Selling Your Property in Türkiye: Taxes, Timing and the 5-Year Rule

Foreign owners can sell property in Türkiye on the same basis as Turkish citizens. Whether you are selling to move, upgrade or cash in, knowing the tax rules and the process in advance helps you choose the right moment and avoid surprises.

Can a foreigner sell freely?

Yes. There is no special permission needed to sell a property you own. The main exception is a property used for Turkish citizenship: a three-year non-sale annotation is placed on the title deed, and the property cannot be sold until that period ends. See our citizenship guide.

The 5-year rule for capital gains

Gains from selling a home in Türkiye may be subject to income tax, but the key rule is simple:

• If you have owned the property for more than five years (counted from the title deed registration), the gain is not taxed under this rule.
• If you sell within five years, the gain above a small annual exemption is taxed at progressive income tax rates.
• Inflation adjustment. The purchase price can be indexed for inflation when the official producer price index has risen enough, which can reduce the taxable gain considerably.
• Costs such as the title deed fee and certain purchase expenses can usually be taken into account.
• Declaration is made in March of the year after the sale.

The annual exemption amount and tax brackets change each year, and non-residents may be affected by a tax treaty with their home country. Ask an accountant to calculate your position before you set the price.

Other costs of selling

• Title deed fee: 4% of the sale price in total. By law it is split 2% for the buyer and 2% for the seller, but who pays is often agreed in negotiation.
• Agency fee: agreed in writing with your agent in advance.
• Settling debts: unpaid property tax, building fees and utility bills must be cleared, and any mortgage lifted, before the transfer.

The selling process

1. Prepare documents: title deed, habitation certificate (iskan), DASK earthquake insurance, recent tax receipts and building fee statements.
2. Set a realistic price based on recent comparable sales, not on asking prices.
3. Present the property well: clear photos, a floor plan and honest information save time for everyone.
4. Agree terms with the buyer and sign a written agreement.
5. Transfer at the land registry on an appointment, in person or through a representative with a power of attorney.

Taking the money abroad

Sale proceeds can be transferred abroad through a Turkish bank. Clear records of how the purchase money originally came in make the process much smoother. See our guide to bank accounts and transfers.

Rules and fees in Türkiye change from time to time. This article reflects the situation as of September 2026 and is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm the details for your own case with a licensed lawyer or accountant.

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