11 Things to Know Before Buying Property in Antalya as a Foreigner 

An increasing number of foreigners have been purchasing properties in Turkey, marking it as a prime investment destination. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, over the last five years, foreigners bought 250,000 properties, with Istanbul and Antalya accounting for two-thirds of these sales. This trend is supported by government incentives, the high quality of properties, and the attractive lifestyle that Turkey offers.

Moreover, purchasing property in Turkey not only enables foreigners to secure a short-term residence permit, which can be extended as long as they own property in the country, but it also opens the pathway to Turkish Citizenship through Real Estate Investment. If you are thinking of buying property in Turkey, please consider these 11 very important things to know before buying property in Antalya as a foreigner.

If you need guidance from professionals in the real estate field in Antalya, please fill out the form below; a professional from our network will contact you.

1. Check If Citizens of Your Nationality Can Buy Property in Antalya

Foreigners can acquire property in Turkey if there is reciprocity between Turkey and the country of which they are a citizen. Therefore, before beginning your property search, the very first thing you should do is to check whether you are allowed to buy property in Antalya.

The good news is, most foreign citizens are allowed to buy real estate in Turkey. Unfortunately, there is no official list that you can consult, but you can inquire at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General in your country if citizens of your country are allowed to buy real estate and land in Turkey.

2. Get Professional Help When Buying Property in Antalya as a Foreigner

Another great option for buying property in Antalya as a foreigner is to hire a real estate agent who can help you find the perfect property in Antalya. Especially if you do not speak Turkish, it makes sense to look for a local real estate agent who speaks your language. Given the numerous real estate agents in Antalya, selecting a verified, reliable, and trustworthy agent is crucial. You can check the agents by reading their reviews, looking into their website and office address.

Our local team of professionals in the real estate field in Antalya is happy to help you find exactly what you need. Feel free to contact us through our form.

Another consideration is to hire a local attorney who can help you with all legal requirements and expedite the acquisition process. Again, make sure you find a trustworthy one.

3. Choosing the Right Neighborhood

When choosing a suitable neighborhood in Antalya, the most important factor is whether you plan to live in the newly acquired apartment, rent it out, or use it as an investment. While some properties can become your dream home, they might not necessarily be a lucrative investment. Given the diversity of Antalya's neighborhoods, identifying your preferences is crucial.

The price range also varies greatly depending on the neighborhood. For instance, Konyaaltı, Lara and Altıntaş are popular among expatriates for their proximity to the beach and modern amenities. On the other hand, Kaleiçi offers a more historical ambiance. It's also worth considering the distance to schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers depending on your needs.

4. Residence Permits & Turkish Citizenship

Foreigners who want to buy property in Turkey do not have to have a residence permit. The purchase of a property, however, does not grant the foreigner the right to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, either. Foreigners who have real estate in Turkey are issued short-term residence permits for a maximum of one year under the Foreigners and International Protection Code numbered 6458.

It is also possible to apply for Turkish citizenship if you buy a property in Turkey worth at least 400,000 US dollars, which you must keep for at least 3 years. For this purpose, both the acquisition application and the title deed must state this fact.

For further information, please see our dedicated page: How to get Turkish Citizenship by Real Estate Investment in Turkey?

5. Legal Restrictions for Foreigners Buying Property in Antalya

Below is a brief overview of the legal restrictions for foreigners buying real estate in Turkey:

Foreigners may acquire any real estate in areas where private property is allowed, such as residences, workplaces, fields, and land. However, they are not allowed to buy property within military forbidden zones and military security zones. If the acquired land is not built on, the owner of foreign origin must apply to the relevant public administration within two years to develop a project.

Foreigners can purchase a maximum of 30 hectares of property in Turkey in total. The total acquisition by individuals of foreign origin may not exceed 10% of the total area on which private property is permitted in a district. Where the 10% limit is reached, the demands of foreigners for acquisition may not be met.

Legal restrictions do not apply in setting mortgages for real persons and commercial companies having legal personality, which are established in foreign countries.

6. What Else Should Foreigners Pay Special Attention to If They Want to Buy Property in Antalya?

Before you move forward with buying the desired property, it is advisable to seek professional legal advice. However, to give you an idea, below we have compiled some of the points you should pay special attention to:

• Make sure that the property doesn’t lack adequate paperwork and has a title deed (tapu in Turkish), a building license (imar in Turkish), and a habitation certificate (iskan in Turkish). You can check this with the Land Registry Office.
• Ensure that the deed does not contain any outstanding debts or fines, and that bills for electricity, water, natural gas, and telephone have been paid by the previous owner.
• You should also pay attention to the surroundings of the property. Maybe you fell in love with an apartment, but the neighborhood doesn’t suit your expectations.
• As a foreigner, you have to inquire with the Land Registry Directorate if there is any limitation on the property, such as a mortgage, arrestment, or any obstacle which prevents the sale of the property.
  If a foreigner's application to acquire real estate is rejected, an objection may be filed with the relevant regional office of the Land Registry Directorate.
• If there is a disagreement between the sides on the sale of the property, the case has to be brought before the Turkish courts by referring to judicial authorities.
• For any uncertainties, you can contact the Embassies / Consulates of the Republic of Türkiye and the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.

7. Required Documents for Buying Property in Antalya as a Foreigner

• Title deed of the property, if available, otherwise information on the village/quarter, map section, plot, building, and independent section.
• Identification document or passport (along with translation). 
• Valuation report for the real estate provided from the relevant municipality.
• Compulsory earthquake insurance policy for the building.
•  1 photo of the seller, 2 photos of the buyer (photos to be taken within the last 6 months, size 6x4).
• In case one of the sides cannot speak Turkish: a certified translator and 2 witnesses.
• If the procedure involves representation, documents regarding representation (power of attorney, order regarding guardianship, letter of authorization, etc.).
• Please note: If the power of attorney is issued abroad, special requirements must be met.

8. Process of Buying Property in Antalya

Once you have found the property you have fallen in love with and decide to buy, the actual purchasing process begins, which can take up to 12 to 16 weeks. This may include opening a bank account in Turkey, obtaining a Foreigner Identity Number, waiting for military clearance, getting compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK in Turkish), etc.

Upon signing the contract with the real estate agent, you must pay a deposit to the property owner (typically 10% of the property price). After signing the purchase agreement by all parties and receiving the deposit, the agreement becomes binding. Should you wish to cancel the contract later, you will not receive your deposit back. Important: Please note that in Turkey, preliminary contracts for the sale of real estate issued by the notaries or concluded by persons in writing do not mean the transfer of the real estate per se but are contracts containing a commitment for transfer. The property does not change hands as a result of such contracts.

Once you have completed the agreement process and gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit an application to the Land Registry Directorate along with the owner of the property. There you will have to submit all the necessary documents for the transaction. It is also possible for a representative to make the application on your behalf. If you apply in person and do not speak Turkish, you must bring a sworn translator with you.

The purchase process is complete when the taxes and fees for the property have been paid and all parties have signed the contract. After the title deed has been issued in your name, you are officially the new owner and have to pay the seller the remaining price for the property.

9. Expenses for the Acquisition of Properties in Antalya

Like everywhere else in the world, buying a property in Antalya involves a number of fees and costs. Buyers usually pay 7 to 10.5% of the property price as a fee. Both seller and buyer have to pay the title deed fee, calculated according to the selling price which cannot be less than the “Property Statement Value,” issued by the relevant municipality. In addition, a circulating capital charge which is determined locally has to be paid.

During the step when the Land Registry Directorate inquires with the relevant military authorities whether the property is located within a military or special zone, a fee for the map prepared by the Cadastre Directorate has to be paid.

Moreover, there are other expenses such as legal fees, property tax, stamp duty, and the real estate agent's commission.

10. Real Estate Agent's Commission

In Turkey, the commission charged by real estate agents for property purchases typically ranges from 2 to 4%. Note that the amount is negotiable and should be discussed with the agent during negotiations. The commission is usually paid by both the seller and the buyer.

11. Useful Websites to Check Before Buying Property in Antalya

To help you with your search and prevent problems when buying real estate in Antalya, we have gathered some links that are useful:

• The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put together a guidance page for foreigners wanting to buy real estate in Turkey.
• Another very informative website is YourKeyTürkiye, prepared by Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. It is available in six languages.
• Once you have found a property you are interested in, you can find basic information on this real estate on this site by entering information on city, district, quarter, map section, and plot. This site is very helpful if you wish to obtain information on the status on the ground.
• If you wish to make an appointment without visiting the land registry directorate, you can call Alo 181 Call Center or visit Randevu.gov.tr.
• Here is the official website of the Turkish General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre.