Frequently Asked Questions:

Purchasing a property in Turkey:

Q. Are there any restrictions for foreigners purchasing in Turkey?
A. Only in rural areas and military zones. In the developments on this website, there should not be any restrictions imposed.

Q. Will the property be freehold?
A. Yes – all properties we sell in Turkey are what we would refer to as 'freehold'.

Q. On a new development, what is the average deposit required and can I pay in stage payments?
A. You will normally pay a £2,000/€3,000 reservation fee and 30% as a deposit within four weeks. Most developers offer stage payments, often with a degree of flexibility towards your own personal circumstances. This will be agreed at the time of purchase.

Q. Is buying a property in Turkey an investment opportunity?
A. Potentially, purchasing a property in Turkey is a fantastic investment opportunity, because prices are still relatively low in most areas. Those who have already purchased are seeing good returns. To date, conservative estimates would advise on around 10-15% increases year-on-year. EU accession talks began in October 2005 – property investors see this as a potentially long-term benefit.

Q. Why are people buying property?
A. Aside from the competitive property prices, Turkey has so much to offer; a beautiful climate, beaches and friendly locals. Many people who have visited for a holiday have discovered its charm and decide to return time and time again.

Q. What is the general buying process in Turkey?
A. After paying the reservation fee, your lawyer should carry out the title checks. A contract will be drawn up between the seller and purchaser. This will give details of the completion date, payment schedule and terms and conditions. When this is signed by all parties, the deposit is paid. You then apply for a security clearance to allow you to own a property in Turkey – this will often be applied for on your behalf by the developer. You can sign a Power of Attorney to conclude the necessary paperwork, if your circumstances require it.

Q. What documents are required?
A. Your passport(s) which will be copied and translated into Turkish and passport sized photographs. The notary’s office works in conjunction with the title deeds office and the Aegean Army. The translated documents will be checked by the army to ensure there is no record of criminal intent or activity against Turkey and that any property being purchased by a foreigner is not in the proximity to or intended to be used for any military purposes.

Q. After I have received the necessary permission to purchase, what happens next?
A. Your lawyer should carry out pre-completion checks. Following this, you (or your Power of Attorney) will sign a deed of transfer in front of an officer at the Land Registry, who then records you as the official owner of the property. The property tax is paid at this stage.

Q. What additional costs are there in relation to the purchase?
A. You will pay stamp duty, legal fees, wealth tax and purchase tax. The latter is just 3% but sometimes split 50/50 with the purchaser, so that you pay 1.5% of the amount shown on the title deeds.

Q. Are there many English speaking lawyers in Turkey?
A. There are reputable lawyers in Bodrum and Fethiye, who speak fluent English and we will be happy to introduce you to them on your viewing trip or appointment with one of our Turkish offices.

Q. Is there a good range of banks and are they English speaking?
A. There are many banks where English is widely spoken, so no worries there. It is easy to open a bank account and you can have both Turkish and English accounts – your choice.

Q. Are double taxation treaties in place?
A. Turkey is a signatory to a treaty for the prevention of double taxation with many countries of the world.

Q. What facilities are there on a typical development?
A. Owing to the very pleasant summer weather, which can get rather hot at its height, a swimming pool – communal, private or both – is the main pre-requisite. You will find some offering tennis courts, Turkish baths, spa rooms and easy access to golf.

Q. What should I expect to pay in community fees?
A. This can vary from development to development. Your lawyer should look into this for you.

Q. Are there any ongoing taxes?
A. State property tax, environmental tax and wealth tax. However, these are relatively low and again your lawyer should be able to advise you. There is also a rentals tax that should be paid if you are renting out your property.

Q. What about paying for energy and water supplies if my main home is not in Turkey?
A. The easiest way to pay for your electricity is by direct debit via a bank in Turkey. Currently all water bills are paid direct to the local Belidiyer office, however, arrangements can often be made with the larger developers regarding payment of utility bills.

Q. How long before I own the property?
A. 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 two-three months, in others, the process can take up to a year. A military check is carried out on all foreign people before the title deeds are authorised.

Q. Can I rent out my property?
A. Yes. The main season is from April to October but you will still be able to rent it out over the winter at lower rates. At the height of the summer, you can expect a more than reasonable return.

Q. What about furnishing my property?
A. Many developers offer furniture packs. Alternatively, there is a wide range of furniture shops for you to explore. You should allow anything from £5,000 to £10,000/€7,500 to €15,000 to furnish an average sized property up to showhouse standard.

General Information on Turkey:                                            

Q. What is the weather like?
A. Turkey still has seasons but with much better temperatures. In winter, you’ll find the temperatures by the south coast ranging between 5 and 15 degrees, in spring it warms up to 25 degrees. The summer is usually dry and hot from May through to September peaking at 45 degrees, cooling again as we move into autumn back down from 25 to 15 degrees.

Q. How do the locals treat foreigners who purchase there?
A. You will find Turkish people extremely hospitable and friendly.

Q. Are families/children welcome?
A. Most definitely. There is a family orientated culture in Turkey and children are welcome almost everywhere.

Q. What about the healthcare in terms of the standard and costs?
A. The standard is generally very good. All foreigners have to pay for medical treatment and there are reciprocal private health plans available from the UK/ROI which will be accepted in the private hospitals. You can purchase a health insurance plan in Turkey up to the age of 55 years.

Q. How does the general cost of living compare?
A. Fresh produce is great value for money. You’ll find most items up to 50% cheaper than at home with electrical items being the most expensive.
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Q. What about eating out?
A. Again, you will benefit from the relatively low prices. Being a Muslim country, you will often find Pork and its associated products excluded from the menu, however, there is a wide choice of other meats, seafood and vegetables. As well as Turkish cuisine, you will find English, Italian and Indian restaurants quite commonplace.

Q. If I move to Turkey, can I take my dog/cat with me?
A. Yes. You must first obtain a ‘pet passport’ and vets documents. For more information, call:
UK - The Pets Travel Scheme on 08702 411710
ROI - The Animal Health and Welfare Division on 01 607 2827.

Q. Can I work there?
A. Yes you can but you must obtain a work permit first.

Q. What about schools and colleges?
A. As a resident, you can send your children to local government or private schools. Both offer a good standard of education. The private schools are international and accommodate pupils from all over the world.

Q. What is the government system in the country?
A. It is democratically elected. Turkey is also one of the five permanent members of NATO.

Q.Can we take our money back out of Turkey if we sell our property?
A.Yes, you are able to take money back out of the country in pounds sterling, 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.

Q.Who inherits our property if one of us dies?
A. According to Turkish Law, the property automatically goes to spouse and children.