Many relocating business owners also buy property in Turkey — either as a home base or as an office. The tax treatment is straightforward once you know the pieces, but the total cost is easy to underestimate if you only budget for the purchase price itself.
Title deed tax (Tapu Harcı)
The largest one-time cost is the title deed transfer tax, charged at 4% of the declared property price and typically split equally between buyer and seller — 2% each. This is calculated on the municipal assessed value rather than the market price, and it's paid at the point of registration. Under-declaring the property value to reduce this tax is illegal and can result in penalties.
VAT (KDV)
VAT depends on the property type and size. Residential units under 150 m² are typically taxed at 1%, while residential units of 150 m² or larger, and commercial properties, are taxed at 18%. Some foreign buyers may qualify for a VAT exemption — commonly tied to conditions such as a first-time purchase, payment in foreign currency, and buying directly from a developer on a new-build property. Eligibility should be confirmed case by case.
Annual property tax
Once you own the property, an annual tax applies: roughly 0.1%–0.2% for residential property, 0.2%–0.4% for commercial property, and 0.3%–0.6% for land, with the exact rate depending on the property type and the size of the municipality. This is typically paid in two installments, in May and November.
Other one-time costs
A notarized sales agreement is subject to stamp duty of roughly 0.948% of the contract value. Buyers should also budget for translation and notary costs if signing under Power of Attorney, and any real estate agency commission agreed separately with the seller or agent.