Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Property in Turkey

Buying property in Turkey is considered a smart investment move sought by foreigners and Arab investors alike, due to Turkey's strategic advantages such as its geographical location, urban development, and the increasing opportunities in Turkey's real estate market in 2025.

However, despite the promising opportunities, many buyers fall into the trap of property buying mistakes that negatively affect the buying experience and may lead to financial or legal losses.

In this detailed article titled "Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Property in Turkey," we will highlight the most prominent mistakes made by buyers.

We will discuss in detail tips for buying property in Turkey, steps for foreigners to buy property in Turkey, and explain how to avoid real estate fraud in Turkey, with important information about problems when buying property in Turkey and how to ensure the property's safety.

Whether you are thinking of buying an apartment in Istanbul or in any other Turkish region, this article is a guide for the foreign buyer for buying property in Turkey, helping you make a sound and well-considered decision that guarantees a safe and successful investment.

Failure to Verify the Legal Status of the Property

Legal Problems When Buying Property in Turkey

One of the first and most dangerous property buying mistakes to watch out for is neglecting to verify the legal status of the property. Many buyers are attracted to the property's price or location without checking whether the property is legally licensed or officially registered in the Land Registry Office (Tapu).

Some properties may be within areas where foreign ownership is prohibited, or may be subject to litigation, or reserved for governmental or banking purposes.

How to Ensure the Safety of the Property in Turkey?

• Check the title deed (Tapu) and ensure the data matches the real owner.
• Review the local municipality to ensure the existence of a building permit and zoning plans.
• Request the property record from the Land Registry Office to ensure it is free of restrictions such as mortgage, seizure, or prohibition of sale.

Relying on Unreliable Intermediaries

Avoiding Real Estate Fraud in Turkey

Relying on unlicensed real estate brokers or marketers is one of the most important mistakes to avoid when buying property in Turkey, as it results in many property buying problems in Turkey, such as paying excessive amounts or contracting for fictitious properties.

Importance of Choosing a Reliable Real Estate Company

We always recommend dealing with well-known entities such as Mbany Real Estate, which provides comprehensive services including:

• Providing legally documented properties.
• Legal support when signing contracts.
• After-sales services for investors and foreigners.

Having a reliable entity reduces risks and ensures the safety of the transaction, especially in light of the growing demand for Turkey's real estate in 2025.

Ignoring the Verification of the Title Deed (Tapu)

What You Should Know Before Buying Property in Turkey

The Tapu is the basic legal document to prove ownership, and ignoring its details is one of the most prominent property buying mistakes. You must ensure:

• That the name of the owner appearing in the Tapu matches the person you are negotiating with.
• The type of ownership: Is it complete, shared, or under construction?
• That the Tapu is free of restrictions such as mortgage, judicial seizure, or previous partnerships.

The smart buyer does not rely only on promises but reviews the official documents himself with a certified lawyer to guarantee his rights.

Neglecting the Additional Costs Associated with Buying Property

Most Important Mistakes When Buying Apartments in Turkey

One of the important tips for buying property in Turkey is to set a budget that exceeds the property price to include side costs. The most important of these costs are:

• Tapu fees (usually 4% of the property value).
• Fees of the lawyer who reviews the contracts.
• Value Added Tax (VAT) if applicable to the type of property.
• Monthly maintenance fees in residential complexes.
• Translation and notarization fees for contracts.

Ignoring these points is one of the most prominent property buying mistakes that leads to an aggravation of expenses later on.

Rushing to Sign the Purchase Contract Without Legal Advice

Legal Problems When Buying Property in Turkey

In many cases, sales contracts are signed without referring to a specialized lawyer, which may lead to unfair clauses or vague details such as:

• Unclear payment terms.
• Unfair late payment penalties.
• Failure to accurately specify the delivery date.

It is always best to take your time and use an independent real estate lawyer to review the contract clauses in detail before any signing.

Neglecting to Inspect the Property Technically

How to Ensure the Safety of the Property in Turkey

The quality of construction is no less important than the location or price. One of the recurring mistakes is buying a property without inspecting it on the ground or requesting a technical evaluation report, including:

• Examine thermal and sound insulation.
• Check the electricity, water, ventilation, and sanitation systems.
• Consult a structural engineer to check the safety of the structural frame.

In some cases, properties are sold that contain serious structural defects that cannot be repaired later.

Buying in Locations Unsuitable for Investment

Real Estate Investment in Turkey

The location is the decisive factor in achieving returns from real estate investment in Turkey. One of the mistakes to avoid when buying property in Turkey is buying a property in an underserved area or with weak traffic.

Buying an Apartment in Istanbul: Best Neighborhoods

If you are thinking of buying an apartment in Istanbul, choose areas such as:

• Başakşehir.
• Beylikdüzü.
• Kadıköy.
• Şişli.

These areas combine modern infrastructure, public facilities, and commercial activity.

Failing to Obtain a Real Estate Appraisal Report

Steps for Foreigners to Buy Property in Turkey

The real estate report is not only a legal requirement but a tool to protect you from inflated prices, as follows:

• The report determines the true market value of the property.
• It is used to complete Tapu transactions and obtain a Turkish residence permit or citizenship.
• Some companies try to inflate the price if they know the buyer is a foreigner, so the official valuation protects you from fraud.

Failure to Understand the Tax System and Restrictions on Foreigners

Guide for the Foreign Buyer to Buy Property in Turkey

It is necessary to understand the laws pertaining to foreigners in buying property in Turkey, most notably:

• Some areas near the borders may be prohibited for foreigners.
• Annual taxes vary depending on the city and type of property (residential, commercial).
• Registration in municipalities and payment of annual property taxes is a legal obligation.
• Obtaining a tax number from the Turkish tax authority.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Property in Turkey

Conclusion: Smart Steps to Avoid Property Buying Mistakes in Turkey

In conclusion, understanding the mistakes to avoid when buying property in Turkey is essential for making a successful investment decision.

If you intend to enter the world of real estate investment in Turkey, you must arm yourself with knowledge, avoid property buying mistakes, and adhere to the tips for buying property in Turkey presented here.

Start by reviewing what you should know before buying property in Turkey, understand in detail the steps for foreigners to buy property in Turkey, and do not hesitate to use a reliable company such as Mbany Real Estate to be your safe guide in every stage of ownership.

In short, choosing the right property is not enough on its own, but must be accompanied by a comprehensive legal and technical audit to guarantee your investment.

Whether your goal is to buy an apartment in Istanbul or in any other region, proper planning and smart dealing is the key to success.