Property Scam Warning Signs in Turkey: 12 Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself

Most people who fall victim to property scams in Turkey were not careless; they were in a hurry, or they trusted someone they did not know well. In this guide we gather the warning signs we see again and again, and what to do about each one.

Warning signs

1. A price far below the market

A property offered at half the price of its neighbours has a reason: a problem with the title deed, a mortgage, a dispute, or it does not exist at all.

2. Pressure to pay a deposit immediately

“Another buyer is waiting” is a classic line. Don’t pay a deposit before checking the title deed, and keep it small and written into a contract.

3. Paying into an account other than the owner’s

“The company account”, “the manager’s account” or “an account abroad”. The price goes only to the owner registered on the title deed. See the guide to transferring the purchase price.

4. Refusing or delaying a title deed check

A serious owner gives you a copy of the title deed and the plot details without hesitation.

5. An undivided share sold as if it were a whole property

Especially with land and rural villas: you buy a “villa” and discover you own a percentage of a plot with many co-owners (hisseli tapu, a shared title deed). See the guide to tapu types.

6. A double price for foreigners

The same property at one price for Turks and a higher one for foreigners, with a valuation report that justifies the figure. Ask for an independent valuation and compare with the market. See the valuation report guide.

7. “Guaranteed” promises

“Citizenship guaranteed” or “rent guaranteed for ten years”. Ask: who guarantees it? How? What happens if the promise is not kept? And what does the contract say?

8. An unlicensed agency

Every estate agency needs an authorisation certificate from the Ministry of Trade, and its number must appear in its listings. Check it before doing business.

9. A project without a building permit

When buying off-plan: no building permit, no contract certified by a notary, and no registered land share. See the off-plan buying guide and the guide to choosing a reliable developer.

10. A request to register a lower price on the tapu

You may be offered “savings” on fees by registering a price lower than the real one. This is illegal, and it will hurt you later with citizenship, residence and tax on resale. See the guide to the declared value on the tapu.

11. An open-ended power of attorney

A general power of attorney lets the agent sell, mortgage and collect money in your name. Limit the power of attorney to a specific property and transaction. See the guide to buying by power of attorney.

12. A social media middleman with no office

A slick account and tempting photos, but no address, no licence and no company. Ask for the trade name and the authorisation number, and visit the office.

New protection tools

• Verified listings: since 15 February 2026, sale listings on platforms must pass through the electronic ownership verification system. See the guide to reading property listings.
• Secure payment system: from 1 December 2026, the price paid in cash or by transfer reaches the seller only after ownership has been transferred.

Short protection checklist

1. Check the title deed and restrictions before any deposit. See the pre-purchase checklist.
2. Ask for an independent valuation report.
3. Verify the agency’s licence.
4. Pay only into the owner’s account, and make the large payment on tapu day.
5. Put every agreement in a translated contract.
6. Don’t sign an open-ended power of attorney.

Summary

Fraud feeds on haste and blind trust. Take your time, check every document, and treat any pressure to pay quickly as a signal to stop.

We show you the documents for every property before you pay anything, and answer your questions in writing. Contact us if you’d like a second opinion on any offer.