Buying Property In Alanya As A Foreigner
Alanya is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey for foreigners looking to buy property—whether for investment, retirement, or a holiday home. With affordable prices, strong rental demand, and a clear legal process, buying property in Alanya as a foreigner is straightforward when done correctly.
This guide explains step by step how to buy property in Alanya, what to check, and how to avoid common mistakes, so you can invest with confidence.
Why Foreigners buy property in Alanya
Foreign buyers choose Alanya for several important reasons:
- Affordable property prices compared to many European coastal cities
- High rental demand supported by year-round tourism
- Mediterranean lifestyle with beaches, sunshine, and nature
- Modern infrastructure, hospitals, shopping malls, and international schools
- Foreigner-friendly property laws and ownership rights
- Strong resale market due to international demand
Alanya attracts buyers from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, making it one of Turkey’s most international real estate markets.
Find the right property:
Work with a licensed real estate agent or buying from construction companies to identify suitable listings and arrange viewings. It’s advisable to visit Alanya (or the region) to inspect properties in person. Consider your budget, location and purpose (investment vs. personal use) during this search
It is highly recommended to:
- Work with a licensed real estate agent
- Or buy directly from reputable construction companies
Visiting Alanya in person is strongly advised so you can inspect properties, understand neighborhoods, and make informed decisions.
Check Tapu and İskan:
Verify the property’s legal status before making an offer. In Turkey, the Title Deed (Tapu) is the official ownership document, so ensure it is clean and fully transferable. Also check that the building has a valid İskan (occupancy permit), which confirms the construction complies with regulations and is habitable. Properties without İskan can carry higher legal or utility-connection risks.
The Tapu is the official ownership document in Turkey. Make sure:
- The Tapu is clean (no debts, mortgages, or legal issues)
- The property is fully transferable to a foreign buyer
İskan (occupancy permit) confirms that the building complies with construction regulations and is approved for living.
Properties without İskan may:
- Face legal issues
- Have problems with electricity or water connections
- Carry higher risks in the future
Always verify both Tapu and İskan before proceeding.
Make an offer and sign a contract:
Once you find a property, negotiate the price with the seller. It’s common to sign a preliminary sales agreement (often at a notary) and pay a deposit (usually around 3–10%) to secure the deal. This contract will outline the sale price, payment schedule and any conditions.
- Negotiate the price with the seller
- Agree on payment terms and conditions
Typically, a preliminary sales contract is signed (often at a notary office), and a deposit of 3–10% is paid to secure the property.
The contract will include:
- Agreed purchase price
- Payment schedule
- Completion date
- Special conditions (if any)
This step legally protects both buyer and seller.
Get a tax number and bank account:
Before finalizing the purchase, obtain a Turkish tax identification number (easily done at the local tax office). You will also need a Turkish bank account. Transfer the payment funds through the bank so you receive a Döviz Alım Belgesi (DAB) – this foreign currency purchase document is mandatory for the title deed transfer.
When transferring money from abroad, the bank issues a Döviz Alım Belgesi (DAB).
This document is mandatory for the title deed (Tapu) transfer and confirms the foreign currency transaction.
Apply for Tapu transfer:
Submit the necessary documents to the Land Registry Office (Tapu Sicil Müdürlüğü) in Alanya. This includes your passport, tax number, bank receipt/DAB, sales contract and other paperwork. The registry will process the title deed transfer to your name.
Required documents for Tapu (2026)
- Passport (translated if required)
- Turkish tax number
- Bank receipt and DAB
- Property documents
- Earthquake insurance
- Buyer Photo
The Land Registry reviews the application and schedules the final transfer appointment within 2-3 official days
Final signing and registration:
You (and seller) will sign the final deed at the Tapu Office (usually with a translator present). After payment of the transfer tax (~4% of the property value) and fees, the Tapu will be updated with your name, completing the purchase. You can then collect the title deed with 10-15 minutes
- Buyer and seller sign the final deed at the Tapu Office
- A licensed real estate agent is present with foreign buyers
- A licensed translator is present for foreign buyers
- Transfer tax (approximately 4% of the property value) and official fees are paid
Once completed, the Tapu is officially registered in your name.
Congratulations — you are now the legal property owner in Alanya!
Personal Guide & Property Info Tour in Alanya
Buying property abroad should be simple, transparent, and secure.
Mesih Ada as your personal guide, real estate consultant and business developer in Alanya, I provide:
- Personal real estate guidance
- Property info tours
- Legal and document checks
- Market analysis and negotiation support
- Full assistance till title deed transformation
- After sells service
I guide you step by step, so you buy the right property at the right price, without stress.
Buying Property in Alanya as a Foreigner
Can foreigners buy property in Alanya?
Yes. Foreigners from most countries can legally buy property in Alanya and across Turkey. The process is transparent, and foreign buyers have almost the same ownership rights as Turkish citizens, except for a few restricted military zones.
What types of property can foreigners buy in Alanya?
Foreigners can buy:
- Apartments
- Villas
- Penthouses
- Commercial properties
- Off-plan and resale properties
There are no major restrictions on residential real estate in Alanya.
Do I need to live in Turkey to buy property in Alanya?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Turkey to buy property. However, visiting Alanya is highly recommended to inspect properties in person and understand the area before purchasing.
Is buying property in Alanya safe for foreigners?
Yes, buying property in Alanya is safe when done correctly. The key is to:
- Check the Tapu (Title Deed)
- Confirm the İskan (Occupancy Permit)
- Work with licensed real estate agents and trusted developers
Professional guidance significantly reduces risks.
What is Tapu and why is it important?
Tapu is the official title deed proving property ownership in Turkey. Without a clean and transferable Tapu, ownership cannot be legally transferred. Always verify that the Tapu has no debts, mortgages, or legal issues.
What is İskan and do I really need it?
İskan is the occupancy permit confirming the building meets legal and construction regulations. Properties without İskan may face:
- Legal risks
- Problems with utilities
- Lower resale value
It is strongly recommended to buy properties with İskan.
How much tax do I pay when buying property in Alanya?
The main cost is the title deed transfer tax, which is approximately 4% of the declared property value. Additional costs may include notary fees, translator fees, and service charges.
Can I get residency in Turkey by buying property in Alanya?
Yes. Buying property in Alanya makes you eligible to apply for a residence permit. In certain cases, higher-value properties may also qualify for Turkish citizenship, subject to current legal thresholds.
Can I rent out my property in Alanya?
Yes. You can rent your property long-term or short-term. Alanya has strong rental demand due to tourism and expat living. For short-term rentals, proper registration and licensing are required.
Do I need a Turkish bank account to buy property?
Yes. A Turkish bank account is required to transfer funds and obtain the Döviz Alım Belgesi (DAB), which is mandatory for the Tapu transfer for foreign buyers.
Can I buy property in Alanya remotely?
Yes, it is possible through a power of attorney. However, many buyers prefer to visit Alanya personally before finalizing the purchase to ensure full confidence.
Why should I work with Mesih Ada when buying property in Alanya?
Working with Mesih Ada gives you:
- 8+ years of real estate experience in Alanya
- Full legal and document guidance
- Personal property tours and market insights
- Support before and after purchase
My goal is to make your property purchase safe, profitable, and stress-free.
Planning to buy property in Alanya?
Invest smart. Buy safe. Live better in Alanya.
