Buying a Home in Turkey as a Foreigner: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Turkey has become one of the most attractive countries for international property buyers, thanks to its dynamic real estate market, affordable luxury, strategic location, and favorable investment laws. Whether you are looking to relocate, invest, or obtain Turkish citizenship through real estate, the buying process is clear, reliable, and welcoming to foreigners.
At Listing Turkey, we specialize in helping foreign investors purchase properties across Istanbul and other major cities through a safe, transparent, and fully guided process. This comprehensive step-by-step guide explains exactly how to buy a home in Turkey as a foreigner in 2025.
Step 1 – Identify Your Investment Objective
Determine your goal for purchasing real estate in Turkey: are you seeking a family home, a rental investment, a holiday property, or Turkish citizenship? Understanding your objective will help guide your property selection, location, and budget planning.
Step 2 – Shortlist Locations & Property Types
Choose the ideal location for your lifestyle or investment goals. Popular destinations include Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Bursa. Then decide the property type — apartment, villa, commercial unit, or a residence in a branded project. Our team helps you identify high-return neighborhoods and projects with strong capital appreciation potential.
Step 3 – Browse Listings & Schedule Viewings
Explore verified listings at ListingTurkey.com and contact our advisors for a curated selection based on your preferences. We offer in-person visits and fully remote online viewings, including video tours, for overseas buyers. You can evaluate properties from your home country with complete transparency.
Step 4 – Reserve the Property
Once you have chosen your property, a reservation agreement is signed to remove the property from the market. A small reservation deposit is typically required. This ensures you have exclusive rights while legal preparations begin.
Step 5 – Legal Due Diligence & Preliminary Sales Contract
Our legal team at Listing Turkey performs thorough due diligence, verifying the title deed (Tapu), checking for encumbrances, and confirming the project’s legal status. Once confirmed, a preliminary sales contract is signed, and a down payment of around 10% is made to secure the property.
Step 6 – Obtain a Turkish Tax Number
As a foreign buyer, you need a Turkish Tax Identification Number to proceed. We help you get this quickly, either in person or remotely using your passport copy and power of attorney.
Step 7 – Open a Bank Account in Turkey
You’ll need a Turkish bank account to complete your property payment and manage future utility bills or rental income. Our consultants assist you with all required documents and appointments to open an account with ease.
Step 8 – Obtain a Property Valuation Report
According to Turkish law, all property transactions involving foreign buyers must be accompanied by a licensed valuation report. Listing Turkey arranges this for you through certified appraisers, ensuring compliance with national regulations and accurate market pricing.
Step 9 – Execute Payment & Currency Exchange
The remaining balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller via your Turkish bank account. As per regulations, foreign currency must be exchanged through an authorized bank and documented with a Foreign Exchange Purchase Certificate (DAB). We manage this entire process on your behalf.
Step 10 – Title Deed (Tapu) Transfer & Registration
Upon full payment and completion of documentation, the title deed is transferred to your name at the Land Registry Office. You will become the official and legal owner. If you’re abroad, this step can be completed remotely via a notarized Power of Attorney.
Step 11 – Post-Sale Registration & Services
After the Tapu transfer, we assist you with post-purchase services such as utility registrations (electricity, water, gas), mandatory earthquake insurance (DASK), and property management if needed. You’ll also receive full support for rental setup or resale guidance if your purchase is for investment.
Optional – Turkish Citizenship by Investment
If your property investment meets the minimum threshold of $400,000, you may qualify for the Turkish Citizenship by Investment Program. Listing Turkey’s legal advisors handle the entire process from property selection to citizenship application.
Buying Real Estate in Turkey Remotely
Our Online Property Purchase Service enables foreign buyers to complete the entire purchase process without visiting Turkey. From online viewings and digital signatures to payment management and title deed transfer via Power of Attorney, we offer a 100% secure and remote solution for international investors.
Conclusion
Buying property in Turkey as a foreigner is not only legal and accessible but also highly rewarding — especially with expert support. With Listing Turkey, you benefit from a transparent, end-to-end service designed for international buyers. Whether you’re purchasing your dream home or building a property portfolio, we are here to guide you at every step.
Explore available properties, schedule your consultation, or start your online purchase today at ListingTurkey.com.
