Frequently asked questions

Yes. Turkey allows citizens of most countries (including the UK, EU, US and Gulf states) to buy property in their own name with full freehold ownership. There are a few restrictions — foreigners cannot buy in designated military zones, and there is a cap on the total area a foreign national can own in any one district — but these rarely affect residential buyers in Kalkan. We check eligibility and the military-clearance status of every property before you commit.

In outline: we shortlist and view properties together; you make an offer and, once agreed, pay a holding deposit to take the home off the market; a bilingual contract of sale is drawn up; the property is checked for clear title, debts and permits; your foreign-buyer paperwork (tax number, valuation report, military clearance) is prepared; and finally the title deed (Tapu) is transferred at the Land Registry, usually within four to eight weeks. We — and an independent lawyer — guide you through every step.

The Tapu is the official Turkish title deed, issued by the Land Registry, that proves legal ownership. Ownership only transfers when a new Tapu is registered in your name — not when you sign a contract or pay a deposit. We always confirm the seller holds a clean Tapu with no mortgages, liens or debts registered against it before any money changes hands, and the final Tapu transfer is where you become the legal owner.

It is not legally required, but we strongly recommend using an independent, English-speaking Turkish lawyer — and we can introduce you to trusted ones. A lawyer verifies the title, checks for debts and planning issues, reviews the contract, and can act for you under power of attorney if you cannot be in Turkey for completion. It is a modest cost for real peace of mind on a major purchase.

Budget roughly 6–9% of the purchase price on top of the sale price. The main items are the property transfer tax (currently 4%, often split between buyer and seller by agreement), Land Registry and revolving-fund fees, the mandatory valuation report, DASK earthquake insurance, translation and notary costs, legal fees, and our agency fee. We give you an itemised estimate for your specific purchase up front, with no surprises.

Annual property tax in Turkey is very low compared with the UK — typically a few hundred pounds a year. On top of that, budget for DASK earthquake insurance (obligatory and inexpensive), optional building/contents insurance, utilities, and — for apartments or complexes with shared pools and gardens — a monthly or annual maintenance (aidat) charge. If you let the property or leave it empty over winter, a local management company can look after it for a reasonable fee.

Some Turkish banks lend to foreign buyers, but rates and terms are less favourable than UK mortgages and lending is more conservative, so the majority of our buyers purchase in cash or release equity at home. If financing in Turkey interests you we can point you to banks that work with foreign nationals and explain the current requirements.

Property in Kalkan is usually marketed and sold in British pounds, euros or US dollars, though the Tapu value is registered in Turkish lira on the day. Because the lira can move sharply, timing your currency exchange matters. We work with regulated foreign-exchange specialists who typically beat high-street bank rates and can hold a rate for you. Our website also lets you view every price in GBP, EUR, USD or TRY.

Kalkan is a small hillside town on the Turquoise Coast in south-west Turkey, in the Kaş district of Antalya province. The two nearest airports are Dalaman (about 1 hour 40 minutes by road) and Antalya (about 3.5 hours), both with direct seasonal flights from the UK and Europe. Most buyers fly into Dalaman and reach Kalkan by private transfer, hire car or shuttle.

Kalkan is deliberately upmarket and low-rise — there are no high-rise hotels or brash strips. It is known for its whitewashed old town, boutique restaurants and rooftop terraces, sea-view villas with private infinity pools, and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere that attracts returning international owners rather than mass tourism. That scarcity of land and character is a big part of why property here holds its value.

Kalkan has a strong, established holiday-lettings market: well-located villas with private pools and sea views can achieve healthy summer rental yields, and demand from international visitors is resilient. Buying in a hard currency and letting to a hard-currency clientele can also hedge some lira risk. As with any property, returns depend on the specific home, its condition and how it is managed — we are happy to share realistic, property-specific rental projections rather than headline figures.

Yes, and many owners do. Short-term holiday lettings are popular and can cover a good portion of your running costs. There are registration and tax obligations to letting in Turkey, so we help you set up correctly, and we can introduce reputable local management and lettings companies who handle bookings, guests, cleaning and maintenance on your behalf.

Buying property can support a short-term residence permit application, and buying at or above a set US-dollar value can make you eligible to apply for Turkish citizenship by investment. The thresholds and rules change from time to time, so we always confirm the current position with a lawyer for your circumstances before you rely on it. Owning a home is not the same as automatic residency — it is one route among several.

Most owners use a local property-management company for a modest monthly fee. They open and close the house for the season, maintain the pool and garden, deal with any repairs, forward mail and bills, and can prepare the home before you arrive. If you let the property, the same companies can manage guest bookings and changeovers. We can recommend established, trustworthy managers.

Turkish property passes under Turkish inheritance rules, which can differ from those at home, so it is wise to plan ahead. Many foreign owners take simple, inexpensive legal advice — sometimes a Turkish will — to make sure their wishes are followed and their family is not left with complications. Your lawyer can advise on the most straightforward arrangement for your situation.

It depends on the home, the price and the time of year. Some homes sell within weeks, others take longer. At the valuation we will tell you honestly what to expect for yours. Once a buyer is found, the paperwork up to the title deed transfer typically takes a few weeks.

Yes, many owners do. You can give a power of attorney to someone you trust, such as your lawyer, so that they can sign for you. It is signed at a notary in Türkiye or at a Turkish consulate abroad. Your lawyer can advise you on the exact wording.

Not necessarily. You can attend the appointment at the Land Registry yourself, or be represented by someone who holds your power of attorney.

Usually, yes. We plan viewings around your guests or tenants and give them notice. Tell us about any bookings or tenancy when we value the home, as buyers will want to know what happens to them.

Whether tax is due on a sale depends on how long you have owned the home, where you are resident and your own circumstances. Please ask your accountant or lawyer before you sell. If you need one in Türkiye, we can suggest local professionals.