How to Sell Your Property in Turkey — Full Guide
How to Sell Your Property in Turkey — Full Guide
Selling real estate in Turkey can be a smooth and profitable process — if you understand the legal requirements, taxes, and documentation involved.
Whether you own an apartment in Alanya, a villa in Antalya, or an investment flat in Istanbul, this guide explains every step to sell your property legally, safely, and efficiently.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Property and the Market
Before listing your home, you need to know its real market value. The Turkish property market varies depending on location, year of construction, proximity to the sea, and foreign demand.
How to determine the right price:
- Review recent property sales in your area.
- Request a professional valuation from a licensed real estate agency.
- Avoid overpricing — it may significantly delay the sale.
Tip: RestProperty performs a detailed market analysis for every listing to ensure your property is priced correctly and attracts serious buyers.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
To sell your apartment or villa in Turkey, the following documents are required:
- TAPU — Title Deed (Certificate of Ownership)
- İskan — Habitation Certificate (proof of building completion and occupancy)
- Vergi Numarası — Turkish Tax Identification Number
- Passport or Turkish ID of the owner
- Power of Attorney (if selling through a representative)
If any document is missing, your real estate agent or lawyer can help obtain it before the sale.
Step 3: Choose a Licensed Real Estate Agency
Working with a registered and government-approved agency ensures transparency and compliance with Turkish law. Licensed agencies connect sellers with verified buyers and manage every legal and translation procedure.
Why RestProperty Is a Trusted Partner
Founded in 2003, RestProperty is officially registered with GİGDER and TÜRSAB — a guarantee of reliability and legal compliance.
Key advantages:
- Full legal transparency (licensed & audited)
- Government accreditation (TÜRSAB & GİGDER)
- Multilingual consultants (English, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, German)
- Global base of verified buyers
- Complete transaction and legal support
With 20+ years of experience, RestProperty ensures your sale is legal, fast, and profitable.
Step 4: Marketing and Promotion
In today’s market, presentation is everything. Professional photos, videos, and targeted digital marketing campaigns are essential to attract qualified buyers.
At RestProperty, each listing includes:
- High-quality photo and video production
- Promotion across international platforms
- Placement in RestProperty’s internal buyer database
- Multilingual advertising and social-media visibility
- Property showings by licensed consultants
Step 5: Signing the Preliminary Sales Agreement
Once an offer is accepted, both parties sign a Preliminary Sales Agreement (Satış Vaadi Sözleşmesi) at the notary office.
The document specifies:
- The sale price and payment terms
- TAPU transfer date
- Deposit amount (usually 5–10%)
Both sides receive certified copies of the contract.
Step 6: TAPU Transfer (Official Title Deed Transfer)
The final transfer takes place at the Land Registry Office (Tapu Müdürlüğü). Both buyer and seller — or their representatives — must be present, and a sworn translator is required if the seller doesn’t speak Turkish.
During this stage:
- The buyer pays the full sale amount (by bank transfer only).
- The seller signs the TAPU.
- The ownership officially changes hands.
Taxes and Fees When Selling Property in Turkey
a) Capital Gains Tax
If you sell your property within 5 years of purchase, you must pay income tax on the profit (15% – 35%).
If you have owned the property for more than five years, the sale is exempt from this tax.
b) TAPU Transfer Tax
The total TAPU transfer tax is 4% of the property’s declared cadastral value (as registered in the Land Registry).
c) Real Estate Agent Commission
The standard commission rate in Turkey is from 3% of the sale price, plus VAT. This fee covers professional marketing, negotiation, and complete transaction management.
Selling Remotely via Power of Attorney
If you cannot attend the sale in person, you can issue a notarized Power of Attorney (POA) to your lawyer or agent.
This allows them to:
- Sign contracts on your behalf
- Handle TAPU transfer
- Confirm and supervise payment
RestProperty’s legal department assists with POA preparation both in Turkey and abroad (via Turkish consulates).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling below market value without proper valuation
- Working with unlicensed or informal agents
- Accepting cash payments without proof
- Declaring a reduced sale price on TAPU (leads to future penalties)
A licensed agency like RestProperty protects you from these risks and ensures your deal meets all legal standards.
Why Sell with RestProperty
Selling your property through RestProperty means choosing experience, transparency, and security. Every transaction is handled by a dedicated legal and marketing team ensuring full compliance with Turkish law.
Our strengths:
- 20+ years of expertise
- TÜRSAB & GİGDER registration
- Verified international client network
- Transparent commissions
- Legal + tax advisory included
From valuation to closing — RestProperty manages your sale from A to Z.
Conclusion
Selling property in Turkey doesn’t have to be complicated. With professional support, accurate pricing, and full legal transparency, you can finalize your sale quickly and confidently.
RestProperty — Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in Turkey since 2003.
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