Buying a property in Turkey can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a complex and lengthy process if you don’t know what to expect. The process of buying real estate in Turkey typically involves several stages that can take several weeks or even months to complete. In this blog post, we’ll go over the main stages of the real estate buying process in Turkey to help you better understand what to expect.
How to Buy Real Estate in Turkey?
Stage 1: Research
The first stage of the real estate buying process in Turkey is research. Before you start looking for properties, you need to do your due diligence and research the different areas and types of properties available in Turkey. This includes researching the local real estate market, property prices, and the legal requirements for buying property in Turkey. You may also want to hire a real estate agent to help you with your search.
Stage 2: Property Selection
Once you have done your research, you can start looking for properties that meet your needs and budget. You can search for properties online or work with a real estate agent to help you find suitable properties. During this stage, you will typically view multiple properties before making a final decision.
Stage 3: Offer and Negotiation
After you have found a property that you are interested in buying, you will need to make an offer to the seller. You can negotiate the price and other terms of the sale, such as the closing date and the payment schedule. Once you and the seller have agreed on the terms of the sale, you will sign a preliminary agreement (also known as a pre-sale contract) and pay a deposit.
Search for a mortgage or insurance
As you start your search, it’s important to know what kind of mortgage and insurance options are available in Turkey.
- Mortgage: A mortgage is a loan that allows you to buy property with the repayments being made over time through regular payments. If you choose this option, then it is likely that your bank will be able to give you advice on how much money they would lend based on your income and other factors such as credit score and savings history.
- Insurance: As well as having protection against fire damage or theft of personal belongings while renting out a property, homeowners must also have building insurance which covers any damage caused by earthquakes or floods (amongst other things). This type of policy should be taken out before purchasing any land/flat so make sure yours meets these requirements before proceeding with buying anything.
Appraisal of your property and home inspection
In Turkey, the appraisal report of your property is done by a third party. It’s required for mortgage applications and can help you determine how much money you’ll be able to borrow from the bank.
Stage 4: Due Diligence
Before the sale can proceed, you will need to conduct due diligence on the property to ensure that it is free of any legal issues or encumbrances. This includes checking the property’s title deeds, getting a survey report, and checking that all taxes and fees are paid up to date. You will also need to obtain a military clearance certificate, which confirms that the property is not located in a restricted or military zone.
Stage 5: Get a Lawyer
It’s recommended to hire a lawyer to help you with the legal aspects of the sale. Your lawyer can review the preliminary agreement, conduct a final check of the property’s legal status, and handle the title transfer and registration of the property.
Stage 6: Finalize the Sale
Once the due diligence is complete, you can proceed with the closing process. This involves signing the final sale contract and paying the remaining balance of the purchase price. The closing process typically takes place at a notary’s office, where the title transfer and the registration of the property will be completed. You will also need to pay any applicable taxes and fees at this stage.
Stage 7: Register the Property
After the closing, you will need to register the property with the local Land Registry Office and obtain the title deed (also known as the tapu). You will also need to transfer the utilities and other services into your name and arrange for any necessary repairs or renovations. It’s also a good idea to take out property insurance to protect your investment.
Overall, there are various steps involved in purchasing real estate in Turkey, and they may take weeks or even months to accomplish. Before making a selection, it’s crucial to do your research, deal with a trustworthy real estate agent, and perform due diligence on the property. You can successfully navigate the Turkish real estate buying process and take advantage of owning property in this stunning country with the correct advice and assistance.
