The Legal Steps?

Buying in Turkey -
Your questions answered
Q. What additional costs are there in relation to the purchase?
A. You will pay purchase tax which is announced yearly by the local authority, a solicitor’s fee and also an agent’s fee which is 3% of the purchase price.

Q. Are there any restrictions for foreigners purchasing in Turkey?
It is our policy to ensure that all of our properties are FREEHOLD which means they are not in restricted areas and therefore are permitted to be sold to foreigners

Q. Are there many English speaking lawyers in Turkey?
A. We can recommend a highly reputable government sworn lawyer & translator based in Bodrum or you can choose your own. They work on your behalf and are not paid by us for the recommendation.

Q. Will the property be freehold?
A. Yes – all properties we sell in Turkey are what we in the UK would refer to as 'freehold'.

Q. On a new development, what is the average deposit required and can I pay in stage payments?
A. You will normally pay a reservation fee and further deposit within four weeks. Most developers offer stage payments, often with a degree of flexibility towards your own personal circumstances. This will be agreed at the time of purchase.
 

Q. What is the general buying process in Turkey?
A. After paying the reservation fee, your lawyer should carry out the title checks. A contract will be drawn up between the seller and purchaser. This will give details of the completion date, payment schedule and terms and conditions. When this is signed by all parties, the deposit is paid. You then apply for a security clearance to allow you to own a property in Turkey – this will often be applied for on your behalf by the developer. You can sign a Power of Attorney to conclude the necessary paperwork, if your circumstances require it.
 

Q. What documents are required?
A. Your passport(s) which will be copied and translated into Turkish and passport sized photographs. The notary’s office works in conjunction with the title deeds office and the Aegean Army. The translated documents will be checked by the army to ensure there is no record of criminal intent or activity against Turkey and that any property being purchased by a foreigner is not in the proximity to or intended to be used for any military purposes.
 

Q. After I have received the necessary permission to purchase, what happens next?
A. Your lawyer should carry out pre-completion checks. Following this, you (or your Power of Attorney) will sign a deed of transfer in front of an officer at the Land Registry, who then records you as the official owner of the property. The property tax is paid at this stage.
 

Q. Is there a good range of banks and are they English speaking?
A. There are many banks where English is widely spoken, so no worries there. It is easy to open a bank account and you can have both Turkish and English accounts – your choice.
 

Q. Are double taxation treaties in place?
A. Turkey is a signatory to a treaty for the prevention of double taxation with many countries of the world.
 

Q. How many British people live in Mediterranean region?
A. In 2003, there were about 2,500 British people living around the Fethiye area and with sales as high as they are in 2004, this figure should increase substantially. Away from the coastal areas, there are plenty of ex-pats in the main cities too.
 

Q. What is the weather like?
A. Turkey has seasons similar to the UK but with much better temperatures. In winter, you’ll find the temperatures by the south coast ranging between 5 and 15 degrees, in spring it warms up to 25 degrees. The summer is usually dry and hot from May through to September peaking at 45 degrees, cooling again as we move into autumn back down from 25 to 15 degrees.
 

Q. What facilities are there on a typical development?
A. Owing to the very pleasant summer weather, which can get rather hot at its height, a swimming pool – communal, private or both – is the main pre-requisite. You will find some offering tennis courts, Turkish baths, spa rooms and easy access to golf.
 

Q. What should I expect to pay in community fees?
A. This can vary from development to development. Your lawyer should look into this for you.
 

Q. Are there any ongoing taxes?
A. State property tax, environmental tax and wealth tax. However, these are relatively low and again your lawyer should be able to advise you.
 

Q. What about paying for energy and water supplies if my main home is not in Turkey?
A. The easiest way to pay for your electricity is by direct debit via a bank in Turkey, similar to the UK. Currently all water bills are paid direct to the local Belidiyer office, however, arrangements can often be made with the larger developers regarding payment of utility bills.
 

Q. Can I rent out my property?
A. Yes. The main season is from April to October but you will still be able to rent it out over the winter at lower rates. At the height of the summer, you can expect a more than reasonable return.
 

Q. What about furnishing my property?
A. Many developers offer furniture packs. Alternatively, there is a wide range of furniture shops for you to explore. You should allow anything from £5,000-£10,000 to furnish an average sized property up to showhouse standard.
 

Q. Is it necessary to learn the language?
A. No but as with anywhere in the world, it always brings advantages.
 

Q. How do the locals treat foreigners who purchase there?
A. You will find Turkish people extremely hospitable and friendly.
 

Q. Are families/children welcome?
A. Most definitely. There is a family orientated culture in Turkey and children are welcome almost everywhere.
 

Q. How safe is the country?
A. Turkey is a very safe country with a relatively low crime rate.
 

Q. What about the healthcare in terms of the standard and costs?
A. The standard is generally very good. All foreigners have to pay for medical treatment and there are reciprocal private health plans available from the UK which will be accepted in the private hospitals. You can purchase a health insurance plan in Turkey up to the age of 55 years.
 

Q. What about schools and colleges?
A. As a resident, you can send your children to local government or private schools. Both offer a good standard of education. The private schools are international and accommodate pupils from all over the world.
 

Q. How does the general cost of living compare to the UK?
A. Fresh produce is great value for money. You’ll find most items up to 50% cheaper than in the UK with electrical items being the most expensive.
 

Q. What about eating out?
A. Again, you will benefit from the relatively low prices. Being a Muslim country, you will often find Pork and its associated products excluded from the menu, however, there is a wide choice of other meats, seafood and vegetables. As well as Turkish cuisine, you will find English, Italian and Indian restaurants quite commonplace.
 

Q. If I move to Turkey, can I take my dog/cat with me?
A. Yes. You must first obtain a ‘pet passport’ and vets documents.
 

Q. Can I work there?
A. Yes you can but you must obtain a work permit first.
 

Q. What is the government system in the country?
A. It is democratically elected as in the UK. Turkey is also one of the five permanent members of NATO.
 

With the right people assisting you, purchasing an overseas property can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We at Summer Garden Properties  are familiar with all aspects of the process. If you still have questions having read this section, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Some of the information in this section has been supplied by third parties, and Summer Garden Properties Real Estate and its associated companies cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Professional advice should always be sought at the time of purchase