The system of property ownership in Turkey is based on the title of the property being registered to the Land Registry.

Capital gains made from the sale of a property will be 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.

Unlike Spain and the Canary islands, when you sell a property in Turkey, all proceeds from the sale can be sent back to the U.K..

Property & Conveyancing in Turkey

Persons wishing to buy property in Turkey can be apprehensive about their choice of lawyer since they will not be familiar with the firms nor, in most cases, with the civil law system. We can put these misgivings to rest by recommending the lawyers we work with who are reliable and will provide an efficient and professional service.
We can further assist by explaining the civil law procedures and translating documents. If a client so wishes we can also act on their behalf, through a Power of Attorney or a written authority, to actually complete a purchase or sale of a property on their behalf

In most areas of Turkey, finding accommodation to rent or buy isn't difficult, providing your requirements aren't too unusual. Accommodation accounts for around 25 per cent of the average Turkish family's budget, but can be more in the major cities. Property prices and rents in Turkey vary considerably depending on the region and city. For example, a property rented outside a municipality will cost £75.00 a month, and £150.00 a month in most municipalities on the Mediterranean and Aegean coast.

It is very practical to have a street map of the area where you are going to live. Check for out the local tourist information office free copies. Even after you have found your home, you will find a street map invaluable for getting around.

If you are relocating to Turkey for more than six months then you are well advised to apply to the Turkish Government Office for a residents. They will issue a document for you to present to the police neared your new home who in return will process the application.

If you're planning to stay in Turkey for a year only then renting is usually the best solution since the costs associated with purchasing a house can be 10% of its value. However with the upsurge in the popularity of Turkey as a holiday destination buying is a safe and good investment.

Most rental properties in Turkey are let unfurnished, particularly for lets longer than one year. Furnished properties are difficult to find and generally poorly equipped. Note that "unfurnished" doesn't simply mean "without furniture" in Turkey. An unfurnished property, particularly is usually an "empty shell" with no light fixtures, curtain rods or even a television aerial. There's also no cooker, refrigerator or dishwasher and there may even be no kitchen units, carpets or kitchen sink! Always ask before viewing as you may save yourself a wasted trip. If the previous tenant has fitted items such as carpets and kitchen cupboards, he may ask you to reimburse him for the cost. You should be prepared to negotiate the price and make sure that you receive value for money.

If you want to live in an area where there are many international residents it is best to check out where the schools and hospitals are. Contact your embassy or international social organizations and ask the international residents themselves if you really want to live in a colony of your own citizens fellow.

Rents for a 2-bedroom apartment in in the south of Turkey can be £175 - 200 per month, while a 3-bedroom house can be around £200 - 250 per month. In addition, you might pay a real estate agent up to 1 months rent. Then you might need to buy kitchen cabinets and maybe pay for redecoration.

Many Turkish families live in communal property developments where rents are lower than in the town centers. Rents are calculated according to the number of bedrooms and the floor area (in square meters). Generally the higher an apartment is in a block, the more expensive it is (you pay for the view, the extra light, the absence of street noise, increased security and the rarified air). However, if a block doesn't have a lift, apartments on lower floors may be the most expensive. 1 square meter is about 10 square feet. Check the housing needs page to help you evaluate a property.

If you have a complaint regarding a long-term rental, you should report it to the local municipal office (Kaymakamlik). If they're unable to help you, they will direct you to the office where you can make a formal complaint. Depending on the type of dispute you may be directed towards a solicitor