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As already mentioned, it's not difficult to buy a property in Turkey (provided you make sure you observe the legalities as mentioned in the last post. And don't even think of trying to get round them - e.g. by buying in the name of a Turkish friend - you will get into serious trouble!)- Once you've found a property you're interested in, it's essential to get it checked out very thoroughly. Get a reliable structural engineer to inspect it thoroughly for structural soundness - and this needs to include earthquake safety! If it's a resale property, make sure that there are no debts secured on the property. And check that all bills - e.g. for water and electricity - have been paid in full. Of course your lawyer need to do this for you.
- Every property in Turkey must have a tapu (title deed). Get your lawyer to check the tapu thoroughly to make sure it's actually for that property and they aren't trying to palm off a different property on you - this has been known!
- To begin the buying process, you and the seller sign an initial contract. You then begin the application for the tapu in your name.
- Before the tapu can be issued to you, you have to obtain permits from both the the City Council and the Army Office. This takes about two months - your lawyer will see to it for you.
- Once the tapu is issued, you then pay over the final purchase price, plus fees. If you have used an estate agent in Turkey, the agent's fee is 3 percent. There are also Land Registry and other fees that amount to about $1,200-$1,400 USD. And remember that earthquake insurance is compulsory in Turkey - a very good idea!
Don't forget you can find some fantastic Turkish properties at http://www.bizwrite.co.uk/realestate/propertyabroad.html - as well as plenty of helpa nd support, so you don't have to struggle with language problems on your own!
There won't be any posts for about three weeks as I am off to our lovely villa/apartment in Crete (the most southerly island of Greece)! More about this when I get back - see you then!
