The Foreign Buyer’s Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Buy in Istanbul?
Buying property in Istanbul is an exciting opportunity — whether you’re investing for rental income, applying for Turkish citizenship, or simply finding a second home in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
But one of the first questions many international buyers ask is: “How long does it actually take to buy a property in Istanbul?”
The short answer: with the right preparation, the process can take as little as 2–4 weeks.
However, the total timeline depends on several key steps — from choosing the property to obtaining title deeds and registering your ownership.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the foreign buyer’s timeline in Istanbul, step by step.
1. Research and Shortlisting (1–2 Weeks)
The first phase is all about understanding Istanbul’s market and identifying where and what to buy. Istanbul is a vast city with over 30 districts, each offering something unique — from modern seafront apartments in Zeytinburnu to historic homes in Beyoğlu or family-friendly developments in Başakşehir.
During this period, most buyers:
Research neighborhoods and property types
Define their budget and investment goals
Consult with a licensed real estate agent
Review online listings or arrange virtual tours
Tip: Partner with a local agent early — it can significantly reduce your search time and help you avoid common pitfalls like overpricing or unverified listings.
2. Property Viewings and Selection (1–5 Days)
Once your agent narrows down suitable options, the next step is property visits. If you’re visiting Istanbul, this can often be completed in a few days.
During this stage, buyers:
Tour shortlisted properties
Compare prices, quality, and location benefits
Review developer reputation (for new projects) or title details (for resale properties)
Make a preliminary decision
Tip: For off-plan or new developments, ask for a copy of the project’s building permit and developer registration. For resale properties, ensure there are no debts or ownership disputes before proceeding.
3. Negotiation and Reservation (1–3 Days)
When you’ve found the right property, it’s time to make it official.
Most developers and sellers require a reservation deposit (usually between USD 2,000 and USD 5,000) to take the property off the market while contracts are prepared.
Your agent will then negotiate on your behalf regarding:
Final price
Payment terms (cash or installments)
Inclusions (furniture, parking, storage, etc.)
Expected handover or title transfer date
Timeline: Once the reservation payment is made, the buyer typically signs a reservation or sales agreement within a few days.
4. Legal Checks and Due Diligence (3–7 Days)
This stage ensures the property is legally clear for purchase. Your lawyer or agent verifies:
Title deed (Tapu) information
Ownership and absence of debts or encumbrances
Building and occupancy permits (iskan)
Property valuation report (required for foreigners)
Tip: The property valuation report is conducted by a government-licensed firm and typically takes 3–5 business days. It’s mandatory for all foreign buyers.
5. Getting a Tax Number and Opening a Bank Account (1–3 Days)
Foreign buyers need a Turkish tax ID number to complete the purchase. This can be done easily through the local tax office or online with your passport.
You’ll also need a Turkish bank account for the official transfer of funds and proof of payment, which the land registry requires. Most major banks allow foreigners to open accounts with valid ID, proof of address, and a small initial deposit.
6. Signing the Sales Contract (Same Day)
Once all due diligence checks are complete and the valuation report is ready, you can sign the sales contract. If you’re abroad, you can sign via power of attorney (POA) through a Turkish consulate or notary.
At this point, the buyer usually pays the agreed amount (or the first installment, if applicable) by bank transfer in Turkish Lira, following the Central Bank’s currency exchange regulation.
7. Title Deed (Tapu) Transfer (3–10 Days)
This is the final and most exciting step — receiving your Tapu, or title deed.
After submitting all documents and paying taxes, the Tapu Office registers the transaction and officially transfers ownership to your name.
Documents typically required:
Buyer’s and seller’s passports or IDs
Turkish tax numbers
Property valuation report
Proof of payment
Buyer’s photos (biometric)
Power of attorney (if applicable)
Once approved, you’ll receive your title deed within 3–10 business days, depending on the district and office workload.
8. Optional: Residence Permit or Citizenship Application (2–8 Weeks)
If your goal includes obtaining a Turkish residence permit or citizenship by investment, the process begins after the title transfer.
Residence Permit (Ikamet): Usually takes 3–6 weeks.
Citizenship by Investment: For purchases over USD 400,000, the full process typically takes 2–3 months, including property certification, valuation, and application review.
Your real estate consultant or lawyer can handle this paperwork while you enjoy your new property.
Average Total Timeline
From start to finish, most foreign buyers complete their Istanbul property purchase in about 2 to 4 weeks. The process usually unfolds as follows:
It begins with research and shortlisting, which typically takes one to two weeks as you explore different neighborhoods, property types, and budgets. Once you’ve identified your preferred areas, the viewing and selection stage often takes one to five days, especially if you’re in the city for in-person visits.
After choosing a property, the reservation and negotiation phase usually lasts one to three days, during which you agree on price, payment terms, and sign a reservation agreement. This is followed by legal checks and valuation, a crucial stage that takes around three to seven days, as government-licensed experts confirm that the property is clear for sale.
At the same time, you’ll need to get a Turkish tax number and open a local bank account, which together take roughly one to three days. Once the valuation is complete and payments are prepared, the title deed (Tapu) transfer happens — typically within three to ten business days, depending on how busy the land registry office is.
Altogether, these steps make the average property purchase in Istanbul efficient and straightforward, with most buyers receiving their title deed within a month of starting their search.
Final Thoughts
Buying property in Istanbul as a foreigner is straightforward — and much faster than in many other countries — provided you work with reputable professionals. With organized documentation and expert guidance, you can go from viewing to ownership in under a month.
Whether your goal is investment, lifestyle, or citizenship, Istanbul’s property market offers speed, value, and unmatched cultural richness.
Ready to Begin Your Property Journey?
Our team specializes in guiding international buyers through every stage of the process — from finding the perfect property to securing your Tapu and beyond.
Contact us today to get your personalized buying timeline and start your Istanbul real estate investment with confidence.
