Buyer's Guide

Buying Your Home in Istanbul, Step by Step

From your first question to the day you receive your keys and settle in: the whole journey in three clear stages, with HADARA by your side at every step.

  1. 01Before buying6 steps
  2. 02The purchase6 steps
  3. 03After the keys6 steps

Before buying

Before you buy

Clarify what you need and check the property carefully before you commit.

  1. 01

    Define your goal and budget

    A home to live in, an investment, or a path to residence or citizenship: your goal shapes the district, the size and the budget. Alongside the price, plan for the 4% title deed fee and the running costs.

    Learn moreInvesting in Turkish Real Estate: A Practical Guide for Foreigners
  2. 02

    Choose the district and the type of home

    The sea, nature or the heart of the city; an apartment in a complex or a villa with a garden. Picturing your family's usual week makes the choice much easier.

    Learn moreApartment or Villa in Istanbul? How to Decide
  3. 03

    Read the listing correctly

    Know the difference between gross and net area, and what layouts such as 2+1 or 3+1 mean, so you can compare homes fairly.

    Learn moreGross vs Net Area and What 2+1 Means in Turkish Listings
  4. 04

    Off-plan or ready to move in

    A new project usually offers more choice and a payment plan spread over the construction period, while a completed home can be lived in right away. Weigh both against your timeline.

    Learn moreOff-Plan or Ready to Move In? How to Choose in Istanbul
  5. 05

    See the home before you decide

    Visit Istanbul, or start with a free private video tour of the show apartment and the project on site, with no obligation.

    Learn morePrivate Video Tour
  6. 06

    Check the documents

    Ask about the type of title deed, the building permit, the occupancy permit (İskan) for a completed building and any mortgage or lien. If you plan to live here, confirm the neighbourhood is open to new residence registrations for foreigners.

    Learn moreHow to Buy Property in Turkey and Register the Title Deed (Tapu)

The purchase

Completing the purchase

A set sequence of steps, from the reservation to the title deed in your name.

  1. 01

    Reserve the home

    A reservation agreement secures the home and records the agreed price, the payment method and the next steps. A home under construction is usually sold through a notarised promise-to-sell agreement.

  2. 02

    Get a tax number and a bank account

    Before you pay, you need a Turkish tax number and an account at a local bank. Both are simple to obtain, and our team helps you with them.

  3. 03

    Prepare your documents

    A valid passport; any document issued abroad needs an apostille or consular legalisation and a sworn Turkish translation. Many steps can be handled through a power of attorney, so a short visit is usually enough.

  4. 04

    The official valuation report

    A foreign buyer needs a valuation report from an appraisal company licensed by the Capital Markets Board (SPK). For citizenship, the value in this report must meet the legal minimum.

    Learn moreProperty Valuation Reports in Turkey: What Buyers Should Know
  5. 05

    Pay by bank transfer

    The price is paid by bank transfer following the schedule in your agreement. For citizenship, the payment is made in foreign currency and converted at a Turkish bank against a Foreign Currency Purchase Certificate (DAB). Keep every receipt.

    Learn moreCitizenship by Investment
  6. 06

    The title deed appointment

    At the Land Registry Office, a sworn translator explains the documents if you do not speak Turkish, the 4% title deed fee is paid, and the title deed (Tapu) is issued in your name.

    Learn moreProperty Taxes and Tapu Fees in Turkey: What Buyers Should Budget

After the keys

After you receive your keys

Practical steps that make daily life easier in your new home.

  1. 01

    Open your utility subscriptions

    Electricity, water, natural gas and internet, which may involve connection fees or deposits.

  2. 02

    DASK earthquake insurance

    Compulsory earthquake insurance for homes in Turkey, renewed every year.

  3. 03

    The annual property tax

    Paid to the municipality once the home is registered in your name; ask for the current amount for your home.

  4. 04

    The aidat management fee

    In a residential complex, a monthly fee covers security, cleaning, gardens and pools; it differs from one project to another.

  5. 05

    Your property residence permit

    Renewable for as long as you own the home, and your spouse and children under 18 can obtain one too.

    Learn moreCitizenship by Investment
  6. 06

    Settle into daily life

    Schools, health care, transport and the rhythm of your new neighbourhood: our guide for families helps you settle in.

    Learn moreLife in Turkey for Foreign Families: Settling In Istanbul

General information based on current law, which may change; it is not legal advice. Our team confirms the requirements in force before any purchase.

Need help?

A question about a step or a procedure? Ask our team

If you are stuck on a step, unsure about a procedure or a transaction, or need a piece of information, write to us here. Your question reaches our team directly.

  • Your question goes straight to the relevant team
  • A request number and a confirmation email right away
  • We get back to you with a call or the information you need

Our answers are general information, not legal advice.

Would you like us with you at every step?

Tell us your goal and budget, and we will suggest suitable homes and guide you through every stage until you receive your keys.

Message us on WhatsApp Book a video tour