Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for foreigners buying holiday homes—thanks to its coastal beauty, favorable property prices, and residency options. Whether you're a retiree looking for a second home or an investor seeking rental income, it's essential to understand the legal landscape before purchasing. At ER&GUN&ER, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide comprehensive real estate legal services for foreigners. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying a holiday home in Turkey, from legal checks to tax responsibilities and property management.
Top Locations for Holiday Homes in Turkey
- 🔹 Antalya: Beach resorts, expat communities, modern infrastructure
- 🔹 Fethiye: Scenic nature, villas with sea view, strong British expat base
- 🔹 Bodrum: Luxury coastal homes, boutique architecture, high resale value
- 🔹 Alanya: Budget-friendly apartments, strong rental demand
- 🔹 İstanbul outskirts (Silivri, Şile): City access + summer lifestyle
Can Foreigners Buy Holiday Homes in Turkey?
Yes. Foreign nationals from 180+ countries can legally purchase residential real estate in Turkey, subject to certain restrictions:
- Property must not be in military or security zones
- Total foreign-owned land in a district cannot exceed 10%
- Each foreigner may buy up to 30 hectares nationwide
Our firm conducts property eligibility checks before any agreement is signed.
Legal Due Diligence Before Buying
Before paying a deposit or signing any purchase agreement, we conduct full legal due diligence:
- Title deed (Tapu) verification at the Land Registry
- Checking for mortgages, liens, or court blocks
- Confirming zoning and building permits
- Reviewing seller’s ownership and POA documents
Title Deed Transfer Process (Tapu Devri)
- Preliminary agreement signed (optionally via lawyer or agent)
- Application submitted to Land Registry (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü)
- Official property valuation obtained (SPK-approved)
- Currency exchange confirmed via bank (Döviz Alım Belgesi)
- Buyer and seller attend Tapu office (or lawyer attends with POA)
- Transfer finalized, title deed issued in buyer’s name
Taxes and Costs of Buying a Holiday Property
- Tapu Tax: 4% (often split, but buyer usually pays all)
- Notary and translation fees: ~€300–€500
- Legal fee: Flat fee or % of sale, depending on complexity
- Annual property tax: 0.1%–0.4% of property value
- DASK (earthquake insurance): Mandatory, renewed annually
Can I Buy a Holiday Home Without Coming to Turkey?
Yes. We represent clients through a notarized Power of Attorney (POA). You do not need to visit Turkey. Our team handles:
- Due diligence and negotiation
- Tapu registration
- Tax registration and address declaration
- Utility setup and post-sale reporting
Can I Rent Out My Holiday Home in Turkey?
Yes. You can rent short or long-term. However, for short-term vacation rentals (Airbnb-style), you must register with the Tourism Ministry and obtain a rental permit. Income must be declared, and rental tax applies.
Can I Get Residency or Citizenship Through Holiday Property?
- Properties worth at least $75,000 (in major cities) may qualify for short-term residence permits
- Properties worth $400,000+ may qualify for Turkish citizenship by investment
We help evaluate your property’s eligibility for immigration benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I buy a holiday home in Turkey on a tourist visa? Yes. Visa status does not affect your right to purchase real estate.
- Do I need to form a company to buy? No. Individuals can buy residential property in their name.
- Can I buy jointly with my spouse or partner? Yes. Tapu can be issued in joint names.
- Do I need a Turkish bank account? Yes—for currency transfer and property registration compliance.
- Can I get a mortgage in Turkey? Rarely. Foreigners may apply, but banks impose strict conditions. Most sales are cash-based.
- Is property ownership permanent? Yes. Turkish title deeds are freehold, not leasehold.
- Can I leave my holiday home to my children? Yes. Property passes by inheritance under Turkish Civil Law. See our inheritance guide.
- What if the seller is not the real owner? Always verify ownership at the Land Registry before paying any amount. We prevent fraud through official checks.
- Can I buy more than one property? Yes. Foreigners may own multiple homes, within national and local limits.
Conclusion: A Holiday Investment Backed by Legal Security
Buying a holiday home in Turkey offers lifestyle benefits and long-term value—but only if done legally and with due diligence. Our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers guide you from contract to keys, ensuring your purchase is safe, compliant, and tailored to your goals. Contact the Best Lawyer in Turkey today to make your real estate dream a reality with full legal protection and personalized support.