Realty World Team

Selling property in Turkey as a foreigner can be a smooth and rewarding process when you understand the legal framework, taxes, and practical steps involved. Whether you’re selling a holiday home or an investment property in Didim, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Turkey continues to attract international buyers, and areas like Didim remain popular thanks to their affordability, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential. Many foreign owners eventually choose to sell whether to realise a profit, reinvest, or simply move on.

The good news is that foreigners are legally permitted to sell property in Turkey, and with the right support, the process is straightforward and secure.

Confirm ownership and property status: Before listing your property, ensure all ownership details are accurate and up to date. The key document is your Tapu (title deed), issued by the Turkish Land Registry Office. Check that:

Your name is correctly recorded

There are no outstanding debts, mortgages, or legal restrictions

The property complies with local zoning and planning regulations

If you have an İskan (habitation certificate), this significantly increases buyer confidence and property value.

Determine the right market value: Pricing your property correctly is one of the most important steps in achieving a successful sale. Key factors include:

Comparable property sales in Didim and surrounding areas

Current demand from both Turkish and international buyers

Currency fluctuations (especially if marketing in GBP or EUR)

With our local market knowledge and experience in both sales and renovations, we help sellers position their properties competitively while maximising value.

Work with a licensed estate agent: While it’s possible to sell privately, working with a licensed and experienced agent can make a significant difference, particularly when dealing with overseas buyers.

At Realty World Kıyı Gayrimenkul, we also leverage our network of trusted buyers and investors, helping your property reach the right audience faster.

Prepare documents: To proceed with a sale, you will typically need:

Tapu (title deed)

Passport (translated and notarised if required)

Turkish tax number

DASK (compulsory earthquake insurance)

Recent utility bills (to confirm no outstanding debts)

We also recommend any outstanding maintenance or site fees should be brought up to date at this point.

If you are not in Turkey, you can appoint a legal representative via power of attorney. For example, sellers based in the UK must:

Prepare an English-language power of attorney that meets Turkish legal requirements

Have it notarised in the UK

Obtain an apostille from the UK FCDO

Send the document to Turkey for official translation and notarisation

Both the apostilled original and the Turkish notarised translation must be presented together for the document to be valid.

Agree the sale and sign a contract: Once a buyer is found, the next step is agreeing on terms and typically signing a preliminary sales contract. This usually includes:

A deposit (commonly 5–10%)

Agreed completion timeline

Details of any included furniture or fixtures

While not legally mandatory, having a written agreement protects both parties and ensures clarity throughout the process.

Transfer ownership at the Land Registry: The official transfer takes place at the Land Registry Office. The process involves:

Attendance by both parties (or their legal representatives)

A sworn translator if required

Final payment, usually made just before or during the appointment

Issuance of a new Tapu in the buyer’s name

We guide our clients through this stage to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Understand taxes and costs: As a seller, it’s important to be aware of the relevant costs:

Capital Gains Tax: If you sell your property within five years of purchase, you may be liable for capital gains tax. After five years, this tax is generally not applied.

Title Deed transfer fee: Typically 4% of the declared property value, often shared between buyer and seller (the split is negotiable).

Agent fees: Usually 2–3% + VAT, depending on the agreement / level of service provided.

Utilities and Handover: Once the sale is complete:

Utilities (electricity, water, internet) should be transferred or closed

Any outstanding maintenance or site fees should be settled

Keys and relevant documents are handed over to the buyer

We also assist clients with post-sale processes, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Why professional support matters

Selling property in Turkey, especially from abroad, can involve legal, financial, and logistical complexities. Working with an experienced local team such as Realty World ensures:

Full compliance with Turkish regulations

Clear communication between all parties

A faster, smoother, and more secure transaction

Realty World’s background in property purchasing, renovation, and maintenance also means we can advise on how to present and enhance your property to achieve the best possible sale price.

If you’re considering selling your property in Didim or the surrounding areas, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you require more information, call Janice at Realty World via WhatsApp or by calling 0542 891 7026.