Expenses When Buying Real Estate in Turkey in 2025
Buying real estate in Turkey involves several expenses that you should be aware of to avoid unexpected costs. It’s important to plan and calculate all expenses in advance before finalizing the deal.
1. Property Transfer Tax (Tapu Harcı)
When purchasing property in Turkey, you must pay a property transfer tax, which is 4% of the officially declared value of the property. By law, this tax is split between the buyer and the seller (2% each), but in practice, it is usually paid by the buyer.
💡 Important: Keep in mind that the official value in the documents may differ from the market value, as the seller reports the amount based on tax calculations.
2. Property Valuation
According to Turkish law, before purchasing property, a property valuation is required. The cost of the valuation in 2025 is 19,800 Turkish Lira. This report is submitted to the Land Registry Office (Tapu) and is required only when applying for citizenship, in order to obtain the Tapu. In other cases, a property valuation is not necessary.
3. Land Registry Fee
The land registry fee for obtaining the Tapu for foreigners is approximately 9,092 Turkish Lira for apartments and villas. The fee for land plots depends on their size and is determined by the Land Registry Office.
4. Utilities Setup Costs
After purchasing property, you will need to set up utilities:
- DASK Insurance (Mandatory Earthquake Insurance): From 1,000 Turkish Lira (the exact amount depends on the size of the property).
- Electricity: Connection starts from 1,600 Turkish Lira, which includes a deposit.
- Water: Connection fees range from 2,600 to 9,200 Turkish Lira, depending on the presence of a residence permit (ikamet), and whether it's a first or second-time connection. The fee includes a deposit.
- Gas: Connection and subscription fees range from 3,600 to 7,000 Turkish Lira. Having a residence permit does not affect the fee; what matters is whether the property had a previous gas subscription.
5. Annual Property Tax
The property tax is paid twice a year – by the end of May and by the end of November.
| Property Type | In City Limits | Outside City Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Property | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Commercial Property | 0.4% | 0.2% |
| Land for Construction | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| Agricultural Land | 0.2% | 0.1% |
6. Additional Expenses
- Agency Commission: Typically 2% + VAT of the property price.
- Legal Assistance: Starting from 5,000 Turkish Lira (depending on the complexity of the transaction).
- Notary Services: The cost depends on the type of transaction and the number of documents involved.
Conclusion
By calculating all the expenses involved in buying property in Turkey, you can prepare the necessary funds in advance and avoid unexpected costs. At MyAntalya, we guide clients through every step of the transaction, ensuring a fast and secure property purchase process.
Want to know more or need assistance with purchasing property in Turkey? Contact our manager now, and we’ll assist you at every step! Simply click the link to get in touch and receive a personalized consultation.
