Property Purchase Expenses in Turkey

What are the main expenses when buying property in Turkey?

The expenses for buying property in Turkey add approximately 5% to 10% on top of the property price itself, distributed between title deed fees, brokerage fees, mandatory insurance, and various administrative fees. Many focus only on the listing price without accounting for these additional costs, then are surprised by the actual cost at signing.

If you are planning to obtain a bank loan to finance the purchase, there are additional expenses besides the loan installments that deserve attention.

• Administrative fees (file expenses) charged by banks up to a maximum of 0.5% of the loan value.
• Expert fees, which cover the amount for a technical inspection visit of the property, used to determine the loan amount that can be granted, usually not exceeding 80% of the total purchase price.
• Mandatory earthquake insurance (DASK), starting at about $20 annually, and no sale or purchase transaction can be completed without paying it. Read more about Earthquake Insurance in Turkey.
  
  
  

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Real estate agent commission rate in Turkey

Turkish law sets the real estate agent commission at 2% plus VAT from each party separately. That is, the seller pays 2% plus VAT to their agent, and the buyer pays 2% plus VAT to their agent independently, not as a single combined rate divided between them as was traditionally expected. It is essential to agree on this rate in writing with the agent before starting dealings to avoid any later disputes.

Title deed fees in Turkey

The real estate registry fee (Title Deed) amounts to 4% of the registered property price, officially split between buyer and seller as 2% each according to Turkish fee law No. 492, which remains effective in 2026 without change in the rate. However, it is customary in the Turkish market for the buyer to practically bear this entire percentage despite the official split.

An additional fixed administrative fee known as the "revolving service fee" is officially 2,534 Turkish Lira for 2026, payable separately upon receiving the title deed.

It is important to know that the declared value on the title deed cannot be less than the official tax value of the property, or else it will be considered a legal violation. Additionally, 2026 marks the start of a new property valuation cycle that may increase reference tax values up to three times compared to the previous year, potentially increasing the overall actual costs despite the percentage rate remaining the same.

This tax must be paid in full and in cash before signing the ownership deed and cannot be paid in installments.

Additional fees and expenses often overlooked

Along with the main items, there are smaller expenses that accumulate and should be accounted for in your budget in advance, which are:

Frequently Asked Questions about property purchase expenses in Turkey

What is the realtor commission rate in Turkey?

It is set by law at 2% plus VAT from each party separately, with the seller and buyer each paying this percentage to their own agent independently.

Can the title deed fees be paid in installments?

No, the 4% title deed fee must be paid in full and in cash at a government bank before signing the ownership deed.

Do costs differ between new apartments and resale apartments?

Yes, new apartments from construction companies may be subject to VAT, while resale apartments usually are not, with the 4% title deed fee remaining fixed in both cases.

Is earthquake insurance really mandatory?

Yes, no sale or purchase transaction of property in Turkey can be completed without paying the mandatory earthquake insurance, which starts at about $20 annually.

Edited by: امتلاك العقارية©