If you are looking for a holiday home, an investment or full-time residence in Turkey then do your homework first. Presumably, you have already visited Turkey before and fell in love with the country; therefore you probably know which area you are looking to buy your ideal second home. Although some potential buyers have never visited Turkey they are aware it’s a great place to invest and need guidance as to the different areas and what they are looking for in an overseas property.
It’s important to first find yourself a good reputable agent, you need to ask around, look on the internet and ask for testimonials. Ask the agent is it possible to speak with a customer who already bought via them. Now you have found your agent tell them precisely what you are looking for, location, property type an apartment, duplex, villa or land. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Do you want a nice view? And what is your budget? Your agent will tell you realistically what your budget can buy you and make recommendations.
Make arrangements to visit Turkey to view properties, after speaking with your agent they will put together a property portfolio for you to view. Make sure you have your finances in order before you arrive and its worth noting you can make a reasonable offer on a Turkish property and your agent will negotiate on your behalf. Once you have found your ideal property pay a deposit to secure it, this deposit will be non-refundable and will be deducted from the agreed price.
Your agent will be able to recommend an independent solicitor in Turkey to represent you during the sale. You can, of course, choose your own solicitor if you prefer. If you cannot stay in Turkey until the sale is completed you will need to give the solicitor Power of Attorney (POA) to sign on your behalf. Contracts can be signed and you wait for the completion of the sale after all necessary checks on the property are completed. You will then receive your Tapu which is the Title Deeds to your property.
Once the Tapu is given to you the electric and water metres are put into your name and you are good to go. At all stages, your agent will guide you and you will not be left alone during the purchase of your property. You will also need to obtain a Turkish tax number which is an easy process at the local tax office and takes around five minutes. You will need this number to buy the property and to open a Turkish bank account.
Remember before you arrive in Turkey to bring a UK utility bill with you which is proof of where you reside in the UK as you will need this to open a bank account. Your agent will guide you and tell you about all the necessary documentation you will need to bring to Turkey.
Happy house hunting in glorious Turkey!
