Turkey Property Tax for Foreigners

Using the calculator

1. Choose what you want to work out: buying, owning or selling.
2. Enter the figures in Turkish lira: the declared price; or the property's tax value; or the sale and purchase prices and how long you owned it.
3. Each tax and fee appears on its own line with how it is worked out, and the total below.

Buying

The title deed fee (tapu harcı) is 4% of the declared value, which may not be lower than the municipality's tax value. By law the buyer and the seller pay 2% each, but in practice the buyer often pays it all. The land registry adds its revolving fund fee, with a flat extra when a foreigner is a party. A new build carries VAT — 10% on the first 150 m² of net area and 20% above — unless the first sale is to a non-resident foreigner who pays in foreign currency. A valuation report is now needed only for citizenship by investment. You also need a tax number, earthquake insurance (DASK) and, if you do not speak Turkish, a sworn translator.

Owning

Emlak vergisi is 0.1% of the tax value a year (0.2% in metropolitan municipalities such as Istanbul or Antalya). Rent is taxed at the income tax rates — 15% up to ₺190,000 a year, rising to 40% — on the rent less a flat 15% for expenses.

Selling

A gain is taxed only if you sell within five years of buying: the gain less a ₺150,000 exemption, at the income tax rates. Each side pays its 2% of the title deed fee. A lawyer checks the title deed, the zoning and the building permits before you sign.