The Buying Process

It is surprising how quick and easy is to buy a property in Turkey. A property transaction between two Turkish people can be completed in one afternoon! For a foreign buyer it takes 'slightly' longer, because of the need to obtain an official permission from the military authorities. We at EFES ESTATE always recommend to our customers to engage an English speaking solicitor.
Once you choose which property you wish to buy, your solicitor will need to conduct a search at the registry office to confirm that the property belongs to seller, that there are no outstanding debts or charges against the property and that the property is not in a military restricted area, where foreigners are not allowed to buy. Your lawyer will also check that all the planning regulations were followed and building permission was granted. After the initial searches have been completed, you would be expected to pay a deposit; it is normal to pay 10-15%. Payment of this deposit will be recorded in a contract, written in Turkish and translated into English and signed by both parties ie. the buyer and the seller. The contract will specify the price, the schedule of the payments and the date of the completion. Your solicitor will apply on your behalf, to the military authorities for a permission for you to buy. Once the permission has been granted (it might take three to four months), the whole transaction can be concluded. As the legal owner, your name and details will now be on the title deed.