املاک: فروش ملک | سوالات متداول

Please Note:

The information below is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While we do our best to keep it up-to-date, laws, procedures, and requirements in Turkey are constantly evolving. Every case is unique — your situation may differ due to nationality, personal background, or recent legal changes.

hat’s why we always recommend speaking with the expert advisors first.

Can foreigners sell property in Turkey easily? – Yes. Foreign property owners have the right to sell their property in Turkey anytime. The process of selling as a foreigner is essentially the same as for locals – you find a buyer (Turkish or foreign), agree on price, and do the title transfer at the Land Registry. There is no additional tax for foreigners selling, and you can repatriate the proceeds (see Foreign Currency section for transferring money out). Just ensure all your paperwork (title deed, passport, tax number) is in order. It’s often advisable to use an agent to reach more buyers and navigate the process.
What are the legal requirements for selling property in Turkey? – To sell, you must have a valid title deed (Tapu) in your name, and the property should be free of any legal issues (no disputes or unpaid debts/taxes on it). Both seller and buyer need Turkish tax numbers. Foreign sellers must obtain a property appraisal report (a valuation report) as part of the sale process – this is required to proceed with the title transfer for a foreign seller. Transactions must occur at the official Land Registry Office; private contracts alone are not enough to transfer ownership. The seller also needs to provide the mandatory DASK (earthquake insurance) certificate and valid ID (passport). If you cannot attend in person, you can give a power of attorney for someone to represent you in the sale.
Do I need a real estate agent to sell my property? – It’s not legally required to use an agent, but it’s highly recommended to work with a licensed real estate agent when selling, especially as a foreigner. A good agent will help with pricing, marketing (listing your property to find buyers), handling inquiries in Turkish, and the paperwork. They also guide you through negotiations and ensure you have all necessary documents. Agents in Turkey typically charge a commission of 2% of the sale price (plus VAT) from the seller (and similarly 2% from the buyer). You can sell by yourself, but using an agent can speed up the process and help you navigate any language or legal nuances.
How do I determine the selling price or value of my property in Turkey? – You can determine your property’s value by getting a professional appraisal (required anyway for foreigners). Also, compare recent sale prices of similar properties in your area (market comparable). Consulting a local real estate agent for a comparative market analysis is useful – they know current market conditions and what buyers pay. Keep in mind market dynamics: currency changes and local demand can cause big swings in nominal prices. Having a realistic price will help attract buyers faster.
What taxes or fees do I pay when selling property? – If you sell property in Turkey, the primary cost to be aware of is Capital Gains Tax. If you have owned the property for less than 5 years, any profit you make is subject to capital gains tax (up to ~35% on the gain, though there is an inflation adjustment and an exemption amount). If you hold the property for 5+ years, you are exempt from capital gains tax under current law – meaning no tax on your profit from the sale. Other costs: typically, the title deed transfer tax (4%) is shared between buyer and seller, so as a seller you might pay 2% (this can be negotiated, but often the seller and buyer split it). If you used an agent, you’ll pay their commission (~2%). Also, ensure your property taxes and any site maintenance fees are paid up until the sale date. There may be small costs like paying off the mandatory earthquake insurance up to year-end, etc. Legal fees would apply if you hire a lawyer for the sale.
What documents do I need to provide when selling my property? – Documents include: the original title deed (Tapu), your passport (with Turkish tax number), the property appraisal report (recently done), the DASK insurance policy certificate, and if applicable, any habitation license or energy performance certificate for the property. If you cannot be present, a notarized power of attorney for your representative. Also, the buyer will need to see your tax clearance (that you’ve paid property taxes and site fees up to date). Having copies of the building management plan or condo agreement (if in a complex) can be helpful to the buyer, though not mandatory for the sale.
How long does it usually take to sell a property in Turkey? – The timeline varies. Finding a buyer can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on location, price, and market conditions. In hot markets (Istanbul, coastal hotspots), a well-priced property might sell quickly. In slower markets or for high-end properties, expect longer. Once a buyer is found and a deposit or sales agreement is made, the transaction (title deed transfer) can be completed in a matter of days (often 1-2 days after getting the appraisal and all paperwork ready). So, the main variable is marketing time. Overall, to be safe, budget a few months to sell; if you need a fast sale, you might have to price it below market to attract quick offers.
Can I repatriate the money from selling my property in Turkey to my home country? – Yes. After selling, you can transfer the proceeds abroad freely, in any currency. Turkey does not impose capital controls that prevent foreign investors from taking their money out. You might have to provide your bank with documentation of the property sale (like the sale contract or title deed showing transfer) to justify the large foreign currency transfer (part of anti-money-laundering procedures), but transferring your funds out is allowed. Be mindful of exchange rates – you’ll likely convert the lira from the sale into a hard currency when you send it. Banks may ask for a “purchase/sale document” since the amount may be significant, but once provided, the wire transfer can be done.
What is the process on the day of selling – how is the money exchanged with the buyer? – Usually, buyer and seller (or their proxies) meet at the Land Registry office on the appointment day. Before or during this meeting, the buyer pays the agreed amount. Often this is done via a bank transfer (some do it a day before to be sure, or live transfer on the spot) or via a blocked check. In many cases with foreigners, a currency exchange office or bank escrow can be used: the buyer deposits the money and it’s held to be released to seller upon deed transfer. Once payment is verified (or both parties are satisfied with payment method), you sign the official transfer documents. The officer then updates the Tapu to the new owner’s name. After that, the funds are released to the seller if they were held in escrow. It’s important to use a secure payment method – carrying cash is not advised. Turkish Land Registry offices now often require showing a receipt of the bank transfer for property transactions above a certain limit to ensure transparency (and in some cases to prove currency conversion if needed by law).
Do I have to pay capital gains tax if I sell my property? – As mentioned, if you sell within 5 years of purchase, profit is taxable. After 5 years, you’re exempt from capital gains tax on that sale. To calculate: you take selling price (indexed for inflation) minus purchase price (indexed) and certain costs; any gain above a small exemption is taxed on a sliding scale (15% to 35%). Many foreign owners plan to hold for at least 5 years to avoid this tax. Always consult an accountant or tax expert at the time of sale to calculate if any tax is due, and file it the following year if so. Note that this is Turkish tax; you should also check if your home country would tax the capital gain or not (depending on tax treaties).
How can I make my property more attractive to buyers? – To improve marketability: ensure the property is clean, well-maintained, and free of clutter for viewings. Fix any minor repairs (a fresh coat of paint, tidy landscaping can help). Good lighting and staging (arranging furniture nicely) can make a difference. Use high-quality photos in listings and consider posting a virtual tour. Price it competitively by looking at similar listings. Flexibility with viewing times and being accommodating with buyer questions also helps. If you’re not in Turkey, have an agent or someone who can show the property on short notice. Essentially, first impressions matter – both in advertising and when prospective buyers visit.
Is there any role of a notary in selling property? – In Turkey, notaries are generally not involved in the actual property title transfer. Property sales are finalized at the Land Registry Office, not by a notary. However, a notary might come into play if you grant power of attorney to someone to sell on your behalf (that POA must be notarized) or if any documents need official translation certification. In some countries, notaries handle real estate, but in Turkey it’s the Land Registry that completes the sale. So you might visit a notary before the sale for preparatory paperwork, but the sale itself is at the Tapu office.
Will I be able to sell my property at a profit given Turkey’s currency changes? – This depends on the market and timing. Turkish property values in local currency have risen significantly in recent years due to inflation and demand (so in TL terms you likely see a higher number than you paid). However, the Turkish Lira has often depreciated against USD/EUR – if you measure in those terms, your profit isn’t guaranteed unless the property’s value outpaced inflation and devaluation. Many foreigners found that even if the lira dropped, the surge in property prices in lira still gave them a profit in dollar/euro terms, especially in high-demand areas. It’s very locale and timing specific. If you bought in a sought-after area and sell during a market peak, you might profit nicely. Conversely, if the lira drastically fell and property prices didn’t keep up, your gain might be neutral or only on paper in TL. Always consider exchange rates when calculating your true profit if you plan to convert out of lira.

Real Estate: Selling Property | FAQs

Real Estate:
Selling Property | FAQs