In recent years, Türkiye has positioned itself as a compelling real estate market for international investors, offering both lifestyle appeal and long-term investment potential. Istanbul, in particular, continues to attract significant foreign interest, alongside other prominent cities.

However, key questions remain among global investors:
Can foreigners purchase property in Türkiye?
What is the required investment amount for Turkish citizenship?
Is it possible to buy property directly from new developments?

This article provides a clear and systematic explanation of the process based on the legal framework in force as of 2026.

Can Foreigners Purchase Property in Türkiye?

Yes. Foreign individuals may acquire residential and commercial real estate in Türkiye within the limits defined by law.

There is no minimum investment amount required to purchase property in Türkiye. A foreign investor may acquire a property at any price point.

However, the acquisition must comply with the following conditions:

• The property must not be located within military restricted or security zones.

• Foreign ownership within a specific district must not exceed statutory limits.

• The transfer of title must be completed through the official Land Registry Directorate.

It is important to note that ownership is legally transferred only through the Land Registry. A notarized sales agreement alone does not grant legal title.

How Does the Property Purchase Process Work for Foreign Buyers?

The sales process to a foreign purchaser typically includes the following stages:

• A review of the property's title records and legal status.

• Preparation of the buyer’s passport documentation and required paperwork.

• Transfer of the purchase price via the banking system.

• Completion of the official title deed transfer at the Land Registry Directorate.

Once title deed fees and related charges are paid, legal ownership is formally registered in the buyer’s name.

At this stage, proper legal due diligence, an official valuation report, and structured financial transfers are essential to ensure a secure transaction.

Can Foreigners Purchase Property from New Developments?

Yes. Foreign buyers may acquire property from newly developed or under-construction projects.

However, off-plan purchases require particular attention to:

• Construction permits and zoning compliance,

• The legal structure of condominium ownership (construction servitude or full ownership),

• Delivery timelines and contractual terms,

• The developer’s track record and financial credibility.

Compared to completed properties, project-based acquisitions require more extensive legal and technical evaluation.

Real Estate Investment Requirement for Turkish Citizenship

As of 2026, foreign investors seeking Turkish citizenship through real estate must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum investment of 400,000 USD in real estate.

• The amount may consist of one property or multiple properties whose combined value meets the threshold.

• A restriction annotation must be placed on the title deed prohibiting resale for three years.

• An official valuation report must be obtained, and a Certificate of Eligibility must be issued.

The 400,000 USD threshold applies solely to citizenship applications. There is no minimum investment requirement for purchasing property in Türkiye outside of the citizenship program.

What Does the Three-Year Holding Requirement Mean?

Properties acquired for citizenship purposes cannot be transferred or sold for a period of three years, as formally recorded in the title deed registry.

A sale prior to the completion of this period may create legal complications for the citizenship process.

For this reason, citizenship-linked real estate investment should be approached as a structured, long-term value strategy rather than a short-term transactional opportunity.

The Importance of Structured Advisory

Real estate acquisition in Türkiye requires a comprehensive approach encompassing title procedures, valuation analysis, currency transfer regulations, tax planning, and formal application processes.

Particularly in citizenship-based investments, strict compliance with regulatory requirements is essential at every stage.

With over 20 years of industry experience and a team of nearly 40 professional consultants, Space Istanbul provides comprehensive real estate advisory services to international investors across Istanbul’s most distinguished locations. From title procedures and valuation analysis to investment structuring and official application management, every stage is conducted with precision, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Real estate is not merely an acquisition; it is a strategic positioning of long-term value. The right location, accurate analysis, and disciplined process management form the foundation of sustainable investment.