You’re not the only one who wants to sell their house in Turkey. More and more homeowners, both locals and foreigners, are looking at the Turkish real estate market as a way to make money. It might be a vacation property in Alanya, a luxury villa in Bodrum, or an investment in Istanbul that has finally paid off.
But the process of selling a home in Turkey is not the same as it is in the UK, Germany, or the US. There are a lot of legal details, language difficulties, market peculiarities, and yes, a lot of paperwork that go into it. It can be even worse if you’re from another country. But don’t panic; it’s all fairly doable if you have the correct plan and know-how.
This is where eslaes international comes in. We make the process easier and help you sell with confidence since we have a staff that has worked on property transactions in both the US and other countries. We take care of everything from valuing the property to transferring the title deed.
This blog will tell you all you need to know about getting your house ready for sale, understanding Turkish property law like an expert, and more, whether you’re going to move on, reinvest somewhere else, or just cash out.
The step-by-step guide to selling your home in Turkey
It’s time to get everything in order before you even think about putting your house up for sale.
- Getting ready is the most important thing
Look at your home through the eyes of a buyer first. Is it tidy and clean? Is there anything you can do quickly to make it more appealing? Even little changes, like painting the walls, replacing missing tiles, or upgrading old light fixtures, may make a big difference in how much people think the property is worth.
It’s also time to get all of your papers together. The most significant one is your Tapu (title deed). You can’t sell without it. You will also need your Turkish tax number, a valid ID (or passport), your DASK earthquake insurance, and most crucially, a report on the value of the property. If you’re a foreigner selling to another foreigner, Turkish legislation says you have to have an official value before you may sell anything.
We work with SPK-licensed valuation specialists at esales international to make sure your report is correct and follows the rules. This helps you set a fair and competitive asking price from the start.
- Knowing what the law says
First, check to see if you may lawfully sell your property. It ought to be registered correctly and not have any debts, mortgages, or legal problems. If you’re not sure, a short trip to the local Tapu Office will clear things up.
Military zoning is another problem for foreigners who want to sell property in Turkey. Some properties, especially those near borders or in tiny towns, may be in locations where the military needs to give permission before they may be sold to another foreigner. It might take weeks to get this permission, so start early.
Can’t be in Turkey for the full thing? That’s okay. You may give someone you trust, such a lawyer, friend, or even your real estate agent, the power of attorney to sell property in Turkey. Just make sure it is translated into Turkish and notarised.
- Picking the Right Real Estate Agent
If you’re not already in the real estate business, you don’t want to do this alone. Your agent is your advisor, negotiator, and interpreter all at the same time.
When looking for a real estate agent in Turkey, be sure they are from your area and have worked with international sellers before. They’ll know the market, speak the language, and know how to deal with the red tape.
Esales International works all around Turkey with a workforce that speaks several languages and comes from many cultures. We know what foreign clients want and have a global network of purchasers. We don’t only put your home on a list; we also aggressively promote it to the correct people.
- Getting Buyers (Especially Those from Other Countries)
What are the greatest ways to get buyers in Turkey? You need to have great pictures. If you can, get a professional photographer (or at least clean your camera lens!). Videos and drone video are becoming more and more popular, especially for residences that are more expensive or have views of the ocean.
Next, tell a lot of people about your property. Don’t depend on just one agent. For Turkish people, you may list it on Sahibinden, Zingat, and Hurriyet Emlak. For people from other countries, you can list it on Rightmove, Kyero, or Idealista.
We sell your property both locally and abroad at esales international. We don’t simply use one site; we have our own busy platform and relationships with foreign buyers who are actively shopping for property in Turkey.
- The paperwork and the process of selling
You will sign a preliminary sales agreement and usually get a deposit (usually about 10%) after you find a buyer and agree on a price.
Your lawyer or agent will now start the process of transferring the title deed. You will make an appointment at the Land Registry Office, and both parties (or their solicitors with power of attorney) must be there.
Important papers for transferring property are:
- Title deed (Tapu)
- Report on the official value
- A Turkish tax ID, an ID or passport, and a DASK insurance certificate
- Power of attorney that has been notarised (if needed)
- The last payment is usually done at the Tapu office on the day of the transfer.
What to Expect in Terms of Costs and Taxes
How much does it usually cost to sell a house in Turkey? Here’s a quick look:
If you sell a home that you’ve held for less than five years, you’ll have to pay capital gains tax on the money you make. More than five years? You don’t have to.
The charge for a real estate agent is usually 2% to 3% of the final transaction price.
Turkey’s real estate market, broken down by region
There are differences across the property markets in Turkey. Here’s a short look:
- Istanbul: Fast-paced and full of competition. Good for investing, but hard to sell if you don’t know the area well.
- Antalya and Alanya are popular with customers from Europe and Russia. There is a lot of demand for residences with a view of the sea.
- Bodrum and Fethiye are marketplaces for luxury goods and lifestyle. People who buy these properties are frequently searching for a second home or a place to retire.
- Izmir and Cesme are two up-and-coming stars in the Turkish market. Modern and appealing to both locals and visitors.
- Where your home is located might effect how long it takes to sell—and how much you can get.
What Happens After the Sale?
- Congratulations on selling your property! But you still have work to do. You will need to do the following after the sale:
- Stop paying for utilities including power, water, gas and the internet.
- Let your local government know about the change in ownership.
- If you need to, report the transaction for tax reasons each year.
- Give the new owner any rental agreements or community dues you have.
QA on selling property in Turkey for foreigners
- Can foreigners sell property in Turkey?
Yes, foreigners can legally sell property in Turkey. There are no restrictions on non-Turkish citizens selling real estate they legally own. The process is similar to that for Turkish citizens, although working with a lawyer or real estate agent familiar with cross-border transactions is recommended.
- Do I need a lawyer to sell my house in Turkey?
Hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, but it is highly advisable. A real estate lawyer can help you navigate legal checks, draft contracts, ensure tax compliance, and represent you during the title deed transfer. This is especially useful if you are selling remotely or are unfamiliar with Turkish property law.
- What are the taxes involved in selling property in Turkey?
The main tax is the capital gains tax, which may apply if you sell the property within five years of purchase. Additionally, a title deed transfer fee of 4% (typically split between buyer and seller) is payable. Always consult a tax advisor to understand your liabilities.
- How long does it take to sell a house in Turkey?
The timeline varies based on market conditions, location, and pricing. Once a buyer is found, the legal process — including valuation, document verification, and title deed transfer — can take 2 to 4 weeks. Having your paperwork ready speeds up the process.
- Do I need to obtain an energy performance certificate (EPC) to sell my property in Turkey?
Yes, since 2020, it is a legal requirement in Turkey to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (Enerji Kimlik Belgesi) when selling or renting a property. It indicates the building’s energy efficiency and must be presented at the time of sale.
