Buying Property in Turkey from Ireland — Notary Requirements

Turkey’s property market has attracted increasing numbers of Irish buyers in recent years, drawn by affordable prices, beautiful coastline, warm climate, and straightforward purchasing procedures for foreign nationals. Whether you are buying a holiday home in Antalya, an apartment in Istanbul, or a villa along the Aegean coast, understanding the notarial requirements is essential.

Can Irish Citizens Buy Property in Turkey?

Yes. Irish citizens can purchase most types of property in Turkey, including apartments, villas, and land (subject to certain restrictions in military and security zones). The process is relatively straightforward compared to many countries, and Turkey has been a member of the Hague Apostille Convention since 1985, which simplifies the document authentication process.

Power of Attorney (Vekâletname)

The most important document for an Irish buyer is typically a power of attorney (vekâletname) authorising your Turkish lawyer to act on your behalf. This allows your lawyer to handle the entire purchase process without you needing to be physically present in Turkey for every step.

Turkish notaries (noter) and the Land Registry (Tapu) have very specific requirements for powers of attorney. It is essential that your Turkish lawyer drafts the power of attorney in the exact format required, including both Turkish and English text. You then bring this draft to Hugh Phelan for notarisation, after which it is apostilled by the DFA.

The power of attorney should include authority to:

• Sign the purchase contract
• Apply for and obtain your Turkish tax number
• Open a Turkish bank account
• Complete the Tapu (title deed) transfer
• Connect utilities and manage the property

Turkish Tax Number (Vergi Numarası)

You need a Turkish tax number for virtually any official transaction, including property purchases, bank account openings, and utility connections. Your Turkish lawyer can apply for this on your behalf using the power of attorney and a notarised copy of your passport.

The Tapu Transfer

The Tapu is the Turkish title deed, issued by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. The property transfer takes place at the local Tapu office. If you have a valid power of attorney, your Turkish lawyer can complete the transfer on your behalf.

Before the transfer, a military clearance check is conducted to confirm the property is not in a restricted zone. This typically takes a few days. The Tapu office also requires a property valuation report from an authorised valuation company.

Costs and Taxes

Key costs associated with buying property in Turkey include:

• Title deed transfer tax: 4% of the declared property value (typically split between buyer and seller, though this is negotiable).
• Notarisation and apostille fees: For the power of attorney and other documents in Ireland.
• Legal fees: Your Turkish lawyer’s fees, typically ranging from 1–3% of the purchase price.
• Valuation report: Required for the Tapu transfer.
• Annual property tax: Relatively low in Turkey compared to Ireland.

Due Diligence

Your Turkish lawyer should conduct thorough due diligence before you commit to a purchase, including verifying the Tapu records, checking for debts or liens on the property, confirming planning permissions (particularly for new builds), and ensuring the property is not in a military or restricted zone.

How to Get Started

Contact Hugh Phelan’s office in Cork:

• Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
• Share the draft power of attorney from your Turkish lawyer
• Bring your passport and valid photo ID

Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He holds a BCL from UCC, a Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice, and is dual-qualified as a solicitor in both Ireland and England & Wales. Appointed as a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Ireland and commissioned for life.

Frequently Asked Questions