Can You Buy Property Remotely?

Remote Property Purchase in Turkey: Myth or Reality

Many foreigners looking at homes on the Turkish coast wonder: can you buy property in Turkey remotely, without coming in person? The answer is yes — Turkish legislation allows fully remote transaction completion. However, this procedure has an important nuance: the key element is a notarized power of attorney executed personally by the buyer.

According to TurkStat, from January to October 2025, foreigners purchased 17,050 properties in Turkey, and a significant portion of these deals were carried out using the power of attorney mechanism — without the buyer’s physical presence at the moment of title registration. Let’s see how this works in practice.

Legal Basis: Notarial Power of Attorney — the Main Tool

Turkish legislation permits a fully remote transaction under one mandatory condition: the buyer must personally execute a notarized power of attorney (Turkish: vekaletname) on a representative — a lawyer, real estate agent, or a trusted person. It is this document that authorizes the representative to act on behalf of the buyer: signing the sales contract, registering the TAPU (title deed), and performing other necessary actions.

Where You Can Execute a Power of Attorney

There are two options:

1. In Turkey at a notary. If the buyer has come to the country at least once — for example, at the property selection stage. The power of attorney is drafted in Turkish in the presence of a notary; you will need a foreign passport with a notarized translation, a Turkish tax number (vergi numarası), and two passport-sized photos.
2. At a Turkish consulate abroad. The document is executed outside the country, after which an apostille is affixed, then it is translated into Turkish and certified in Turkey. This path is suitable for those who do not plan to come at all.

Important: the power of attorney must contain a strictly limited scope of powers — only for registration actions with the specific property and connection of utility accounts for water and electricity. Do not issue a general power of attorney with broad powers — this increases the risks.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy an Apartment in Turkey Remotely

Step 1. Selecting a Property and Verifying Documents

Property search can be conducted through licensed real estate agencies, online platforms (for example, Sahibinden), or by recommendations. At this stage, it is critically important to perform legal due diligence on the property. A trusted lawyer must ensure that:

• the seller is indeed the owner;
• the property has no encumbrances, seizures, or mortgages;
• all construction permits (iskân) have been obtained;
• the property is not located in a military zone closed to foreigners.

You can also check the property status yourself through the state portal e-Devlet — the Turkish system allows you to remotely track any operations with the object, minimizing the risk of fraud.

Step 2. Executing the Power of Attorney

After selecting a property, the buyer executes a notarized power of attorney for a representative using one of the two ways described above. At this stage, it is also necessary to obtain a Turkish tax number — this can be done online through the website of the Turkish Revenue Administration (Gelir İdaresi Başkanlığı).

Step 3. Signing the Contract and Payment

The sales contract is signed by the representative under the power of attorney. Payment can be made by bank transfer directly to the seller’s account. Important: the entire amount must be reflected in the contract and confirmed by bank documents. Do not agree to “gray” schemes with partial cash payment — this deprives you of legal protection.

Step 4. Registering the TAPU

The buyer’s representative submits documents to the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre of Turkey (Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü). After verification and tax payment, the title registration takes place, and the buyer becomes the owner of the property. The original TAPU is handed over to the buyer personally or sent by courier service.

Risks of Remote Purchase and How to Avoid Them

A remote transaction carries certain risks, but all of them are manageable with a competent approach:

• Fraud with double sales. One object may be “sold” to several buyers. Protection: verification via e-Devlet and working only with licensed agencies.
• Hidden encumbrances. There may be a mortgage or seizure on the property. Protection: thorough legal due diligence before signing the contract.
• Inaccurate information about the property. Photos may not correspond to reality. Protection: request a live video tour or hire an independent expert for inspection.
• Problems with the developer on the primary market. Risk of construction freeze. Protection: check the developer’s reputation, previous projects, and availability of government permits.
• Language barrier. All documents are drawn up in Turkish. Protection: engage a certified translator and a Russian-speaking lawyer.

Additional Costs in a Remote Transaction

In a remote purchase, standard costs are supplemented by expenses for executing the power of attorney (from 100 to 300 euros depending on complexity and place of execution), translator services, and the representative’s fee. Standard costs include:

• title transfer tax — 4% of the cadastral value (usually split equally with the seller, but in practice often paid entirely by the buyer);
• licensed real estate agent services — 2–4% of the property value;
• earthquake insurance (DASK) — mandatory, the cost depends on the area and region.

The Bottom Line: Remote Purchase Is Convenient but Requires Preparation

Buying property in Turkey remotely is possible, and hundreds of foreigners successfully do it every month. The key to a safe transaction is a properly executed power of attorney, thorough legal due diligence of the property, and cooperation with licensed professionals. Don’t skimp on a lawyer: their services will cost many times less than rectifying the consequences of an improperly handled deal. With a responsible approach, you will receive the cherished TAPU without even leaving your hometown.