Costs of Buying a Property in Turkey: What You Need to Know

With the constantly increasing demand for real estate in Turkey, especially from foreign investors and new residents, it has become very important to know the costs of buying a property in Turkey in 2025 accurately and in detail.

Some believe that the costs of buying a property in Turkey are limited only to the price of the property itself, but the truth includes many fees, taxes, and additional expenses that directly affect the total cost of the investment.

These essential expenses include fees for buying an apartment in Turkey and land registry fees (Tapu) in Turkey, in addition to legal costs such as the cost of obtaining a real estate expert report in Turkey, government taxes such as property transfer tax in Turkey (price and percentage), and monthly maintenance expenses known as "Aidat" in Turkey, as well as mandatory earthquake insurance, which is the cost of DASK insurance in Turkey.

In this detailed guide, we will explain how much it costs to buy an apartment in Turkey, including fees, with a comprehensive explanation of each item of property transfer expenses in Turkey, legal fees, administrative fees, insurance fees, and other details that you should know before taking the step of buying.

What are the costs of buying a property in Turkey in 2025?

When you plan to buy a property in Turkey in 2025, you must take the following costs into account in addition to the price of the property itself:

Basic Purchase Fees

• The fees for buying an apartment in Turkey usually range from 4% to 6% of the property's value, and include:
  • Real estate registration fees (Tapu).
  • Administrative expenses of the Land Registry Directorate.
  • Legal fees associated with the transaction.
• This percentage varies depending on the type of property, its location, and the purchase agreement.

Other Property Purchase Expenses in Turkey

• These include lawyer fees for providing legal advice and following up on purchase documents.
• Notary fees related to the legal documentation of sales contracts.
• Costs of sworn translation services for foreigners, which must be certified to ensure the validity of the documents.
• Costs of extracting official documents such as a real estate appraisal certificate.

These costs amount to approximately an additional 1% to 2% of the property price, bringing the total purchase fees to between 5% and 8% of the property value.

Tapu Fees in Turkey: Full Details

What is Tapu?

Tapu is the official document that proves ownership of the property in Turkey, and is issued by the Land Registry Directorate. Without this document, no transfer of ownership or sale can be completed.

Property Transfer Fees in Turkey

• Tapu fees in Turkey are levied at a fixed rate of 4% of the assessed value of the property.
• In most cases, the buyer bears the full cost of these fees, unless otherwise agreed with the seller.
• It is important to know that the value on which the fees are calculated may be lower or higher than the actual selling price, based on the official property valuation.

Important Note: Make sure the appraisal report reflects the true market value to avoid surprises in tax calculations.

Cost of Obtaining a Real Estate Expert Report in Turkey

Why is the Expert Report Important?

Foreigners are required to submit an official real estate expert report documented by the government when buying real estate in Turkey, which determines the true value of the property. This report is important because it affects:

• The validity of the legal property value.
• Determining the value of the tax that must be paid.
• Ensuring the safety of the investment and not buying a property for more than its market value.

Turkey Property Appraisal Cost

• The cost of a property appraisal in Turkey ranges from approximately 2,000 to 5,000 Turkish Lira, depending on the location of the property, its size, and its condition.
• In major cities such as Istanbul and Antalya, the cost may be slightly higher due to the complexity of the real estate market.

Note: Transfer of ownership procedures cannot be completed without submitting this report.

Cost of Translating a Passport for Property Transfer in Turkey

Importance of Sworn Translation

• All legal documents, especially passports and purchase contracts, must be translated into Turkish with certified translation.
• Correct translation ensures the speedy acceptance of documents from government agencies and prevents any delays in procedures.

Cost of Translating a Passport for Property Transfer in Turkey

• The fees for translating a passport for property transfer in Turkey usually range between 300 and 600 Turkish Lira, depending on the city and the translator.
• Some real estate companies, such as Mbany Real Estate, offer this service as part of integrated packages to facilitate procedures.

Cost of Earthquake Insurance (DASK) in Turkey

What is DASK?

• DASK is mandatory insurance on every property in Turkey, covering damage that may result from earthquakes and natural disasters.
• This insurance is necessary to complete the property registration procedures and cannot be ignored.

Cost of DASK in Turkey

• The cost of DASK in Turkey varies depending on the size and area of the property, the age of the building, and its geographical location, and usually ranges from 300 to 1,500 Turkish Lira per year.
• The insurance is renewed annually and is considered a fixed expense that must be added to the property purchase budget.

Property Purchase Taxes in Turkey: What You Need to Know

Annual Property Tax

• Annual taxes are levied on properties in Turkey and vary depending on the type of property (residential or commercial) and its location.
• It usually ranges from 0.1% to 0.6% of the assessed value of the property.

Property Transfer Tax in Turkey (Price and Percentage)

• As we explained, the transfer tax rate is 4% of the official property value.
• This tax is paid once upon completion of the registration process.

Property Transfer Expenses in Turkey

• These expenses include property registration fees at the Land Registry Office, notary fees, and any necessary official powers of attorney.
• Some municipalities may add additional fees for foreigners, so it is advisable to inquire in advance.
• Also, property transfer expenses in Turkey sometimes include electronic service fees and paperwork processing fees.

Monthly "Aidat" Expenses in Turkey

What is Aidat?

• These are monthly fees paid for the management of residential complexes and real estate projects in Turkey, and include maintenance, security, cleaning, and technical maintenance of common facilities.
• The value of monthly Aidat expenses in Turkey varies depending on the level of the project and its location, and may start from 100 Lira and reach 1,500 Lira or more in luxury projects that contain integrated services.

Why Choose Mbany Real Estate to Buy a Property in Turkey?

Mbany Real Estate is one of the leading companies that provides full support in the Turkish real estate market, offering professional services that include:

• Clarifying all the details of the costs of buying a property in Turkey in a transparent and detailed manner.
• Providing certified and reliable appraisal reports to help you make informed decisions.
• Facilitating legal translation and authentication procedures for property registration.
• Supporting clients in following up on transfer of ownership procedures while ensuring that property transfer expenses in Turkey are paid correctly.
• Providing property management services after purchase, such as rental.

Frequently Asked Questions: Costs of Buying a Property in Turkey: What You Need to Know

Conclusion: Costs of Buying a Property in Turkey — A Clear Financial Plan for Safe Investment

After reading this comprehensive guide on the costs of buying a property in Turkey in 2025, you now have a clear vision of all the expenses that must be taken into account in addition to the basic property price.

From Tapu fees in Turkey, appraisal, mandatory DASK insurance cost in Turkey, to monthly taxes such as Aidat expenses in Turkey, all are crucial factors for planning your real estate investment successfully.

To avoid financial surprises and ensure a smooth and safe procedure, we always advise dealing with reliable and professional real estate companies such as Mbany Real Estate, which offers integrated services to help you buy your property in Turkey with ease and safety.