Hidden Costs When Buying Property in Turkey (And How to Avoid Them)
Buying property in Turkey is an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to be aware of all the costs involved — not just the price listed on the property ad.
Understanding the hidden fees can help you plan your budget better and avoid any surprises during the process.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the hidden costs you should expect when buying property in Turkey:
When you purchase a property, you must pay a Title Deed Transfer Fee, which is 4% of the property’s officially declared value.
Sometimes, this cost is split between buyer and seller, but often buyers are responsible for the full amount.
Tip:
Negotiate with the seller if possible to share this fee!
Foreign buyers must obtain an official property valuation report (known as a “değerleme raporu”) before completing the sale.
This independent appraisal ensures that the property’s market value matches its price.
• Average Cost: $300–$500 depending on property type and location.
If you don’t speak Turkish, legal documents need to be officially translated and notarized:
- Passport translation,
- Power of attorney (if you authorize someone to act on your behalf).
Average Cost: $100–$300 depending on services required.
Before you can register the title deed, you must purchase DASK insurance — mandatory earthquake insurance required by Turkish law.
Average Cost: $30–$100 annually depending on the property size.
Although hiring a lawyer is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended to:
- Check the property’s legal status,
- Handle contracts,
- Protect your interests.
Average Legal Fees: Approximately 1% of the property value, or fixed rates starting from $1,000.
As a property owner, you’ll pay annual property taxes based on the property value:
- Residential properties: Around 0.1%–0.2% of the declared value annually.
- Collected in two installments (May and November).
If you purchase an apartment in a residential complex (site), you’ll likely pay monthly maintenance fees covering:
- Security,
- Cleaning,
- Facilities (pool, gym, etc.).
Average Cost: $30–$150 per month depending on the services provided.
How to Avoid Unpleasant Surprises?
Choose Transparent Agencies:
Work with trusted real estate companies like Best House Turkey who provide a full cost breakdown upfront.
- Total closing costs,
- Ongoing ownership expenses,
- Possible additional taxes.
Hire a Lawyer:
A lawyer will protect your investment and ensure there are no hidden liabilities attached to the property.
While the price of a property in Turkey might look attractive, it’s crucial to plan for the extra costs.
By being aware of these hidden expenses, you can invest smarter, avoid stress, and enjoy your new home or investment with peace of mind.
Looking for a transparent, no-hidden-cost property buying experience in Turkey?
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[Contact Best House Turkey today] — we’re here to guide you every step of the way!