A Realtor — Your Guide to a Successful Real Estate Purchase The realtor’s work begins even before your arrival in Turkey and encompasses every stage of the transaction, up to obtaining TAPU — the title deed.

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How to Choose a Reliable Realtor

Choosing a realtor is an important step requiring careful consideration. License, positive reviews, and experience are the main signs of professionalism. A true realtor will never attempt fraud and will do everything to ensure your satisfaction.

Be cautious when selecting realtors among compatriots, as they may take advantage of your trust for personal gain. Ask questions, clarify collaboration terms, and study reviews carefully.

 

How Cooperation Begins

Initial Contact: Cooperation with a realtor starts with a consultation. They explain the real estate purchase process, answer all questions, and help define the budget and primary search criteria. Communication is often conducted via messengers, which simplifies the process.

To find the perfect apartment, it’s important to articulate preferences in advance. The more precise your requirements are, the quicker the realtor can offer suitable options.

 

Property Viewings

Why a Personal Visit is Important: Never rely solely on photos or videos of properties. Such materials may be edited, creating a false impression. A personal visit allows you to evaluate the home’s energy and decide if it’s suitable for you.

Avoid booking an apartment online before arrival. This approach often leads to mistakes and disappointments. Always visit the property personally.

 

How the Purchase Process Works

Organizing Meetings and Viewings: Upon arrival, the realtor arranges a meeting at the office or ensures settlement in rented accommodation. Afterward, property viewings begin, typically taking three to five days, depending on your preferences and availability of suitable options.

If a suitable property isn’t found within this time, it may be necessary to revise search criteria or consider changing the realtor.

 

Finalizing the Deal: Once a property is chosen, the realtor helps organize its evaluation, payment of taxes and fees, and preparation of documents for registration. After paying a deposit, you will receive a confirmation document.

The registration process takes ten days to a month, culminating in the receipt of TAPU — the official proof of ownership.

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Payment Options for Real Estate Purchases in Turkey

Buying real estate requires a careful approach to financial matters. Learn about each step of the transaction, how to correctly make a deposit, what expenses to expect, and how the registration process works.

Foreign clients rarely need to pay the full amount for a property upfront. The purchasing process is divided into several key stages:

 

Stage 1: Property Selection

Finding the right apartment is one of the most important stages. This process usually takes 2-5 days, during which:

• You define your budget and main criteria, such as location, size, and infrastructure.

• The realtor offers options that meet your requirements. It is important to prepare a list of preferences in advance to save time on selection.

 

Stage 2: Making a Deposit

After selecting the apartment, you need to make a deposit, which typically amounts to 10% of the transaction value.

• The deposit amount can be reduced by agreement with the agency.

• The money is paid to the agency’s cash desk, where you will receive receipts.

• At this stage, it is worth clarifying all additional expenses, such as fees, the 4% tax on the cadastral value, and payment for property evaluation. If the agency demands more than 10%, this is a reason to reconsider your choice of realtor.

 

Stage 3: Property Evaluation

According to the law adopted in 2021, if at least one party to the transaction is a foreigner, an independent property evaluation is required:

• The evaluator is selected automatically through an electronic system.

• The evaluation result is entered into an electronic database without direct contact with the evaluator. This process takes 10 to 14 days, depending on the system's workload.

 

Stage 4: Deal Registration

After receiving the evaluation report, the documents are submitted to Alanya Tapu Sicil Müdürlüğü, where:

• The purchase agreement is prepared.

• Registration takes another 10-30 days, depending on the number of applications.

• An electronic queue is implemented, simplifying the process but requiring a waiting period. The remaining amount for the property is paid via Turkish banks.

 

Stage 5: Final Payments and Transaction Completion

The remaining payment must be made at the time of signing the contract:

• The money is transferred via SWIFT or paid in cash at the bank.

• To do this, you will need to open an account in a Turkish bank and obtain a tax number. The realtor should accompany you at all stages and assist with the procedure.

 

Stage 6: Finalizing the Deal and Document Verification

The realtor is responsible for:

• Checking the property for debts, including taxes, utilities, and loans.

• Resolving all issues with documents after obtaining the TAPU — the official title deed.

 

Example Calculation

• If the property costs 100,000 euros:

  • The deposit will be 10,000 euros,

  • The registration expenses will be about 1,000 euros,

  • The remaining 90,000 euros will be paid via SWIFT or in cash. All details of financial transactions should be agreed upon in advance.

 

If you have any questions after the transaction is completed, it is important to contact trusted professionals to avoid potential problems. Good realtors also help with household issues, such as connecting utilities or applying for a residence permit.

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Post-Sale Support: How to Arrange Your Home in Turkey

After purchasing a property, it is essential to organize post-sale services properly. Learn how to transfer utilities, connect to the internet, buy furniture, and handle other household tasks.

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Congratulations on purchasing your apartment! Now begins the next stage — arranging your new home. Even if you do not speak Turkish, the process can be smooth and comfortable with professional assistance.

 

Utility Transfers

The first step is to transfer utilities (electricity, water, gas) to your name.

• You will need TAPU (ownership document), your passport, and a tax number.

• A good realtor will assist you with this process to avoid language barriers and bureaucratic difficulties.

 

Connecting Internet and Mobile Services

• To connect internet and purchase a SIM card, you will need your passport and tax number.

• Realtors or local specialists can help choose a suitable provider and tariff plan.

 

Buying Furniture and Appliances

If your apartment requires furnishing, you can:

• Purchase furniture and appliances from the realtor's trusted partners at reasonable prices.

• Arrange delivery and installation to save time and effort.

 

Renovations

Some homeowners choose to renovate or update their interiors.

• Realtors often collaborate with reliable contractors who deliver quality work on time.

• You can discuss your preferences and get help organizing the renovation.

 

Applying for a Residence Permit (RP)

For comfortable living in Turkey, you may need a residence permit (RP).

• The process includes collecting documents, submitting an application, and visiting the migration office.

• Even if you are not a realtor's client, you can seek their advice and guidance.

 

Additional Services

We also offer assistance with:

• Notarial services,

• Document translation (certified translators),

• Starting a business and obtaining a work visa,

• Matters related to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 

Tip: Turkey is a fascinating country with welcoming people, but it’s essential to be cautious. Avoid trusting strangers and refrain from seeking unofficial assistance to prevent extra costs. It’s best to resolve all issues through trusted professionals.