» ABOUT BUYING IN TURKEY

What nationalities can buy in Turkey?
Turkey has a reciprocal agreement for the purchase of land and properties with the following countries; Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Australia, France, Greece, and some other African and South American states.

Where in Turkey can foreign nationals buy?
Freehold property or land may be purchased by the above listed foreign nationals, from a Turkish national or another foreigner, provided the property is in the local district.

What documentation will I need?
Your passport and 4 passport sized photographs (not more than 6 months old), also some brief family details are required for purchasing a property in Turkey. You will also need to obtain a tax number, a very straight forward process which entails a brief visit to the Tax Office whist in Kusadasi and we will assist you with this.

How long does the whole process take?
Once contracts have been signed it takes between 6 & 10 weeks to receive the title deeds on a resale property . A full and final TAPU for properties under construction (Co-Operative Builds and Developer Build) cannot be issued until the property is complete but a Land Tapu and/or Deeds of Assignment are issued to you for Capital Developments & Real Estate's own development projects. (see our Buying Process Simplified Page for more details on Resale, Co-Operative Build and Developer Build)

Do I need a Lawyers Services to purchase in Turkey?
Under Turkish Law, no legal representation is needed when buying or selling a property in Turkey as all documentation issued by the Land Registry Office are legally binding in their own right. The Title Deeds Office ensure that all bills are paid and debts discharged on the property before it allowed to change hands for a resale property. Checks are also undertaken to ensure correct planning / extention permissions are in order before a property is cleared for change of Title Deed.
For new developments, Capital Developments & Real Estate carry our all legal work on your behalf. Our booking form and Kusemder Contracts are legally binding contracts and protect the interest of you the purchaser under Turkish Jurasdiction.
Capital Developments & Real Estate will manage the entire buying and selling process on your behalf but some individuals feel more comfortable having legal representation. We can recommend a number of independent lawyers to you if you wish to employ one.

Are Property Surveys carried out as part of the Buying Process
A law was recently passed in Turkey where all new buildings must be independently surveyed before they are offered to the market (Yeni Dentemi). However, this is not the case for resale properties. We would recommend that you do obtain a survey and have a list of qualified and approved surveyors which we can pass onto you.

Do I need to obtain citizenship before I buy?
No, non citizens and non residents can buy a property in Turkey.

Do I need a visa entering Turkey?
Yes, most nationalities require a Visa to enter Turkey. This can be obtained at Immigration once you arrive in Turkey - Visitors Visas currently cost € 10 for an Irish National and STG£ 10 for a UK Citizen. Prices vary depending on nationality, so if you hold another passport, please check with your local Turkish Embassy.

How long can I stay in Turkey on the normal Visitors visa?
Visitors Visas are valid for 3 months.

Can I obtain a Visitors visa for a longer period of time?
Yes, longer term residency visas can be obtained from your local Turkish Embassy prior to travelling to Turkey. They are normally issued for periods of one year. Alternatively you can opt to take a day trip or overnight trip to a Greek Island towards the end of your 3 month period and purchase a new visa valid for 3 months on re-entry to Turkey.

» ABOUT FINANCE

Can I get a mortgage in Turkey to finance my purchase?
No, Foreign Nationals are not eligible for mortgage or other financial borrowings currently but these guidelines could change as Turkey move close to joining the EU.

How will I pay for my purchase?
Most customer arrange finance in Ireland prior to travelling to Turkey or arrange it as soon as they return home. The most popular financing methods in our experience are re-mortgaging existing properties at home, personal savings or personal loans.

Do I need to open a bank account in Turkey?
You do not have to as Capital Developments & Real Estate have international bank accounts in Turkey and Ireland so your funds to purchase can be transferred through these. However, most people do open bank accounts so funds can be transferred prior to travelling and so funds are available for contract completion. Direct Debits can also be set up to pay utility bills.

» ABOUT TAX and INSURANCE

As a property owner, do I need to register for Tax in Turkey?
Yes, but this is a very straight forward procedure which we can guide you through.

Will I have to pay tax or charges when bringing funds into Turkey?
There are no government charges for transferring funds but your bank at home will charge you transfer fees and receiving banks in Turkey normally have a small charge also. There are government tax charges when buying a property and annual property taxes also - please see our Financial Matter page for more details.

Is there capital gains tax charges or any other taxes if/when I sell my property in Turkey?
Capital gains from the sale of a property is taxable in Turkey if the owner is a Company. Individuals do not have to pay capital gains, provided they have owned the property for one year. If your normal place of residence is Ireland and you are categorized as a normal tax resident, then capital gains may be taxable in Ireland.
Where a double taxation agreement does not exist with a particular country, there are provisions within the Irish Taxes Acts which allow unilateral credit relief against Irish tax for tax paid in the other country in respect of certain types of income (e.g. dividends and interest). (Source The Irish Revenue Commissioners Website).
Please note that New Taxation agreements with Argentina, Turkey and Ukraine are in the course of negotiation. We would recommend that you consult with a tax expert in Ireland on this matter prior to selling your property.

Can I get house and contents insurance in Turkey?
Yes, many well known international insurance companies and local Turkish companies offer building and contents insurance. Earthquake Insurance is now compulsory in Turkey and is readily available and a straight forward transaction.

» ABOUT ONGOING COSTS

How will I set up Utility Services - Gas, Electricity, Telephone?
As part of the buying process we will assist you to do this. There are once off set up costs - please see our financial matters page.
Telephone Lines are not currently offered to non nationals but Mobile phones with Pay As You Go Cards are readily available.

How will I pay these bills when I am not in Turkey and if the property is being rented?
If you have not set up a bank account to pay utilities when you are not in Turkey, then we can provide this service for you at a small charge.

Are there any other annual costs I need to be aware of?
Yes, Property 0.1% of declared value of yor property, Community charges of € 25 for Education & Earthquake Funds, Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (regular or private), maintenance changes if your property is in a complex. Rates can are also due annually €40 approx but usually only apply after the first five years.

» ABOUT RENTING YOUR PROPERTY IN TURKEY

Will I be able to rent my property on long term or short term basis and if so what can I expect to get rental?
Turkey is an ever increasing destination for Europeans, and resorts are also popular with Turkish tourists during the summer months.
Long term Rentals are normally on 6 month or 1 Year Basis. 6 month rentals would normally only be for summer months, so if you want to use your property then long term options would not be feasible.
Properties can also be let out on a daily and weekly basis. Prices are property and time of year dependent. We can give you an idea of what you could hope to achieve for your specific property and managed these rentals on your behalf for a management fee.
Please note that Rental income is liable for tax assessment in either Ireland or Turkey.

» ABOUT SELLING YOUR PROPERTY IN TURKEY

If I want to sell my property in Turkey, are there any restrictions and what are the costs?
Resale costs would be approximately 5% comprising of sales tax, local documentation and legal fees. Property may be sold to Turkish, or foreign nationals without restriction. Because of the change in law (Decree 32 August 1989) the lira is now convertible so proceeds of the sale of a property can be converted to whatever currency and subsequently transferred to any country you choose.

If I sell my property, can I freely transfer my funds out of Turkey?
Yes, Turkey has a very liberal investment climate, including free (international) movement of capital, profits, dividends and salaries, free-trade zones and subsidies. Again small bank charges may apply.

» ABOUT GENERAL QUERIES

Is satellite TV available in Turkey?
Yes, a wide range of satellite TV services are available in Turkey.

What are the medical and dental care facilities in Turkey?
Yes, Turkey has both public and private facilities available. Private facilities are to a very high standard and costs are approximately 40-50% cheaper than other European countries.

Can we get private health insurance in Turkey?
Yes, Private Health insurance is readily available in Turkey and costs again are considerably cheaper than at home. Individuals who are travelling to Turkey for 3 months or less and hold private health insurance at home should be covered, but please check this with your Insurer before travelling. For those looking to spend longer periods of time or retire in Turkey, then we would recommend that you explore the Global Policy currently on offer with VHI or are covered by an Insurer in Turkey.

Can I will my property to my beneficiaries?
You can make a Turkish Will and leave your property to your beneficiaries, however if you hadn't made a will, the property goes to your next of kin.

Can I bring my pet to Turkey?
Yes, currently you can bring one cat, one dog, one bird or ten fish to Turkey by obtaining a certificate of origin and a certificate of health not more than 15 days prior to travelling. Airlines will also need to be advised of your intention to bring a pet with you when booking your flights.
However, please remember that pets will be quarantined if you are returning from Turkey to the UK or Ireland.

What legal representation should I have when buying a property in Turkey?
Under Turkish Law, no legal representation is needed when buying or selling a property in Turkey as all documentation issued by the Land Registry Office & Kusemder contracts (written in both Turkish & English) are legally binding in their own right. Capital Developments & Real Estate will manage the entire buying and selling process on your behalf but some individuals feel more comfortable having legal representation. We can recommend a number of independent lawyers to you if you wish to employ one.

What are the costs of shipping to Turkey / Can you recommend an agent?
For large volume of goods, shipping is the cheapest option and costs are based on the cubic meter - average cost is approx €500 per cubic meter but go down as volume increases. We have list of agencies in Ireland that we can recommend or see our Useful Links page.
For smaller volume of goods, Aer Lingus Cargo offer cargo services at €5.06 per kilo up to 45 kilos and € 3.84 per kilo for over 45 kilos - there is an additional charge of € 70 for documentation and security (prices correct as at 20/2/04) . Charges may also be payable in Turkey depending on what is being cargoed but would be minimal.