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Selling a home to an international buyer: how the process works

The process for selling to a foreign national: the mandatory valuation report, foreign currency procedures and the title deed; the steps seller and buyer need to know.

· Mert Fatih Taşbaşı

Who can buy

Nationals of countries permitted to acquire property in Turkey may buy a home within the limits set by law; foreign companies may do so only in the cases provided for by specific laws. Restrictions that apply to the buyer's nationality are confirmed with the land registry before the transaction.

Valuation report

A report from a valuation firm licensed by the Capital Markets Board is mandatory for sales to foreign nationals. It is prepared before the title deed transaction and must be consistent with the sale price.

Tax number and bank

The buyer obtains a Turkish tax identification number from the tax office and opens a bank account in Turkey. The sale price must be brought into Turkey in foreign currency and converted through a Turkish bank, which issues the foreign currency purchase certificate (döviz alım belgesi) that the land registry requires.

Documents

A notarised translation of the passport, biometric photographs, the valuation report, the DASK earthquake insurance policy and, where applicable, a power of attorney. If the buyer does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator attends at the land registry.

Title deed and afterwards

The transfer takes place by appointment once the documents are complete. If the purchase is intended to support a citizenship or residence-permit application, the threshold and conditions in force on the application date are assessed separately; legal advice should be obtained before applying.

We hold meetings with international buyers in English, explain the documents in both languages and manage the process together with our office's lawyers.

Other articles

Ten things to check when buying a villa in SarıyerTitle deed transfer in a home sale: documents, fees and steps

Frequently asked questions

Is a valuation report compulsory?

Yes. A report from a Capital Markets Board-licensed valuer is compulsory for sales to foreign nationals and is prepared before the title deed transaction.

How is the sale price paid?

The price must be brought into Turkey in foreign currency and converted through a Turkish bank, which issues the foreign currency purchase certificate the land registry requires.

How is a tax number obtained?

The buyer applies to the tax office with their passport to obtain a Turkish tax identification number; the bank account is opened with that number.

Is an interpreter needed at the land registry?

If the buyer does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator must attend the transaction.

What is the threshold for citizenship?

The threshold and the conditions change over time; the amount and rules in force on the application date apply. For that reason we recommend taking legal advice before buying.