Real Estate Law
Real estate law is the area we are asked about most often by foreign residents and overseas buyers: title deed (TAPU) transfer, due diligence before a purchase, rental disputes, condominium matters, and the specific rules that apply to foreign nationals acquiring property in Turkey. Given how active Fethiye's property market has been for both local and international buyers over the years, we place particular emphasis on getting the title deed process, contracts and regulatory compliance right the first time.
Our Real Estate Law Services in Fethiye
- Due diligence and title deed (TAPU) checks before a property purchase
- Coordination of the title deed transfer appointment at the Land Registry
- Review and drafting of property sale and rental agreements
- Guidance on the legal framework for foreign nationals acquiring real estate in Turkey (Land Registry Law No. 2644)
- Support with military clearance / security-zone screening required for foreign buyers
- Condominium (kat mülkiyeti) and shared-ownership matters
- Guidance on zoning status and building/construction risk before you buy
- Coordination with notaries, sworn translators and the land registry throughout the transaction
Local Context
Fethiye and the surrounding coast have long attracted both domestic and international property buyers, and foreign nationals make up a significant share of local property owners. That makes accurate due diligence, carefully drafted contracts and regulatory compliance especially important here — and it also means short-term (seasonal) rental activity is common, which brings its own set of recurring questions around rental agreements and tenant disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign nationals buy property in Turkey?
Yes, in principle. Foreign individuals may acquire real estate in Turkey subject to conditions set out in law — including a reciprocity requirement with the buyer's home country and limits on the total area a foreign individual may own. Certain areas (such as military and security zones) may also be restricted. Because these limits and thresholds are periodically revised, we recommend confirming the current rules before making an offer on a specific property.
What does due diligence on a property actually involve?
A due diligence review typically checks the seller's registered ownership at the Land Registry, any existing mortgages, liens or annotations on the title, the property's zoning and construction status, and — for property in a shared building — its condominium (kat mülkiyeti) records. The goal is to surface anything that could complicate or block a transfer before you commit to the purchase.
Do I need to be in Turkey in person to complete a property purchase?
Not necessarily. It is common for buyers to grant a power of attorney (vekaletname) to a trusted representative to sign on their behalf at the Land Registry, which can be arranged in Turkey or through a Turkish consulate abroad. The scope of the power of attorney should be defined carefully so it covers exactly what is needed and nothing more.
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent or refuses to vacate?
Turkish law sets out specific grounds and procedures for terminating a lease and recovering possession of a property, including for unpaid rent, contractual eviction commitments, and owner's genuine need. The applicable procedure depends on which ground is being relied on, so this is best assessed against the specific lease and circumstances.
What is a "yapı kayıt belgesi" (building registration certificate)?
It is an administrative document that allows certain buildings that do not fully comply with current zoning/construction rules to be registered in their existing condition, under periodic government programmes. Whether a specific property qualifies, and what that means for a purchase, depends on the current rules in force at the time and should be checked as part of due diligence.
Want a rough figure before you talk to us? Try our Property Purchase Cost Estimator to get an illustrative breakdown of title deed transfer fees and closing costs.
Questions about a specific property or transaction? You can get in touch — see also our related articles in Insights.
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Information on this page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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