Frequently asked questions - buying property in Turkey

Below are a number of questions and answers which have been most frequently asked by our customers.

Q: Are all properties freehold?

Q: Who sets the price of the property?

Q: What is the buying process when purchasing property off plan?

Q: When buying what documents do I require?

Q: What happens when all the necessary checks are completed?

Q: What are the hidden costs after purchasing?

Q: Are there any English speaking lawyers in Turkey?

Q: Are there a good variety of banks which are English speaking?

Q: Is Turkey part of the double taxation treaty?

Q: Are there many British and Irish people living in Turkey?

Q: What facilities does your construction company provide on new developments?

Q: What fees should I pay when buying property on a site?

Q: What is the advantage of learning the language?

Q: If I decide to move to Turkey how will I fit in with the locals?

Q: How safe is the Country?

Q: How good is the healthcare and is it expensive?

Q: In comparison to the UK and Ireland how does the cost of living compare?

Q: What is the standard of the schools and colleges?

Q: What is the standard of the restaurants?

Q: Can I take my pets to Turkey if I decide to live there permanently?

Q: Are work permits available in Turkey?

Q: Is Turkey a democratically run country?

All the above questions and answers will hopefully provide you with all the relevant information you require to purchase a property in Turkey for a holiday home, retirement or for investment. We can help assist you with all your questions so that the buying process is stress free and as enjoyable as possible.

Let your dreams become a reality, choose Turkish Homes 4 Less the company that cares info@turkishhomes4less.com.

Q: Are all properties freehold?

A: Yes- the properties which we sell are all freehold properties, the same as freehold properties in the UK.

Q: Who sets the price of the property?

A: On new developments the developer sets the prices and with resale properties the owner sets the price in relation with the current market value. Some developments are advertised with several estate agents which may put there own price on the property, however you should only pay the price set by the developer. As we are a construction company it is beneficial to deal with us directly as this enables you to get the true price for the property, we have also many years of experience in property selling and we will ensure that the buying process is smooth and stress free. We will endeavour to meet expectations and keep standards high

Q: What is the buying process when purchasing property off plan?

A: This method of buying has been used by smart investors for years. You simply choose the property you like in the right location, then you pay a reservation fee of £2,000 followed by a 30% deposit within four weeks. The remaining 70% minus the deposit is paid in four stage payments throughout the development. The first payment when the concrete skeleton is in place, the second when all the brick work is finished, the third payment when all the internal and external tiling has been completed and the final payment on the completion of the property.

Q: When buying what documents do I require?

A: You require two passport sized photographs and a copy of your passport which will be translated into Turkish. These documents are then sent off to be checked by the Turkish army to ensure that the purchaser has no record of criminal intent or activity against Turkey. They will also search the property to insure that it is not in a military zone or an area which is intended to be used for such purposes.

Q: What happens when all the necessary checks are completed?

A: Your appointed lawyer will carry out the pre-completion checks. After this process you or a power of attorney will go to the land registry office and sign a deed of transfer in front of an official officer, who will then record you as the official owner of the property (Like in the UK the tapu is your deeds of your home). The property tax is paid at this stage, however if the property is a new build you will be exempt from the tax.

Q: What are the hidden costs after purchasing?

A: When buying property from our own developments the price agreed is the final price you pay. We will pay all the necessary taxes and also the legal fees thus reassuring you ever step of the way. However, when purchasing resale properties not owned by us the costs will be approximately 10% of the purchase price shown as follows, 4% purchase tax (however new properties can be except from this) 6% to the property brokers, and finally the legal fees.

Q: Are there any English speaking lawyers in Turkey?

A: Yes there are many English speaking lawyers, However we recommend Ahmet Ergun and Co solicitors, which has been established 35 years. This is a highly respected law firm in Turkey and has acted independently for many British and Irish customers buying in Turkey, they are also based locally, for more information please look on our website.

Q: Are there a good variety of banks which are English speaking?

A: Yes the majority of banks have English speaking staff to help assist you. However, we have elected to work with the HSBC bank in England and Turkey. Our staff will arrange for you to set up English and Turkish accounts. The HSBC bank in Turkey also provides you with telephone and internet banking in English. When purchasing property from us all transactions will be transferred to our HSBC banking account in Turkey.

Q: Is Turkey part of the double taxation treaty?

A: Yes Turkey is part of the double taxation treaty with numerous other countries of the world including the UK and Ireland.

Q: Are there many British and Irish people living in Turkey?

A: I do not know the exact figure however according to research the number of Irish and British people living in Turkey is on the increase. Turkey is compared with Spain 10 years ago and has the potential to become the next property hot spot as prices in Spain are now becoming too high.

Q: What facilities does your construction company provide on new developments?

A: With all our new developments we offer private and communal pools, Jacuzzi, with some of our developments we offer pitch and putt golf courses, shops, restaurants, Turkish baths, Hair dressers, fitness centre, and tennis courts.

Q: What fees should I pay when buying property on a site?

A: Prices start from £150 per year however can vary from development to development, this charges will be explained before you purchase a property and the price will be governed by Turkish law.

Q: What is the advantage of learning the language?

A: By learning the language this will allow you to gain greater insight and understanding of the Turkish culture. If turkey joins the EU in 2007 this will allow free trade and as Turkey is rich with textile goods the advantages of speaking Turkish perfectly for business people will allow for better deals to be negotiated through bartering.

Q: If I decide to move to Turkey how will I fit in with the locals?

A: Turkish people are renowned for there generosity and hospitality, St Nicholas was from Turkey, and the Turkish culture seems to have followed in his footsteps. You should have no problems fitting into the culture.

Q: How safe is the Country?

A: Like anywhere in the world crime does exist, however Turkey is a very safe country with a low crime rate.

Q: How good is the healthcare and is it expensive?

A: According to research the standard is above average. Private health care insurance is available in the UK and Ireland and is accepted in all the private hospitals in Turkey. You can also purchase health insurance in Turkey.

Q: In comparison to the UK and Ireland how does the cost of living compare?

A: As Turkey provides most of its produce the cost of living is approximately 50% cheaper than in the UK and Ireland. Due to the climate it has many renewable resources for example hot water and electricity through solar energy.

Q: What is the standard of the schools and colleges?

A: The education system in Turkey has been improved over the years to meet European standards. There are numerous government and private schools offering a high standard of education.

Q: What is the standard of the restaurants?

A: The Turkish cuisine is renowned for its flavoured meats, spices, fresh vegetables and salads. As Turkey is a Muslim country pork is not available on the menu. Other major cuisines are also available including, English, Italian, and Indian restaurants.

Q: Can I take my pets to Turkey if I decide to live there permanently?

A: Yes providing you have a pet passport and records from your local vet. Assistance with this can be arranged by our company lawyer.

Q: Are work permits available in Turkey?

A: Yes, you can attain a visa which allows you to work for up to 5 years before it has to be renewed. This can also be arranged by our company lawyer.

Q: Is Turkey a democratically run country?

A: Yes, it has the same governments system as the UK and Ireland it is also a permanent member of NATO.

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