Buying Property in Turkey

OK. So you are interested in buying property in Turkey, but what are the steps to go through?
First of all, look around and check out what’s currently available in the price range you have set. Found a property you like? Next step is to agree on the sale and the purchase conditions with the property owner, a process which is usually handled by your real estate agent on your behalf. When the agent negotiates the sale with the owner, they will normally ask for a copy of the owner’s Title Deeds (TAPU) so that checks can be made whether:

The TAPU really belongs to the property you are interested in
It is a residential or commercial property in a zone covered by an Implementary Development plan or a Local Development Plan (If not, please note that the new Title Deeds law does not allow to buy it)
The TAPU really belongs to the “owner”. His or her ID card photo should match the TAPU picture.
A joint ownership is in question.
No annotation prohibiting the sale of the property exists.
The building complies with all the standards, such as earthquake proofing.
The currant owner owes no overdue taxes to the Tax office.
The currant owner owes no unpaid debts to the utility companies.

Also, to save time later, you should register with the local tax office and then open a Turkish bank account. You will need the services of a sworn translator so that any contracts drawn up are in both Turkish and in your language. All the notaries’ offices can put you in touch with a Government registered translators, although your agent usually arranges this service too. A verbal explanation is all very well and good, but6 months down the line, you won’t remember what was said, so get your contract in your native language.

You need to take documentation with you when you go to the notary, The TAPU office or indeed any government office in Turkey. Photocopies of your passport, your tax card with your tax number, passport photos of yourself and your partner and spouse if buying jointly, will have to be provided, and its always a good idea to have a folder with spare copies of all of the above and to take the folder with you when transacting business, just in case an extra copy is needed-it will save you a lot of time-wasting and delays if you arrive prepared like this.
For information on what details a contract should contain, check the website www.turkisheconomiy.org.uk. This site is a mine of information. 

Once you have agreed and signed the contract, you will have to wait for Military Clearance. This can take around three months or more, depending on the block log of sales going through the clearance office at the time. Dou to the changes in the Foreigner Purchasing Law last year, the process is now a lot more streamlined and getting faster.
Happy house hunting

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