Selling your property in Turkey: steps, taxes and transferring the proceeds abroad

Selling in Turkey is procedurally simpler than buying, but the final result depends on three things settled before you advertise: the right price, documents ready to go, and the expected tax. This guide is for foreign owners who want to sell, whether they are in Turkey or abroad.

Step 1: realistic pricing

• Compare with similar properties sold or listed in the same neighbourhood, by size, floor, age and view.
• A valuation report from a licensed firm gives you an independent figure, and a foreign buyer will need one anyway. See the valuation report guide.
• Don’t price on what you paid but on what the market pays today.

Step 2: documents

1. The tapu (title deed), ideally with kat mülkiyeti (full condominium ownership).
2. The iskan (occupancy permit), if there is one.
3. A clearance from the building management for maintenance fees (aidat).
4. Property tax receipts and the latest utility bills.
5. A valid earthquake insurance (DASK) policy, or the buyer takes one out.
6. Your passport and tax number.

Step 3: marketing

Professional photos, an accurate description, a reasonable price and an agency that reaches both local and foreign buyers. In Trabzon, for example, demand comes from Gulf and Turkish buyers alike, and each group has its own channels.

Step 4: deposit and tapu

• A written deposit agreement setting out the price, the tapu date and what happens if either party pulls out.
• The tapu appointment: the seller or their attorney attends and confirms receipt of the price before the officer. We explain the appointment in the tapu day guide.
• Title deed fee: 4% of the value; by law half is paid by the seller, and the contract sets the actual split.

Step 5: tax

• After 5 years from registration: no tax on the gain from the sale.
• Before 5 years: the gain is taxable after the annual exemption and is declared the following March. Details in the guide to tax on selling within 5 years.
• VAT exemption: if you bought from a developer free of VAT, selling within a year makes it due. See the VAT guide.

Step 6: the price and transferring it

• Have the buyer pay into a bank account in your own name, on tapu day or a few hours before.
• To transfer the proceeds abroad, the bank usually asks for the official sale contract and proof of ownership and sale.
• Keep all the documents, as you may need them in your home country too.

How selling affects residence and citizenship

• Property-based residence: selling removes its basis. If you want to stay, arrange another basis before selling. See the residence renewal guide.
• Citizenship: a citizenship property cannot be sold for three years; after that, selling does not affect citizenship already granted.

Selling remotely

With a specific power of attorney limited to the property, the minimum price and the bank account the price is paid into. We explain how to word powers of attorney in the buying by proxy guide, and the same principles apply to selling.

Summary

Price realistically, get the documents ready before advertising, work out the tax if you sell within five years, and have the price paid straight into your account. If your residence permit is based on the property, plan for it before you sell.

We market our clients’ properties to local and Arab buyers and stay with them until the price is received. Start with the sell your property page.