Fact Sheet on Property Ownership and Tenancy in Turkey

Accommodation for Foreigners Living in Turkey

Turkey is a country visited by thousands of foreign tourists and students every year. At the same time, many foreign citizens want to work, live and settle in Turkey. Turkey is known as a tolerant and hospitable society, as it has been at the crossroads of many different cultures and civilizations throughout history.

Foreign nationals must fulfill certain conditions to stay in Turkey. Foreign nationals must stay in the country for a certain period of time to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. This period is usually one year and the residence permit application may vary depending on the reason for the foreign national’s stay in Turkey. For example, the residence permit application of a foreign citizen in Turkey for education or work purposes may require different conditions.

Accommodation Options for Foreigners in Turkey

Accommodation options in Turkey are quite diverse. Foreigners can live in rented houses or apartments in Turkey. Houses in Turkey are also available furnished and can be rented on a short or long term basis. Foreigners can also rent vacation homes or villas in Turkey. However, the rental option may not be financially viable for many foreigners.

Another accommodation option in Turkey is hotels or hostels. Turkey is highly developed in the tourism sector and therefore there are many hotels and pensions. This option is ideal for short-term stays. However, hotel or hostel costs can be quite high in the long term.

The option to buy property in Turkey is also an attractive option for many foreigners. Turkey is a very liberal country in terms of property acquisition for foreigners. Foreigners can buy houses or land in Turkey. The purchase process is easy and quick and is a viable option for many foreigners. However, in order to acquire property in Turkey, foreigners must fulfill certain conditions.

There are also some restrictions on housing options in Turkey. In particular, foreigners living in rented accommodation in Turkey are required to follow certain procedures. During the rental process, foreigners are required to obtain a residence certificate in Turkey. Foreigners are also required to keep their passports and work permits up to date. Foreigners who do not comply with these procedures may have their stay in Turkey restricted or be deported.

What are the Processes and Procedures for Renting a House for Foreigners in Turkey?

The process and procedures for foreigners renting a house in Turkey are broadly similar to those for Turkish citizens. In order for foreigners to rent a house in Turkey, they must first familiarize themselves with the rental process and procedures. According to this;

1. You can search for a house by following internet and newspaper advertisements, dealing with real estate agents or getting recommendations from people around you.
2. When renting through real estate agents, you may be required to pay a one-off service charge of 10% + VAT (18%) of one year’s rent. However, renting directly from the landlord can be less costly. In this case, you will not have to pay a real estate agent service fee.
3. It is important to visit the house you intend to rent in advance and to remember that the location and age of the house are important factors that determine the rental price.
4. In the rental agreement, care should be taken to include details such as the amount of rent, the rate of rent increase, the duration of the contract, the amount of the deposit, as well as all the fixtures and deficiencies in the house.
5. The tenant is obliged to deliver the house in the same way as he or she received it. During the rental contract, the landlord cannot evict the tenant unless there is a justified reason.
6. Rent payments must be made on time and regularly as specified in the contract. The deposit is refunded when you leave, but damages to the home can be deducted from the deposit.
7. There are certain responsibilities between landlord and tenant throughout the rental process. The landlord may enter the house with the tenant’s permission at a permitted time in connection with the maintenance and repair of the house. The tenant, on the other hand, must respect the landlord’s property and abide by the terms of the contract for as long as he or she is renting the property.

What are the procedures for foreigners to buy a house in Turkey?

Foreign nationals have the right to purchase immovable property in Turkey. However, this right is subject to certain limitations and it is necessary to apply to the Provincial Directorates of Land Registry and Cadastre for detailed information. The considerations for buying a house are similar to those for renting a house. It is also necessary to take some precautions to protect yourself from fraudsters.

Here are the important points you need to know about the procedures for foreigners to buy a house in Turkey:

1. For the purchase of immovable property, it is necessary to apply to the Provincial Directorates of Land Registry and Cadastre. In this process, the ownership of the property and whether there are any mortgages or restrictions on it should be checked.
2. You can buy a house using a home loan from banks. Different banks may have different terms and conditions for home loans, so it is important to get information in advance.
3. Real estate sales transactions are realized only at the Land Registry Offices where the relevant real estate is located. After reaching an agreement with the property owner, the sale transaction must be realized at the Land Registry Offices.
4. Care must be taken to avoid scammers. It is recommended to make the transfer transactions and fee payment at the Land Registry Office at the same time in order to sell real estate.
5. When buying a house, it is important to keep in mind that the location, age and rent are important factors that determine the price of the house.
6. Before paying for a home purchase, it is important to check the ownership of the property and any mortgages or restrictions on it with the Provincial Directorates of Land Registry and Cadastre.
7. The accuracy of the registration of the property to be purchased at the Land Registry Office must also be checked.

It is important for foreign nationals to pay attention to these points in the process of buying a house in Turkey and to make transactions by obtaining the necessary information from the Provincial Directorates of Land Registry and Cadastre. In addition, for the safety of the real estate purchase, it is necessary to carefully check all documents and paperwork with the property owner prior to the realization of the sale transaction. Land Registry Directorates are responsible for determining whether the real estate to be purchased has been put up for sale by the property owner and whether there is any mortgage, etc. on it. It is also one of the most reliable sources to check whether there are restrictions.

As a result, it is important for foreign nationals to obtain the necessary information from the Provincial Directorates of Land Registry and Cadastre when buying a house in Turkey, to carefully check all documents and papers with the property owner of the immovable property they will purchase, and to make a comparative examination by obtaining information about the mortgage loan conditions of the banks. In this way, home purchase can be realized in a safe and economical way.

Things to be done after relocation and Subscription Transactions

Termination of Old Subscriptions

If you have decided to live in Turkey and rent or buy a house, there are some steps you need to take. First of all, you should have your subscriptions such as electricity, water, natural gas, telephone. If you have a previous home, you should have the subscriptions of that house closed and have a subscription transfer in the name of your new home. For this, you need to contact the relevant companies.

Formal Notification Obligation

You should also update your addresses for newspaper and magazine subscriptions and bank transactions, if any. You must register your new address in the address registration system by notifying the District Population Directorates within 30 days and the Provincial Migration Administration within 20 days.

Compulsory Earthquake Insurance

In Turkey, every home is required to have compulsory earthquake insurance called “DASK” and this responsibility belongs to the homeowner. Therefore, you can ask your landlord for proof of earthquake insurance.

Electricity, Water and Natural Gas Subscriptions

For electricity subscription, you need to apply to the electricity sales company in charge in your region. You must present the compulsory earthquake insurance during the subscription process. An assurance fee will be requested by the electricity provider company for electricity subscription.

For water subscription, you need to apply to the metropolitan municipality or the water and sewerage service directorates of the relevant municipality. Your water subscription will be activated upon payment of the security deposit.

For natural gas subscription, you need to apply to the natural gas distribution company in your city. You must present the compulsory earthquake insurance during the subscription process. An assurance fee will be requested by the distribution company for natural gas subscription. If a card (prepaid) natural gas meter is used, no security deposit is required.

In summary, electricity, water, natural gas, telephone, etc. For subscriptions to be made, you must apply to the relevant sales companies in charge in the region. Also note that you must present the compulsory earthquake insurance during these subscription procedures. Subscription transactions can be made through the relevant sales company, or you can apply for these transactions through the e-government system.

Telephone and Internet-like Subscription Transactions

Finally, in order to use services such as telephone, cable, internet, satellite platform, etc., it is necessary to apply to the relevant service services and start a subscription. Subscription applications can be made in person, by phone or online, depending on the service provider. In order to start receiving service, an authorized team from the distribution company must come and open the installation for use. For this purpose, an appointment is made by the company and the subscriber or a relative must be present at the address on the appointment date and time when the service will be connected.

Foreign nationals are required to carry out the above-mentioned procedures after moving to their new homes in Turkey. These procedures are mandatory for all individuals, regardless of whether they are homeowners or tenants, and are important for maintaining an orderly life

Conclusion and Evaluation

As Insure Assist, with our 30 years of experience and know-how. We are here to meet all the insurance needs of our foreign guests living in Turkey in the most economical way and in accordance with their needs.

We provide free consultancy services and quotations through the communication channels on our website for all insurances that our foreign guests are legally obliged to make, especially foreign health insurance, or all insurance products and services that will increase their quality of life if they do.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any information and quotation regarding insurance services for foreign nationals!

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