Property Law

Buying Property in Türkiye as a Foreign National

Türkiye has become one of the most attractive real estate markets for foreign buyers — whether for personal use, rental income, retirement, or as a pathway to Turkish citizenship. But purchasing property in a foreign country carries real legal risks if the process is not handled carefully.

At Yilmaz Attorneys, we represent foreign buyers, sellers, and investors in all aspects of Turkish property law. Based in Antalya — one of Türkiye's most active real estate markets — we see firsthand the issues that can arise when transactions move forward without proper legal oversight.

Property Purchase Process

Buying real estate in Türkiye involves several steps that differ from what most foreign buyers are accustomed to:

• Eligibility check — Citizens of most countries can purchase property in Türkiye, but there are restrictions based on nationality, military zones, and total land area. We confirm your eligibility before you commit.

• Due diligence — We verify the title deed (tapu) status, check for encumbrances, liens, mortgages, or annotation records, and confirm the seller's legal authority to sell.

• Zoning and permit review — We check zoning status (imar durumu), construction permits, and occupancy certificates (iskan) to ensure you are buying what you think you are buying.

• Sales contract preparation — We draft or review the preliminary sales agreement, ensuring your deposit is protected and terms are enforceable.

• Title deed transfer — We coordinate the transfer at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü), handling all documentation, tax payments, and procedural requirements.

Due Diligence: Why It Matters

Many foreign buyers rely on real estate agents to guide the process. While agents can be helpful, they represent their own commercial interests — not yours. Common issues we catch during due diligence include:

• Properties with unresolved inheritance claims or disputed ownership

• Buildings without valid construction permits or occupancy certificates

• Land in military or security zones where foreign ownership is prohibited

• Title deed annotations (şerh) that restrict sale or transfer

• Discrepancies between physical boundaries and official records

Property for Citizenship

Real estate purchases of $400,000 USD or more can qualify foreign buyers for Turkish citizenship by investment. We coordinate the property valuation, compliance documentation, and citizenship application process. For details on this pathway, see our Citizenship practice area.

Property Disputes & Litigation

When property transactions go wrong or disputes arise, we represent our clients in Turkish courts. Common disputes include:

• Breach of sales contracts

• Title deed cancellation and correction claims

• Construction defect claims against developers

• Tenant eviction and rental disputes

• Boundary and easement disputes

• Expropriation proceedings

Selling Property in Türkiye

If you are a foreign owner looking to sell, we handle the legal side — from preparing documents to ensuring tax obligations (such as capital gains tax) are addressed and proceeds can be transferred internationally.

Why Work with Yilmaz Attorneys

Real estate is one of the most common reasons foreign nationals seek legal help in Türkiye, and one of the areas where things most frequently go wrong without proper representation. Our team has guided hundreds of foreign clients through property transactions in Antalya and across Türkiye. We know the local market, the local institutions, and the specific risks foreign buyers face.

If you are considering buying, selling, or investing in Turkish real estate, contact us before you sign anything.