New Rules for Real Estate Purchases in Turkey

Mandatory Use of Biometric ID Cards in Title Deed Transactions

From January 1, 2025, property transfers at land registry offices can only be carried out using biometric ID cards. Old national ID cards are no longer accepted. This new regulation was introduced to make real estate transactions more secure. The system aims to eliminate security risks and integrate processes into digital infrastructure. Using biometric ID cards reduces the risk of fraud and allows citizens to complete their transactions more quickly and efficiently.

 

Expanded Electronic Listing Verification System (EIDS)

The Electronic Listing Verification System (EIDS), developed to prevent fraudulent property listings, has been expanded in 2025. The system ensures safer access to property listings and contributes greatly to reducing scams and fake ads. Thanks to new features, the validity and accuracy of listings can now be verified faster. EIDS allows users to communicate more reliably with property owners and creates a more transparent environment in real estate transactions. With the expansion, the user experience has also been improved, allowing buyers to find suitable listings more easily with advanced filtering options.

• Verification of authorization certificates is now mandatory for rental property listings.

• For listings made directly by owners, property ownership is matched with ID and title deed information.

• Real estate agencies facilitating excessive price hikes face administrative sanctions.

 

Taxation Based on Actual Property Value

As of 2025, the practice of declaring properties at low municipal values has ended. Property transactions are now taxed based on the actual declared sales price. This change marks a turning point in real estate transactions, ensuring greater transparency and reliability in the market. It helps prevent disputes between buyers and sellers and reflects true market values more accurately.

 

Updates in Taxes and Fees

For 2025, the revaluation rate was set at 43.93%. This increase directly affected title deed fees and property taxes, becoming a significant cost factor for investors. Although the title deed fee rate remains at 4%, costs have risen due to additional service charges. In Istanbul, the revolving fund service fee has exceeded 3,500 TL, which must also be considered in total cost calculations. These updates in 2025 require investors to review and adjust their property acquisition strategies.

 

Property Purchase Conditions for Foreigners

Turkey continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investors due to its strong growth potential, strategic location, and rich cultural heritage. However, in 2025, new restrictions were introduced regarding property acquisition by foreigners. These regulations require investors to comply with certain rules determined by local authorities and the government.

• Foreign ownership cannot exceed 10% of the total private property area within a given district.

• A foreign individual can purchase a maximum of 30 hectares of land.

• To obtain a residence permit, the purchased property must be worth at least USD 75,000 in metropolitan cities and USD 50,000 in other cities.

 

Turkish Citizenship Through Real Estate Investment

The conditions for acquiring Turkish citizenship through property investment remain largely the same in 2025, but with stricter oversight. Real estate appraisal reports are now subject to tighter controls to prevent fraudulent valuations and protect investors.

• A property worth at least USD 400,000 must be purchased.

• A restriction stating that the property cannot be sold for three years must be registered on the title deed.

• The process is generally completed within 3–6 months.

 

New Legal Standards in Real Estate Transactions

Legal procedures have also been updated, bringing higher standards to property transactions. Notary approval is now under stricter control to enhance transaction security. This measure aims to prevent investor grievances. Preliminary sales contracts and title deed registrations have become more transparent under the new regulations. As of 2025, it is strongly recommended that all transactions be carried out with the support of licensed lawyers to protect investor rights.