AI Property Assistant
Complete Guide to Property Purchase Expenses in Turkey
Detailed breakdown of all costs associated with purchasing property in Turkey
Expenses When Buying Property in Turkey
Complete guide to property purchase costs in Turkey. Understanding all expenses involved in buying Turkish real estate, from initial purchase taxes to ongoing annual costs.
Quick Cost Overview
Important: Declared vs Sales Price
In Turkey, it is common practice for sellers to declare a lower official value than the actual sales price. About 90% of sales declare around half of the actual price. All taxes are calculated on the declared value.
Property Purchase Expenses
Property Purchase Tax
4% of declared price
Legal liability split 2% buyer, 2% seller (often buyer pays all 4%)
Appraisal Fee
TL 5,500 - TL 19,495
Mandatory only for citizenship applications, varies by property type
Power of Attorney
TL 6,500
Notary fee if legal representation is used
Translation Fees
TL 2,000 - TL 3,000
Sworn translation if parties don't speak Turkish
Cadastre Fees
TL 5,000 - TL 6,000
Circulating capital and cadastre fees at deed office
Real Estate Agent Fee
3-6% + VAT
Often covered by seller, may pay less or no fee
Property Appraisal Fees
Appraisal Cost by Property Type
Required only for Turkish citizenship applications. Prices exclude VAT.
Title Deed (Tapu) Process Costs
Required Fees
- Property Purchase Tax4% of declared price
- Circulating Capital FeeTL 5,000 - TL 6,000
- Power of Attorney (if used)TL 6,500
- Sworn TranslationTL 2,000
- Passport TranslationTL 1,000
Tax Responsibility
Legal Split
- • Buyer: 2% of declared price
- • Seller: 2% of declared price
Common Practice
Buyer often pays the full 4%. You can negotiate equal sharing during purchase agreement negotiations.
Annual & Ongoing Costs
| Cost Type | Residential | Commercial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax (Annual) | 0.2% metro / 0.1% non-metro | 0.4% metro / 0.2% non-metro | Based on declared property value |
| DASK Insurance (Annual) | TL 295 - TL 1,145 | TL 295 - TL 1,145 | Natural disaster insurance, mandatory for all properties |
| Utilities Setup | TL 6,000 - TL 7,000 | TL 6,000 - TL 7,000 | New connections, TL 3,000 for transfers |
| Internet & Phone | TL 250 - TL 550/month | TL 250 - TL 550/month | Monthly cost plus setup fees |
Real Estate Agent Fees
Standard Rates
- 3-6% of sales price + VAT
- Often covered by seller
- May pay reduced or no fee
Future Homes Advantage
We often negotiate reduced or waived commission fees for our clients, as sellers frequently cover agency costs as part of our comprehensive service.
Legal Services & Support
Independent Lawyer Costs
- Legal Agreement Review1% of sales price
- Document PreparationIncluded
- Title Deed AssistanceIncluded
Future Homes Legal Services
- Free in-house legal team
- Power of attorney assistance
- Document translation services
- Complete process guidance
Example Cost Calculation
Property Value: $400,000 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between declared price and sales price in Turkey?
In Turkey, sellers often declare a lower official value than the actual sales price to reduce taxes. About 90% of sales declare around half the actual price. Taxes are calculated on the declared value, though this practice may be regulated in the future.
Who pays the 4% property purchase tax in Turkey?
By law, the buyer and seller each pay 2% (total 4%), but it's common practice in Turkey for the buyer to pay the full 4%. You can negotiate equal sharing during the purchase agreement stage.
Do I need a property appraisal when buying in Turkey?
A real estate appraisal is only mandatory if you're applying for Turkish citizenship through property investment. For regular purchases, it's optional but recommended for accurate valuation.
What ongoing costs should I expect after purchasing property in Turkey?
Annual costs include property tax (0.1-0.6% depending on type and location), DASK natural disaster insurance (TL 295-1,145), utilities, and maintenance fees for residential complexes.
Can I avoid using a lawyer when buying property in Turkey?
While not legally required, hiring a lawyer is highly recommended, especially for foreign buyers. Many reputable agencies like Future Homes provide free legal services as part of their comprehensive support.
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