Turkey is a major player on the global stage, welcoming more and more foreigners. Located between the East and the West, Turkey practices the best of both worlds.

Turkey is not only one of the hottest countries for second citizenship but also has a highly attractive real estate market that can offer significant ROI. Take Istanbul, for example. It’s an attractive place for real estate investment, filled with new land developments in the suburbs and penthouses in some of its most coveted neighborhoods.

Expats are attracted to the country’s ‘Asian’ ability to work on the economic front and the ‘Western’ quality of life. This combination makes Turkey a great investment opportunity.

There have been many changes in the legal systems and the housing and architecture trends of new builds in Turkey. The following are some benefits of buying real estate in Turkey.

Turkey’s real estate market was late to enter the international platform. So, the prices of homes attract expats and foreign nationals from many different countries. While luxury properties are available, small coastal towns offer 2-BHK fully furnished apartments for as low as $100,000.

People looking for long-term investments can rely on Turkey’s real estate market because these prices have the potential to offer lucrative ROI. Real estate buyers in Turkey have the added advantage over those in Cyprus or Spain, where property prices have already skyrocketed. With minimal annual maintenance and upkeep, well-maintained property in Turkey can bring a massive return on long-term investment.

One of the biggest reasons foreign nationals are keen on buying property in Turkey is the extensive choices of luxury and budget, new build, off-plan, renovated apartments , historical state-of-art mansions villas, and resale. From luxury homes with sea views to basic and budget apartments, the choices are plenty. Buyers don’t have to compromise on their dream of buying any property in Turkey.

Compared to any European country or North American country, living in Turkey is quite affordable. Pensioners are leveraging the exchange rate from their currency to the Turkish Lira, which is turning out to be more than the average cost of living in Turkey. In addition, essentials like vegetables and fruits are cheap.

The government has taken necessary steps to ensure that the process is simplified to attract investment in the real estate market. This is one of the reasons for foreigners to choose Turkey for their property investment.

One of the most significant benefits of buying a property in Turkey is that you get a Turkish passport with that. As a result, many foreigners who are looking for a second home find Turkey the ideal option. Turkish citizenship by investment scheme allows expats to invest a minimum amount of $400,000 and get Turkish citizenship within 60 days. 

Being the business and economic hub, Istanbul is an incredibly diverse city. So, any working expat or retiree relocating to the country can explore Istanbul’s many districts to find an ideal destination for real estate investment. In the span of two decades, Istanbul has experienced a dramatic change in aesthetic looks. It has expanded outwards into beautiful surrounding districts, offering expats the benefits of city life without any hassle. The following are some popular neighborhoods in Istanbul that you can consider for real estate investment.

Nısantası

Nisantasi is an expensive neighborhood with fancy restaurants and shops. The good options start at $400,000. One great thing is that investing in Nisantasi will mark you eligible for citizenship by investment program.

Cıhangır

Cihangir is an artistic part of Istanbul city where you’ll find artists and musicians flocking around the town. If you’re looking for a place where you’ll be close to everything, you can look for properties in Cihangir.

Karakoy

Karakoy is called the ‘hipster’ side of Istanbul. To start with, there are many cafes and restaurants on the streets, and hundreds of people out enjoying life and living their hipster lifestyle. Karakoy can really give you city vibes.

Taksım

Taksim is one of the most central districts in Istanbul. This is where you’ll find a lot of old architecture. Some of the oldest mosques in Turkey can be found here. Because it’s an old district, the architectural quality may differ from its neighborhoods.

Etıler

Etiler is ideal for you if you’re looking for some luxury. There are many chic cafes, famous shops, and nice offices in this district. You can find a villa with a Bosphorus view or a luxury apartment in Etiler. However, note that it’s one of the most expensive districts in Istanbul.

Sarıyer

This district is famous for its proximity to the financial centers while offering nice Bosphorus views. Being close to the green areas of the city, Sariyer is among the first choice of families who relocate to Istanbul. The district offers different types of housing options, such as mansions, villas, and luxury residences.

Apart from Istanbul, there are other destinations as well that offer lucrative real estate investment opportunities for foreigners.

Antalya

Antalya is situated in the south of Turkey and is one of the most famous summer destinations both for the locals and expats. According to the data released by the Turkish Institute of Statistics (TUIK), today over 100,000 foreigners live in the city.

With blue flag beaches, a nice climate, and a big expat community, Antalya is one of the best places in Turkey to buy a property. While it has amenities that big cities have, it also has coastal town vibes. Antalya is the third most popular destination among expats who decide to move to Turkey.

Bodrum

Bodrum is another famous coastline in Turkey. This coastal town offers sea view villas, stone houses, and detached villas with big gardens. Thanks to its climate, it’s a great place to spend winters, too. Bodrum is also home to a big British expat community who have chosen to retire there.

Ankara

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is another preferred destination among working expats. The property prices in Ankara are cheaper than in Istanbul so if you’re looking to live in a big city but don’t want to invest big amounts, you can also consider Ankara. It offers numerous shopping options, close to major attractions, and has many business opportunities.

Get in touch with us to learn more about availability and property prices in Turkey.

You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. Turkey offers expats plenty of affordable housing solutions. For foreign buyers, property in Turkey remains relatively cheap. However, there are several factors that one should keep in mind before taking any action.

Vısas and Resıdence Requırements

Please note that buying a property doesn’t grant you permission to obtain a work or residence permit in Turkey. Nevertheless, if you don’t have a residence permit, you need to obtain your Foreigner Identity Number from the TNP Foreigners’ Department to proceed with the property purchase.

Paperwork and Bureaucracy

Turkish law states that the property transfer can be held at the Land Registry Directorates. You may have to sign two types of deeds – the title deed and the land deed. They can be obtained after you get your habitation certificate. Now, getting the habitation certificate is time-consuming and difficult. So, it’s better that you consult with real estate agents who specialize in arranging properties for foreign nationals.

Step-by-Step Guıde

Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure that your real estate investment deal go as smoothly and safely as possible:

1. Start with research. There are hundreds and thousands of properties for sale in Turkey, and so are the real estate agents. Find the right real estate agent first. If you know someone who has previously bought a property in Turkey, consult them and ask them to recommend a few real estate agents. You need to explore every option available to you.
2. Build a good rapport with your real estate agent so that they get you the best deals possible.
3. The next thing you want to do is visit Turkey. Before making a purchase, you would want to know what the place is like, the neighborhoods, and the surroundings. You can also go on a Turkey property inspection trip to explore the available properties.
4. Negotiate the price and terms of purchase and reserve the property and lock its price.
5. The next thing you need to do is appoint a solicitor by power of attorney and conclude the purchase. It’ll save time.
6. Finally, register your Turkish TAPU (title deed).

The Tıtle Deed

The fee for obtaining a title deed or Turkish TAPU is four percent of the property value. It’s a legal document that transfers ownership of the property from one person to another.

Buying property in Turkey is easy however there are some restrictions on foreigners:

• As per Article 35, foreign nationals must belong to those countries that Turkey clears for property acquisition.
• You can’t acquire properties in Security Zones and Military Forbidden Zones.
• You’re only allowed to acquire a maximum of 30 hectares.