners can buy property in their own name in certain areas of Turkey, and the process of obtaining the Title Deeds varies from resort to resort. In some areas it is as little as one months, in others, the process can take up to two - three months. A military check is carried out on the property making sure it is not in military zone before the title deeds are authorized.
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8. Who inherits our property if one of us dies?

According to Turkish Law, the property automatically goes to spouse and children. To make amendments on the Title Deeds would involve legal assistance.
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9. Can we take our money back out of Turkey if we sell our property?

Yes, you are able to take money back out of the country in pounds sterling or euro, via a bank is the preferred option, as this registers the money both arriving into and departing from the country. However, you will be liable to Capital Gains Tax (for the first five years), and this is on a sliding scale.
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10. Do I have to pay taxes?

Yes, in general this is 1.5% for the buyer and 1.5% for the seller.

There is also a community tax, which is generally paid twice yearly - this is for local services and maintenance. This is very minimal in comparison to many other countries. There is also a rentals tax that should be paid if you are renting out your property.
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11. Are there any charges when owning a property in a complex?

When purchasing a property in a complex with other homes, the average annual charge for upkeep is €200-400. The charge depends on the complex and any work that has been carried out, such as swimming pool cleaning and gardening.
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12. Are there other costs associated with purchasing property?

Yes, these include an agency commission fee (usually around 3%), utility connection charges, mapping fees (in some resorts), and furnishing your property. We generally tend to advise clients that they should look to pay approx. 7-10% of the total value of the property, as shown on the Title Deeds, for extra costs.
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13. Can I purchase more that one property?

Yes. Property deeds can also have more than one name on them.
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14. Is there a limit to how much land I can own?

At the beginning of 2006, the legislation was adapted to enable foreigners - from countries where a reciprocal agreement is in place with Turkey - to purchase land in municipality areas only. Additionally, they are limited to the amount of land they can purchase - a minimum of 2.5 hectares, and a maximum of 30 hectares.
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