If you are buying, selling, renting out or building property in Turkey, a real estate lawyer in Antalya can check the legal position before you sign or pay, and act for you if something goes wrong. We work with foreign buyers, owners and landlords in English, as well as German, Russian, Arabic and Turkish.
Property in Antalya is often bought from abroad, through agents or developers, and sometimes before the building exists. A few checks at the start help you know what you are signing and what you own.
How we can help
- Title deed (tapu) and land registry checks before you buy: ownership, mortgages, liens, annotations, seizures and restrictions
- Checking zoning status, building licence and occupancy permit (iskan) of the property
- Drafting and reviewing preliminary sale contracts, reservation agreements and developer contracts
- Representing you at the land registry office for the transfer of the title deed, including under power of attorney
- Off-plan and land-for-flats (kat karşılığı) construction contracts, delays, unfinished projects and building defects
- Tenancy: lease agreements, rent increases, rent determination and eviction
- Condominium disputes over common areas, management decisions and service charges
- Court cases for title deed annulment and registration, unauthorised occupation (ecrimisil), pre-emption (şufa) and removal of encroachment
Key Turkish rules for foreign buyers
Foreign nationals can own property in Turkey, but within the limits of Article 35 of the Land Registry Law No. 2644. Reciprocity with your country applies, and there are limits on how much land a foreign individual can hold in total and within a single district. Property located in military forbidden zones or security zones cannot be acquired by foreigners, and the land registry checks this before the sale goes ahead.
A sale of real property is only valid if it is made in official form before the land registry, as required by the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098. A sale contract signed at an agent's office, or a developer's "sales agreement", does not transfer ownership on its own. A promise to sell (satış vaadi sözleşmesi) must be made before a notary to be enforceable. For foreign buyers, a valuation report prepared by a licensed valuation company is also required before the transfer at the land registry.
Off-plan housing sold to consumers is also covered by the Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 and its rules on pre-paid housing sales, which give buyers certain rights. Tenancy is governed by the Turkish Code of Obligations, and most rent and eviction disputes now require a mediation attempt before a lawsuit can be filed.
How the process works
- You send us the property details, the title deed information and any draft contract.
- We check the land registry record, zoning and permit status, and any restrictions that would affect a foreign buyer.
- We review or draft the contract and explain the risks and payment terms to you in English.
- The valuation report is obtained and an appointment is booked at the relevant land registry office.
- We attend the transfer with you, or on your behalf under a power of attorney, and check the new title deed.
- After the sale, we can help with utilities and, if you wish, a residence permit application based on ownership.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Owner and share details on the title deed | The seller must actually own what is being sold |
| Mortgages, seizures and annotations | These can pass to you with the property |
| Zoning, building licence, occupancy permit | Unlicensed parts may face fines or demolition orders |
| Military or security zone status | Foreigners may be barred from buying |
| Contract form | Ownership only passes at the land registry |
If you live abroad
You do not need to be in Antalya for every step. You can give us a power of attorney at a Turkish consulate in your country, or at a local notary with an apostille and a sworn Turkish translation. A property power of attorney must state the specific powers clearly and carry your photo, so we will send you the wording in advance. Antalya has several land registry directorates, including Kepez, Muratpaşa, Konyaaltı and Alanya, and we will tell you which one handles your property.
Disputes and court cases
Late delivery, building defects, a tenant who will not leave, or a transfer made with a forged power of attorney all have legal remedies. Cases about real property are heard by the civil courts where the property is located, so most Antalya property cases go to the Antalya courthouse or the relevant district court. Strict time limits apply to some claims, for example claims for defects, so contact us as soon as you notice the problem. Where a contract dispute is not limited to property, see our contract law page, and for inherited property see inheritance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy property anywhere in Antalya?
Not everywhere. Reciprocity, area limits and military or security zone restrictions apply under Article 35 of Land Registry Law No. 2644. Each property needs to be checked before you pay a deposit.
Is a contract signed with an agent or developer enough to make me the owner?
No. Ownership of real property in Turkey only passes when the transfer is registered at the land registry. A promise to sell must be made before a notary to be enforceable. Until then, your money is at risk.
Can you complete the purchase for me while I am abroad?
Yes. With a suitable power of attorney given at a Turkish consulate, or at a local notary with an apostille and sworn translation, we can carry out the land registry transfer on your behalf.
My tenant will not pay or leave. What can I do?
Depending on the facts, you can start enforcement proceedings for unpaid rent or file an eviction case. In most tenancy disputes a mediation meeting must be tried first.
How are your fees set?
Fees are agreed in writing before work starts and cannot be below the Union of Turkish Bar Associations' minimum fee tariff. Contact us with the details of your matter.
The information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different; please consult a lawyer before taking any legal step. This page is published in accordance with the Professional Rules of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and the advertising ban for attorneys.