Real Estate in Turkey for Foreigners — Updated Rules

Author: Luxury Estate Turkey Viewed 24 times 24 October 2025

A Changing Landscape for Foreign Investors

Every year, more than 60 000 foreigners — families, couples, retirees, and investors alike — decide to buy real estate in Turkey. For some, it’s a second home by the sea; for others, a safe long-term investment or a gateway to Turkish citizenship. From the calm rhythm of Alanya and Antalya to the cultural energy of Istanbul and Bodrum, Turkey offers a rare balance of modern comfort, stable growth, and a genuinely welcoming lifestyle.

As the laws evolve, understanding the rules for foreigners buying property in Turkey has never been more important. It protects your budget, simplifies your paperwork, and helps ensure that every decision you make turns into lasting value.

That’s where Luxury Estate Turkey stands beside you — guiding international buyers with clear legal support, verified developments, and citizenship-eligible homes across Turkey’s most promising regions.

Alanya Night time view

1. Foreign Ownership Rights in Turkey

Turkey allows foreign citizens to own real estate almost on the same terms as local residents, with only a few exceptions.

The main law regulating property ownership is Law No. 2644 on Land Registry. According to this law, foreigners can:

  • Buy apartments, villas, land plots, or commercial spaces in permitted zones.

  • Own multiple properties across different regions.

  • Transfer ownership, sell, or inherit property freely.

  • Earn income from rental or resale.

Restrictions include:

  • Prohibition of purchases in military or strategically protected zones.

  • A maximum ownership limit of 30 hectares nationwide per individual.

These boundaries ensure foreign ownership remains balanced and strategically controlled.

Real Estate In Turkey

2. Which Nationalities Can Buy Property in Turkey?

Citizens of over 180 countries — including the UK, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Kazakhstan, and EU members — are permitted to buy property in Turkey.

Only citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with Turkey are restricted from buying property. For most foreign buyers, ownership is entirely legal and straightforward — the key is knowing how local rules apply to each nationality.

For instance, buyers from Iraq or Syria may encounter limitations in a few specific provinces for security reasons. Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian citizens can purchase property freely but should always check whether the chosen district is open or closed for residence permits before making an offer.

At Luxury Estate Turkey, our legal consultants review every client’s nationality status and district preference in advance. This ensures your real estate purchase in Turkey is fully compliant, transparent, and ready for future residence or citizenship applications — without surprises later.

3. Open and Closed Districts for Foreign Ownership and Residence?

Since 2022, Turkey’s Migration Directorate has divided neighborhoods into open (açık) and closed (kapalı) zones.

  • In open districts, foreigners may both purchase real estate and apply for a residence permit (ikamet).

  • In closed districts, property can still be purchased, but residence permits are no longer issued, even if the buyer owns the home.

To illustrate this, let's look at Alanya,Turkey.As of 2025:
Districts such as Oba, Alanya Center, Tosmur, Konaklı, Payallar, Gazipaşa, and Demirtaş remain open.
Meanwhile, Kargıcak, Mahmutlar, Avsallar, and Kestel are closed due to the high concentration of foreign ownership.

Before you buy, it’s essential to verify your district’s status using the official government map — or simply ask Luxury Estate Turkey’s consultants to confirm it for you.

4. Buying Land and Building on It

Foreign nationals may purchase land in Turkey for construction under specific conditions:

  • A construction project must be submitted for approval within two years of purchase.

  • Total ownership across all land plots must not exceed 30 hectares.

  • The plot must be located within an officially approved construction zone.

If construction does not begin within the permitted timeframe, the state may annul ownership rights.

Our development division at Luxury Estate Turkey assists investors in designing compliant projects, obtaining building permits, and connecting them with certified architects and contractors.

5. Understanding TAPU — The Title Deed

Every property transaction culminates in receiving a TAPU — Turkey’s official title deed that confirms legal ownership.

tapu example 1

The process is carried out through the Land Registry Office (Tapu ve Kadastro Müdürlüğü).

You will need:

  • A valid passport translated and notarized.

  • A tax number (Vergi Numarası).

  • A property valuation report (ekspertiz raporu).

  • Bank documents proving official payment.

  • Passport-style photos of both parties.

Once documents are complete, TAPU transfer typically takes between 3 and 7 working days.

Luxury Estate Turkey ensures all documentation passes legal verification and assists clients throughout the registration process — from valuation to final signature.

6. Currency Regulations and Payment Procedure

According to Central Bank regulations, property transactions between foreigners and Turkish entities must occur in Turkish lira (TRY).

Buyers can, however, transfer euros or U.S. dollars from abroad; the receiving bank converts the amount automatically using the official exchange rate.

After conversion, the buyer must obtain a Döviz Alım Belgesi (Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate) — a mandatory document for TAPU registration.

Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate Example

Failing to present this certificate may delay or invalidate the transfer.

Luxury Estate Turkey’s finance department coordinates all currency documentation and works directly with partner banks to streamline international payments safely.

7. Taxes, Maintenance Fees, and Insurance

Owning property in Turkey includes certain financial responsibilities.

Tax / Fee Type Rate Description
Purchase Tax 4 % Calculated from the declared cadastral value
Annual Property Tax 0.1 – 0.3 % Varies by region and property type
Maintenance Fee (Aidat) €30 – €150 / month Depends on residence facilities and management
DASK Earthquake Insurance From €40 Mandatory nationwide for all homeowners

Foreign owners must pay annual taxes to remain compliant; unpaid taxes may block future property transfers or sales.

Luxury Estate Turkey provides ongoing after-sales support, including annual tax reminders and assistance with DASK renewals.

8. Residence Permit and Turkish Citizenship Options

Residence Permit Through Property Ownership

From 2025 onward, foreigners purchasing real estate worth at least $200 000 may apply for a one- or two-year residence permit with renewal rights.
This threshold has increased from $75 000 to $200 000 to regulate demand and strengthen the value of the local housing market.

Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Investors purchasing property worth $400 000 or more may apply for Turkish citizenship through the investment program, provided they hold the property for at least three years.

Luxury Estate Turkey has guided numerous clients through this process — from property selection to passport delivery — ensuring smooth coordination between land registry, legal offices, and migration authorities.

İllusion Villas Luxurious 7-Bedroom Villa with Stunning Views in Alanya

9. Legal Risks and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even in an investor-friendly country, missteps can be costly. Common risks include:

  • Buying in closed districts without understanding residence restrictions.

  • Skipping the expert valuation (which can lead to inflated prices).

  • Sending payments outside official banking channels, violating currency law.

  • Using foreign power of attorney without apostille and notarized Turkish translation.

  • Purchasing land without an approved construction plan.

Working with a certified agency like Luxury Estate Turkey eliminates these risks — every document is checked through the official land registry and verified by licensed attorneys.

10. Major Legal Updates in 2025

The Turkish property market continues to modernize with new digital and legal systems:

  • Mandatory WebTapu registration: All title transfers must now pass through the government’s online platform.

  • Automatic district verification: Residency eligibility is checked instantly during registration.

  • Source-of-funds declaration: Buyers must now declare the origin of investment capital.

  • Raised residence-permit threshold: Increased from $75 000 to $200 000.

  • Stricter land purchase audits: Only construction-ready zones remain open to foreign ownership.

These updates improve transparency, prevent speculative purchases, and protect long-term investors.

11. Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Turkey

  1. Check the district status — open or closed for residence.

  2. Obtain a tax number and open a Turkish bank account.

  3. Order an official property valuation report.

  4. Sign a bilingual purchase agreement (Turkish + English).

  5. Transfer payment officially through a Turkish bank.

  6. Apply for TAPU via the Land Registry Office or WebTapu.

  7. Receive your title deed and enjoy full ownership rights.

Luxury Estate Turkey manages all these steps on behalf of clients, offering multilingual support and verified legal supervision.

Webtapu

12. Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Turkey as a Foreigner

When handled correctly, investing in real estate in Turkey for foreigners brings tangible advantages:

  • Legal ownership protection under Turkish civil law.

  • Access to residence permits and citizenship programs.

  • High rental yield potential in resort and city markets.

  • Comparatively low property taxes versus EU countries.

  • Secure capital appreciation in hard-currency terms.

Turkey’s property market continues to outperform many European destinations thanks to infrastructure upgrades, coastal demand, and government incentives.

In 2025, average entry prices for investment-grade homes in Turkey range between $200 000 and $400 000, depending on region and project status.
Well-located properties in Alanya, Antalya, and Istanbul historically show annual appreciation of around 12 – 15 %, while rental yields in coastal complexes often reach 6 – 8 % per year.
This balance between capital growth and steady rental income continues to make Turkey one of the most profitable and secure real-estate markets across the Mediterranean.

13. Why Work with Luxury Estate Turkey

Founded by professionals with deep expertise in both real estate and international law, Luxury Estate Turkey stands among the country’s most respected consultancies.

We specialize in guiding foreign buyers through every phase — from selecting the right property to completing legal transfers, furnishing, and residency applications.

Our Core Services Include:

  • Full Legal Assistance: Verified contracts, title checks, and translation.

  • Residency & Citizenship Guidance: Including complete application management.

  • After-Sales Support: Aidat payments, insurance renewals, and utility setup.

  • Investment Consultation: Market data, ROI projections, and portfolio growth strategies.

  • Secure Online Transactions: Remote purchases for overseas clients.

Whether you are purchasing your first apartment for sale in Alanya, a villa in Istanbul, or a citizenship-eligible home in Antalya, our experts handle all logistics — ensuring that your investment remains both profitable and safe.

Our Alanya office welcome clients daily, and online consultations are available for investors abroad.

Smart, Secure, and Rewarding Investment

Buying real estate in Turkey as a foreigner in 2025 remains a transparent and secure process when guided by professionals.
The rules are clear, the returns are measurable, and the potential for long-term growth is unmatched in the Mediterranean region.

By following the legal framework, verifying documents, and partnering with Luxury Estate Turkey, investors receive:

  • A lawfully registered TAPU,

  • Eligibility for residence or citizenship,

  • And a stable, appreciating asset in one of the world’s most desirable coastal markets.

Reach out to Luxury Estate Turkey today to explore verified projects, receive personalized investment analysis, and make your entry into Turkey’s thriving real-estate landscape with complete confidence.

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