Turkey
FAQ's
Everyone has questions when the consider buying abroad, if you have a question that does not appear on our list please contact us and we will try our best to answer your question for you.
I am thinking of buying a holiday home in Turkey, but I don't know where to start?
We recommend that you use a professional real estate agency, as the law can be complicated. The actual process is quite straightforward, we only show clients what they want to see and can afford. Once a property has been chosen we are with you every step of the way. We always use a Solicitor and each purchaser has a sales contract in both languages.
Is there such a thing as a "licensed" Estate Agency as in the UK?
Yes. If an agency is licensed they will display a tax certificate on the wall, this shows they are declaring their profits for tax purposes, and therefore legal.
Will I need to keep visiting to sign documents throughout the purchase?
No. We can manage the sale for you if you are unable to visit. The most important part is signing for the transfer of the deed from the seller to you, if you can't attend you can give us Power of Attorney to do this on you behalf.
Can we bring pets into Turkey?
Yes, it is possible to bring a pet into Turkey with its own passport, however Turkey is not yet part of the EU pet passport scheme, and if at any time you wished to return to the UK with your animal, you would be subject to the standard quarantine laws.
Do I really need a Solicitor?
Throughout the purchasing process, the solicitor is there to represent your interests, a contract is drawn up between the seller and the buyer which is checked carefully by both parties before signing, we will not become involved in any sale without a Solicitor and Translator, all transactions and contracts are supported by a legally certified English translator, this is the law we also make sure our translator has a thorough knowledge of the laws regarding these transactions. Should you wish to do so you can provide your own independent translator - although the costs would be met by yourselves.
Do I need to pay tax if I own a property in Turkey?
Yes. You need to pay buyers tax, which is a one off payment of 1.5% of the purchase price of the property (the seller pays the same amount as sellers tax) you will then pay property owners tax every year, which is .5% of this price normally paid in January, a community tax is payable for roads, street lighting, services and rubbish collection, it has now been integrated with the water bills at a cost of about £10.00 per year. There is also a rental tax to be paid if you intend to rent out your property.
Can the deeds be in joint names?
Yes no problem as long as both partners are in Turkey at the initial sales contract stage.
Can I open a bank account in turkey?
Most of the Turkish banks will accept foreigners as clients, your passport and tax number is always required (you can get your tax number from the local tax office) Cash point cards are available and can be applied for once the account is open. As well as internet banking facilities. A bank account is especially useful if you will be transferring money form the UK.
Can we have a telephone?
Turk Telekom is the national telephone company, you can have a phone installed but you will need to have a residency permit.
What about insurance?
There a many reputable companies offering comprehensive cover, we can recommend many good trustworthy companies, we recommend that clients take out buildings and contents insurance and in some earthquake regions insurance is deemed compulsory.
Health insurance is also available and there are various policies to choose from, as medical costs can be quite expensive these are worth checking out.