Buying property in Turkey: Guide for UK buyers

Dreaming of a holiday or retirement home in Turkey? This country boasts glorious weather, lively cities and beautiful coastal resorts. But one of the biggest draws has to be its low property prices compared to other European locations.

In this guide, we’ll run through everything you need to know about buying property in Turkey as a foreigner. This includes steps to purchase a home, info on fees and costs, and the pitfalls to avoid.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on currency exchange when buying property in Turkey, check out the money services provider Wise. You can send large transfers with Wise for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates - making it ideal if you’re sending a secure international transfer.

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What’s the property market like in Turkey? Can foreigners buy property in Turkey? Is it safe to buy property in Turkey? Can I buy a property in Turkey and get citizenship? What’s the approximate cost of property in Turkey? Best places to buy property in Turkey How can I find a property in Turkey? Property agencies and agents Property websites in Turkey Buying property in Turkey - pitfalls to avoid How do I choose the right property? Property types Condition of the property What are the steps to buying a property as a foreigner? What are the legal requirements for buying a property in Turkey? How do I get a bank loan/mortgage? What kind of taxes and fees will I need to pay? Buying property in Turkey from the UK? Save money with Wise

What’s the property market like in Turkey?

The Turkish property market experienced a boom following interest rate cuts, which have driven up house prices in the last few years.This means it's a sellers market and harder now to find a bargain, although housing is still affordable and remains lower than in comparable countries.¹

Reassuringly, the surge in prices has also stabilised and is now increasing at a steadier, more predictable rate.¹

And, although there are some risks such as economic instability, the Turkish economy is projected to grow by 14.7% over the next five years, so it could be a good time to invest in that dream property.² Even so, it’s important to do your research and weigh up the benefits and risks.

Can foreigners buy property in Turkey?

You don’t need to be a Turkish citizen or resident to buy property in Turkey.³ However, buying a home in Turkey doesn’t automatically grant the right to live there - foreigners may still need to apply for a visa or resident permit.

There are also a few restrictions foreign buyers need to know about before starting their property search in Turkey:³

• Foreign citizens can’t buy more than 30 hectares of property in Turkey
• It’s not permitted to buy or rent property in military forbidden and military zones.

Is it safe to buy property in Turkey?

With unfamiliar legal processes, buying property abroad will always feel riskier than at home. Turkey’s property market hasn’t always had such a good reputation among foreign buyers, thanks to occasional horror stories of scams and fraud.

But the reassuring news is that following an increase in foreign investment, the Turkish government has tightened controls to protect buyers. This includes implementing new regulations ensuring all listed property ads are verified.⁴

You should still take steps to protect yourself by:

• Thoroughly researching solicitors and estate agents and checking their qualifications and accreditation.
• Working with English-speaking professionals, to avoid the risk of miscommunication.

Can I buy a property in Turkey and get citizenship?

Turkey has a ‘Golden Visa’ scheme which grants citizenship to foreigners when they make a minimum investment.

There are different investment options, one of which is to buy property in Turkey and get citizenship, provided you spend at least $400,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies).⁵

As soon as you’ve bought your home, you’ll get a permanent residence card and can apply for Turkish citizenship right away. You could receive your Turkish passport in as little as 4 months.⁶

What’s the approximate cost of property in Turkey?

Now, how much will a property in Turkey cost you? It largely depends on what you’re buying and where, although generally property prices in Turkey are cheaper than in the UK.

For example, the average price per square metre to buy a city centre apartment in Turkey is around £1,380 GBP.⁷ In the UK, it’s much more at around £4,510 GBP.⁸

Now, let’s take a look at average property prices for apartments in cities and towns in Turkey that are popular with expats:

Location	Approx price per sq.m - apartment in city centre (EUR)	Approx price per sq.m - apartment outside city centre (EUR)
Istanbul⁹	€2,550	€1,283
Bursa¹⁰	€1,317	€918
Izmir¹¹	€1,497	€915
Ankara¹²	€1,509	€1,014
Antalya¹³	€1,816	€1,309

Best places to buy property in Turkey

Turkey has a wealth of sun-drenched coastal resorts, pretty countryside spots and thriving cities to choose from. Your perfect location depends on what you’re looking for - a holiday home, retirement pad or city centre bolthole.

Let’s run through just a few of the most popular cities and resorts in Turkey amongst foreign buyers.

• Istanbul - this vibrant metropolis is a popular spot with foreigners for new homes and investment property. It’s well-connected and bursting with food, culture and history, although fairly expensive.
• Antalya - another popular pick for foreign property buyers is Antalya. It has a large expat population and attracts lots of tourists, so could be a good choice for holiday lets.
• Fethiye - has a thriving British expat community. Fethiye offers beautiful coastal landscapes, excellent beaches, great amenities and a taste of traditional Turkish life.
• Bodrum - fashionable Bodrum on the southwestern coast of Turkey is ideal for those looking for luxury, although it also has its share of quaint fishing villages. Head to Gumbet and Guluk on the peninsula, or Bodrum town for the most affordable prices.
• Bursa - is just an hour’s drive from Istanbul. Along with cheap property, the city boasts fascinating historic sites, magnificent mountains, green parks and thermal baths.
• Ankara - if you’re after city living but find Istanbul property too expensive, Ankara could be a good alternative. Turkey’s capital has all the shops, restaurants and attractions you could want, and it’s great for working expats and international business owners.
• Izmir - Offering an attractive blend of culture, history and scenic beauty spots, Izmir is another popular option. Although it has seen a recent surge in property prices, it’s still cheaper than Istanbul and its coastal views make it a stunning choice of location.

How can I find a property in Turkey?

Property agencies and agents

If you’re not yet living in Turkey and are unfamiliar with the market, it is advisable to use an English-speaking estate agent. They can help you navigate the process.

You should always do your research on any estate agent, looking into their experience in international sales, credentials and qualifications. In Turkey, estate agents are now required by law to have a certificate from the Vocational Qualification Authority.¹⁴

To find a trusted property agent, start by looking at locations and properties yourself to narrow down your search area. Then you can research agents operating there.

Property websites in Turkey

To start your property search you can use these popular real estate websites which list properties for sale in Turkey:

• Sahibinden.com
• Hepsiemlak.com
• Emlakjet.com
• Properstar.com

Buying property in Turkey - pitfalls to avoid

Here are just a few things to look out for when buying property in Turkey:

• Buying ‘off-plan’ property - you may be at risk if the builder or developer goes bust before your home is completed.¹⁵
• Using a lawyer introduced to you by your agent, developer or vendor - it’s better to thoroughly research and appoint your lawyer yourself to ensure they are fully independent and protecting your interests.¹⁵
• Buying an investment property in an area where rental yields are low
• Failing to properly inspect - some of Turkey’s older buildings are cheaply made, and require extensive work and investment to fix.
• Trying to do everything yourself - it’s always recommended to work with trusted, qualified professionals when buying a property in a foreign country.

How do I choose the right property?

Property types

Turkey’s architecture reflects the country’s fascinating mix of East and West. This means you’ll find everything from magnificent Ottoman townhouses to modern, European-style coastal villas.

Property styles vary regionally, with more timber-built houses in the north, while homes in the west and south tend to be made of stone.

Apartments are the most common property type in Turkish cities, and the most popular option for foreign buyers. What you choose will depend on your preferences and budget.

Condition of the property

Turkey brought in new laws in 2019 requiring all foreign nationals buying or selling property in the country to get an expert surveyors’ report on the condition of the property.¹⁶ You’ll need to find a certified surveyor to do this.

This is not only necessary for the land registry to approve the transaction, but it can also help you assess the condition of the property before buying.

What are the steps to buying a property as a foreigner?

Let’s run through the process of buying a home in Turkey:¹⁷

1. Research the market and find a local estate agent - if you’re not already living in Turkey, you’ll need to plan a few trips to view properties.
2. Once you’ve found a property you want to buy, negotiate the price and terms of purchase with the seller. Enlist your estate agent’s help with this.
3. Appoint an independent, trusted and qualified solicitor to handle the legal side of the transaction. You’ll need to have your ID/passport and residence permit (if applicable) ready.
4. Your solicitor will check over the Tapu (property ownership document).
5. You’ll sign a sales contract and pay a small reservation deposit - at this point, the purchase is legally binding.
6. A full valuation needs to be carried out by an independent appraiser, which can take 3-4 days.
7. Make an appointment at the Tapu Office, so a new Tapu containing your details can be issued.
8. The transaction is completed, and you’ll be the proud owner of a property in Turkey.

What are the legal requirements for buying a property in Turkey?

Here are some of the key legal details to note before buying property in Turkey, which your solicitor should handle for you:

• DASK earthquake insurance is compulsory before your Tapu can be issued.¹⁷
• If you don’t have a residence permit, you’ll need to get a Foreigner Identity Number from the TNP Foreigners’ Department.¹⁸
• You’ll also need a tax number from the local tax office, so that you can open a local bank account.¹⁷
• For new properties, you’ll need to get a document known as an Iskan which states the property complies with construction and operational standards.¹⁷

How do I get a bank loan/mortgage?

If you need a mortgage to finance your Turkish property purchase, there are a few options available. Turkish banks do offer mortgages to foreign applicants.¹⁹

Typically, lenders will offer a 70% loan-to-value (LTV) to foreign applicants, and some have a minimum loan size of around €67,500.¹⁹

Be aware that lenders will often insist on carrying out their own property valuation, and this can come in around 10-15% below market price.¹⁹ You’ll need to take this into account and make sure you can cover the shortfall on the valuation.

Here’s a quick look at the process of getting a mortgage in Turkey:¹⁹

1. Approach a mortgage broker to discuss your options, and get pre-approval if possible
2. Get your Turkish Tax number
3. Start your property purchase, including signing the final contract with the Land Registry
4. Apply for your mortgage
5. Once the Tapu is ready, your mortgage funds should come through to finance the purchase.

What kind of taxes and fees will I need to pay?

Costs can vary between the different regions of Turkey, but here’s a rough idea of the main taxes and fees involved:²⁰

Cost Type	Fee	Notes
Estate agent fees¹⁸	Approx 3% of the property value	You’re free to negotiate this fee
Property Purchase Tax (Stamp Duty)	4% of the property value
Legal fees	Approx 1-3% of the property value	Can vary according to complexity of sale and lawyers experience
Notary fees	From €200 to €300
Property Valuation Report	From €200 to €300
DASK (Earthquake Insurance)	Annual premiums typically range from €30 to €100.	Ongoing cost - price dependent on property size and location

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Buying property in Turkey from the UK? Save money with Wise

If you’re buying a Turkish property from the UK, you’ll need to find a safe, cost-effective way to transfer money internationally. Whether you’re paying a deposit or your solicitor’s fees, you’ll want to avoid losing money to poor exchange rates and high bank fees.

Wise offers a convenient solution for international property buyers. Open a Wise account and you can send money from the UK to Turkey for low fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

Here are the main benefits for using Wise:
Fast and easy setup with no physical paperwork Low, upfront, transparent fees* Fully trackable transfers Fast transfer times Two-factor authentication and real-time notifications Dedicated support for large transfers

Sign up with Wise today 💰

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Sources used for this article:

1. Terrarealestate - Is 2025 a Good Time to Buy in Turkey? Market Trends for Foreign Buyers
2. Investropa - Is 2025 a Good Time to Buy Real Estate in Turkey?
3. Gov.uk - Guidance: Buying Property in Turkey
4. Damas Turk - Turkey Tightens Real Estate Ad Regulations to Protect Investors
5. Global Citizen Solutions - Turkey Citizenship by Investment: The Ultimate Guide 2025
6. Get Golden Visa - Turkey Citizenship by Investment: The Definitive Guide 2025
7. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Turkey
8. Numbeo - Cost of Living in the United Kingdom
9. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Istanbul
10. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Bursa
11. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Izmir
12. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Ankara
13. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Antalya
14. Properstar - How to Find an Estate Agent in Turkey
15. Expatra - How To Buy Property In Turkey - Foreign Buyers' Guide
16. Aegean Locations- Real Estate Turkey Valuation Report Regulations
17. Properstar - How To Buy Property in Turkey as a Foreigner
18. Get Golden Visa - Buying Property in Turkey: All You Need to Know
19. Properstar - How To Get a Loan For Your Property Purchase in Turkey
20. Turkey Real Estate - Costs and Fees Involved in Property Purchase in Turkey

Sources checked on 16-Sep-2025.