10 Costly Turkish Property Buying Mistakes in 2026
Why Real Estate Buying Mistakes in Turkey Cost More in 2026
Buying property in Turkey in 2026 is no longer a tourist transaction, but a full-fledged financial and legal decision.
The market has changed: controls are stricter, "gray" schemes no longer work, mistakes are documented and have financial consequences.
👉 Therefore, in 2026, prepared buyers win, not those who act "on a hunch".
Bait properties still exist. If the price is significantly below market value, it's almost always a risk signal.
In practice, this could be:
- a property without proper documents;
- a non-existent listing;
- a price not including taxes and fees;
- an offer available "only verbally".
In Turkey, agency activity is subject to licensing. Telegram intermediaries, "helpers for a percentage", and people without legal liability are common.
Risks:
- no transaction protection;
- inability to challenge actions;
- lack of document verification.
In 2026, liquid properties rarely appear in open advertising.
Market fact:
- the best properties are sold through established agencies;
- owners don't work with "lone wolves";
- trust = track record, portfolio, reputation.
Buying an apartment with an existing tenant is a legal obligation, not a bonus.
By law:
- the lease agreement remains in force;
- the new owner accepts all its terms;
- eviction is only possible on strictly defined grounds.
❗ If violated - compensation up to one year's rent.
In 2026, the capital gains tax (Değer Artış Kazancı Vergisi) has become a critical factor.
Facts:
- tax-free allowance: 150,588 TL (for 2026);
- inflation adjustment (Yi-ÜFE) is applied;
- tax is payable on sales within 5 years of ownership.
📌 Selling without this calculation = an unpleasant surprise of tens of thousands of liras.
Mandatory expenses in 2026 (Cadastral Fee - Döner Sermaye):
| Transaction Type | Cadastral Fee (TL) |
|---|---|
| Turkish Citizen → Turkish Citizen | 6,681 TL |
| Turkish Citizen ↔ Foreigner | 27,549 TL |
| Foreigner → Foreigner | 55,098 TL |
❗ Registration = additional ~4% of the TAPU value (state duty).
Sea ≠ Liquidity.
Typical problems of coastal areas:
- strong seasonality (empty in winter);
- lack of full infrastructure outside the tourist season;
- poor complex management due to seasonal residence.
In 2026, management affects price more than the building's age.
It's important to check:
- real "iskan" (occupancy permit);
- owner discipline (fee collection);
- year-round infrastructure operation;
- financial transparency of the management company.
2026 Facts:
- rent increase cap - 34.88% (set by law);
- "guaranteed income" is almost always marketing;
- control over rental relationships has increased.
Income depends on: location, management, property condition, and legal model.
👉 Property Management in Alanya: How It WorksThe most expensive mistake. You cannot simultaneously get maximum comfort and maximum income. You cannot "figure it out later".
In 2026, those who win are those who:
- clearly understand the goal (permanent residence, residence permit, passive income, resale);
- choose an object that perfectly suits this task;
- calculate the total cost of ownership, not just the entry price.
Why a Systematic Agency is Not an Expense, But Protection
In 2026, a professional agency is:
- A risk filter - screening out properties with problems.
- Legal verification of documents (TAPU, Iskan, Kat İrtifakı).
- Access to a real, not just advertised, portfolio.
- Post-transaction support (rental, utilities, questions).
RestProperty - over 20 years in the market, licensed activity, own rental department, support at all stages.
👉 Why Large Agencies Offer Cheaper and Safer PropertyKey Takeaway
Mistakes when buying property in Turkey in 2026 are very costly because the market has become mature, transparent, and regulated.
Those who win are those who:
- Check documents, don't just take someone's word for it.
- Understand and plan for taxes and fees.
- Choose liquid properties in developing locations.
- Work with systematic, licensed agencies.
- Think strategically, 5–10 years ahead.
It is precisely this approach today that allows you to not just buy an apartment in Turkey, but to preserve your money, nerves, and the future liquidity of your investment.