Real estate guide for Türkiye: short answers
The most common questions about renting, agency fees, tax and building management in Türkiye. Each answer starts with one sentence, shows the article of law it rests on and is updated with a date.
Renting
Rent increase rate in Türkiye: October 2026
For residential and roofed workplace leases renewed in October 2026, the rent increase cannot exceed 31.49%. This is the twelve-month average change in the Consumer Price Index announced by TurkStat for September 2026 on 5 October 2026.
Agency feeHow much is the real estate agent commission in Türkiye?
The total fee an agent can charge cannot exceed 4% of the sale price excluding VAT on a sale, or one month's rent excluding VAT on a letting.
RentingWhat is the maximum rental deposit in Türkiye?
For residential and roofed workplace leases, the deposit cannot exceed three months' rent.
RentingWhen is an eviction undertaking valid in Türkiye?
An eviction undertaking is valid if the tenant gives it in writing after the property has been handed over. One signed together with the lease, before handover, may be held invalid.
RentingHow many days' notice for unpaid rent in Türkiye?
For residential and roofed workplace leases, the tenant must be given at least 30 days in writing to pay overdue rent. For other leases the period is at least 10 days.
RentingHow much notice must a tenant give in Türkiye?
In a fixed-term lease, the tenant must give notice at least 15 days before the term ends. Otherwise the lease is deemed extended for one year on the same terms.
Building managementWhat is the late fee on building dues in Türkiye?
A unit owner who does not pay their share of expenses on time owes late compensation at 5% a month for the days of delay.
Building managementWho prepares and approves a building's operating budget in Türkiye?
The manager prepares the operating budget and the unit owners' board approves it. If there is no approved budget, the manager draws up a provisional one until the board approves, for at most three months.
TaxRental income tax exemption in Türkiye for 2026
58,000 TL of residential rental income earned in 2026 is exempt from income tax. If your annual residential rent does not exceed this amount and you have no other filing obligation, you do not file a return.
TaxCapital gains tax exemption on property in Türkiye for 2026
150,000 TL of the gain on property sold in 2026 is exempt from income tax. Property an individual has held for more than five years is outside the scope of this tax.
TaxTürkiye domestic producer price index (D-PPI): September 2026
The domestic producer price index (Yİ-ÜFE, 2003=100) was 5,901.26 in September 2026. When a property is sold within five years, this index is used to adjust the purchase price before the gain is calculated.
TaxWhat is the title deed fee in Türkiye and who pays it?
The title deed fee is 4% of the sale price in total: 2% from the buyer and 2% from the seller.
TaxWhat is the property tax rate in Türkiye?
The annual property tax rate is 0.1% for homes, 0.2% for workplaces, 0.3% for building plots and 0.1% for land. Within metropolitan municipality boundaries these rates are doubled.
Agency feeIs a property viewing form mandatory in Türkiye?
Yes. When a real estate agency shows a property to a prospective buyer or tenant, in person or electronically, it issues a property viewing form and keeps it on file.
Agency feeIs a written authorisation agreement with an estate agent mandatory in Türkiye?
Yes. A real estate agency must sign a written authorisation agreement with the owner before providing its service; it cannot advertise the property without one.
Buying and sellingCan you get a property deposit back in Türkiye?
It depends on what the parties agreed. Money given when a contract is made is earnest money unless agreed otherwise, and is deducted from the main debt; forfeit money exists only if expressly agreed.
Buying and sellingCan a property sale be made at a notary in Türkiye?
Yes. Since 1 July 2023 a property sale contract can be made at a notary as well as at the land registry. Ownership passes to the buyer on registration in the land register.
Title and landHow long do co-owners have to use the right of pre-emption in Türkiye?
When a co-owner sells their share to a third party, the other co-owners must use the right of pre-emption within three months of being notified of the sale, and in any case within two years of the sale.
RentingWhen is a guarantee on a lease valid in Türkiye?
A guarantee must be in writing, and it is not valid unless the guarantor writes the maximum amount of liability and the date of the guarantee in their own hand. A joint and several guarantor must also write that capacity by hand.
RentingCan a tenant sublet in Türkiye?
For residential and roofed workplace leases, the tenant cannot sublet the property without the landlord's written consent.
RentingOn what grounds can a landlord evict a tenant in Türkiye?
A landlord cannot end a residential lease just because the term has expired; one of the grounds for eviction listed in the law is required.
Building managementHow much notice is required for a building owners' meeting in Türkiye?
An extraordinary meeting of the unit owners' board must be called at least fifteen days before the meeting date, by a notice signed by all owners or by registered letter, stating the reason for the meeting.
Building managementHow are building dues shared in Türkiye: by floor area or land share?
Unless the unit owners agree otherwise, they share the costs of the doorkeeper, boiler operator, gardener and guard equally, and insurance, maintenance and repair, the manager's salary and the running costs of common facilities by land share.
Title and landHow is the land share of a flat determined in Türkiye?
In condominium ownership, the land share is set in proportion to the value of the unit. Two flats of the same size can therefore have different land shares.
Title and landHow many square metres is one dönüm?
One dönüm is 1,000 square metres and equals one decare. One hectare is 10,000 square metres, or 10 dönüm.
Title and landHow is the floor area ratio (emsal) calculated in Türkiye?
Total buildable area is the plot area multiplied by the floor area ratio (emsal, KAKS). The footprint the building can cover is the plot area multiplied by the site coverage ratio (TAKS).
RentingDo you need a permit for short-term rentals in Türkiye?
Yes. Letting a home for tourism purposes for 100 days or less at a time requires a permit, which must be obtained before the contract is made.
This page gives general information and is not legal or tax advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or an accountant.