How to Sell Property in Turkey as a Foreigner: 2026 Guide

Selling property in Turkey as a foreigner is a straightforward process when the paperwork is in order. Whether you bought for rental income, a holiday home or Turkish citizenship, this guide explains the steps, documents, taxes and rules you need to know before selling, and how to transfer the proceeds abroad.

Last reviewed: November 2026. Tax and registry rules change from time to time; confirm the current position with a qualified adviser before you sell.

Can Foreigners Sell Property in Turkey?

Yes. Foreign owners have the same right to sell their property as Turkish citizens. You can sell in person or through a representative with a power of attorney, which is useful if you live abroad.

Before You Sell: Key Checks

• Title deed: make sure the title deed (tapu) is in your name and free of mortgages, liens or annotations.
• Citizenship commitment: if you used the property for Turkish citizenship, it cannot be sold until the three-year holding period has ended (see below).
• Debts and fees: property tax, building management fees and utility bills should be paid and up to date.
• Earthquake insurance: a valid compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) policy is required for the transfer.
• Occupancy permit: buyers increasingly check the iskan; having it ready makes the sale easier.

Step-by-Step: How the Sale Works

1. Valuation and pricing: agree a realistic asking price based on comparable sales. Transactions involving foreign nationals generally require an official valuation report from a licensed appraiser.
2. Find a buyer: list the property with a licensed agency and prepare photos, documents and floor plans.
3. Agree terms: sign a preliminary agreement with the buyer, including price, deposit and completion date.
4. Prepare documents: passport, tax number, title deed, DASK policy, photos and, if needed, a power of attorney and sworn translator.
5. Land registry appointment: the transfer is completed at the land registry office, where title deed fees are paid and the new title deed is issued to the buyer.
6. Receive payment: payment is usually made through the banking system at or before the transfer.

Taxes When Selling Property in Turkey

Title deed fee

A title deed fee is charged on the sale and is shared between the buyer and the seller unless the contract says otherwise. Agree who pays what before the appointment.

Capital gains tax

For individuals, a gain on the sale of a home is generally taxable only if the property is sold within five years of acquisition. Sales after five years are generally outside capital gains tax for individuals who are not trading property as a business. Where tax applies, the purchase cost can be adjusted for inflation under certain conditions, and an annual exemption amount may apply. Non-resident sellers should also check the double taxation treaty between Turkey and their country of residence. Read our detailed guide to capital gains tax on property in Turkey.

Selling a Property Used for Turkish Citizenship

If you obtained Turkish citizenship by investment, a commitment not to sell for three years is recorded on the title deed. Once the period ends, the annotation can be removed and you are free to sell. Selling after the holding period does not affect your citizenship. Selling before the period ends is not possible without breaching the commitment, so plan your exit timeline from the start.

Selling and Your Residence Permit

If your residence permit is based on property ownership, selling the property removes that basis. Plan an alternative permit or a new purchase before you sell if you want to stay in Turkey.

Transferring the Sale Proceeds Abroad

Foreign owners can transfer the proceeds of a sale out of Turkey through the banking system. Keep the title deed, sale contract and bank records, as your bank and your home country's tax authority may ask for them. If you originally brought money into Turkey to buy, the records from that transfer are also helpful. Our guide to transferring money to Turkey explains how banks document these payments.

Selling Inherited Property

If you inherited property in Turkey, the inheritance must first be registered in your name before you can sell. See our guide to selling inherited property in Turkey as a foreigner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in Turkey to sell my property?

No. You can appoint a representative with a power of attorney, issued at a Turkish notary or a Turkish consulate abroad.

How long does it take to sell property in Turkey?

Once a buyer is found and documents are ready, the land registry transfer itself is usually quick. Finding the right buyer takes longer and depends on the property and price.

Do I pay tax if I sell after five years?

For individuals who are not trading property as a business, a sale after five years of ownership is generally outside capital gains tax. Confirm your position with a tax adviser.

Can I sell my citizenship property after three years?

Yes. After the three-year holding period, you can sell the property and keep your Turkish citizenship.

Thinking of selling or reinvesting? Contact Bigist Invest for a market valuation and support with the sale, or explore new property in Turkey.