Once you have seen a property in Turkey that you would like to purchase you will need to find the deposit. This is usually payable by cash or credit card - Personal cheques are not generally accepted by banks in Turkey. An initial payment of 10-20% of the property price is usually required. The exact figure will be confirmed individually with the house owner or real estate agent at the time of purchase. When this is paid a receipt is issued including the amount received as a deposit which is then written into the contract.

You will need to have your passport with you. Passport sized photographs are also required. Your estate agent will be able to let you know how many photos are required.

Then you should visit a Solicitor who will prepare the purchase contact. Please remember that they are there to help you! You are paying for their services so please use this time to ask any questions you may have. Some Real Estate agents in Turkey can also draw up the legal contracts for you, it is your choice if you wish them to do this.

If you are not able to be present in Turkey for the actual purchase of your property, you then need to go to the Notary’s office (For purchases in Kalkan the closest office is in Kas near Migros) to sign a document giving your agent power of Attorney for the property, not for money. Your estate agent should be present with you at this point and a translation fee may be payable. This enables the agent to continue with obtaining the Title Deeds in your absence.

You will be given the original contract and copy of the power of Attorney to take back home with you. This is the initial stage completed.

Your agent will now collate your papers and forward them to the Turkish Land Registry Office where everything is checked and then the title deeds (TAPU) are re-issued in the new owners name and forwarded back to the local Land Registration office who, in turn will contact your agent. This process usually takes 6-8 weeks or more.

Once your estate agent receives the papers they will contact you and it is at this time you will need to pay the final balance plus the 3% property tax.

Upon receipt of the payment your estate agent can collect your TAPU the Land Registration office on your behalf. Congratulations your are now a home owner!