The Turkish property market is on the rise, with many foreign investors wanting in on the many investment opportunities the country has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, a rental investment, or a path to Turkish citizenship through property, understanding Turkey property taxes is essential before you buy.
In this guide, we explain Turkey’s key property taxes for 2026. From title deed fees and VAT to annual, rental, and inheritance taxes, including rules and exemptions for foreign buyers.
Turkey Property Taxes: key takeaways
Turkey Property Taxes Overview
| Tax Type | Rate / Rules | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Deed Fee (TAPU) | 4% of purchase price (usually split 2% buyer, 2% seller) | Paid at property registration |
| VAT on Property | 1%–18% depending on property type & size | First-time foreign buyers may get exemptions; residential under 150m² often 1% |
| Stamp Duty | 0.948% of contract value | Paid when signing the sales agreement |
| Annual Property Tax | Residential: 0.1%–0.2%; Commercial: 0.2%–0.4%; Lands: 0.3%–0.6% | Rates vary for big vs small cities |
| Income Tax on Rental Property | 15%–40% based on rental income | After 5 years of ownership, residential income may be exempt |
| Gift / Inheritance Tax | 1%–30% depending on property value | Can be paid in 2 installments over 3 years |
Title Deed Fee (Tapu Harcı) and Property Transfer Taxes in 2026
When purchasing property in Turkey, buyers must pay a mandatory title deed fee, Tapu Harcı, at registration. This tax is based on the declared property value.
- Rate: 4% of the declared property price (typically 2% paid by the buyer, 2% by the seller)
- Base: Municipal assessed property value (not market value)
- Penalties: Under-declaring the property value can result in a 100% penalty on the unpaid tax.
If you’re considering buying property to obtain Turkey Citizenship by Investment, Global Citizen Solutions will ensure you know about all costs involved, and that the property meets all the legal requirements to remain eligible for the program.
About the Turkish Title Deed (TAPU)
The TAPU is issued by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre and confirms the property’s legal ownership. The title deed is provided only to the legal owners of the property; it does not include mortgage holders.
There are two types of deeds:
- Blue deed: For land and shared ownership
- Red deed: For residential or commercial properties (individual ownership)
Key 2026 Notes for Buyers
- You should always use official valuations and consult a qualified legal adviser to ensure compliance with Turkish tax law. Global Citizen Solutions partners with trusted Turkey Citizenship by Investment lawyers to verify that all eligible properties meet requirements.
- Foreign buyers pay the 4% fee like all others; there is no extra charge for non-citizens.
- If you are purchasing from a developer, the VAT may apply depending on the property type and size. However, some exemptions apply to eligible foreign buyers.
- There is also a one-time closing cost made upon receiving the TAPU. It’s important to include this in your purchase budget.
Are you interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship through property investment? Read our
Turkey Citizenship by Investment guide
Value Added Tax (VAT) on Property in Turkey in 2026
When you buy property in Turkey, VAT (KDV) mainly applies to new homes sold by developers. Foreign buyers might qualify for exemptions, but these depend on certain conditions like paying in foreign currency, it being your first purchase, and the property’s type or size. Resale properties usually don’t have VAT unless they’re sold as part of a business.
| Property Type | Net Area / Land Size | VAT Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | less than 150 m² | 1% | Applies to first-time foreign buyers under eligibility conditions |
| Residential | ≥ 150 m² | 18% | Standard rate for larger residential units |
| Commercial | All sizes | 18% | Applies to all commercial properties sold by developers |
| Residential land plots (project) | ≤ 500 TL/m² | 1% | Based on project land valuation |
| Residential land plots (project) | 500–1000 TL/m² | 8% | Applies to projects approved after 2013 |
| Residential land plots (project) | > 1000 TL/m² | 18% | Applies to projects approved after 2013 |
VAT exemptions for foreign buyers
- Exemptions depend on certain conditions. Foreign buyers aren’t automatically exempt. To qualify, you may need to meet requirements like:
- Payment in foreign currency
- First-time purchase
- Developer/new-build property
- VAT applies only to sales by developers, not to resale properties unless they’re sold as part of a commercial activity.
Global Citizen Solutions is with you every step of the way and will advise on any VAT requirements before buying property in Turkey.
Stamp Duty for Property in Turkey
Stamp duty (Damga Vergisi) in Turkey is a tax on certain legal documents, such as notarised sales contracts or power of attorney, rather than the property transfer itself. The typical rate is around 0.948% of the value stated in the document.
Annual Property Tax in Turkey
When you own property in Turkey, you must pay an annual real estate tax (Emlak Vergisi) to the local municipality. The tax is calculated based on the municipal assessed value of the property (not the market value) and varies depending on whether the property is located in a metropolitan municipality such as Istanbul or in a smaller city.
| Type of Property | Big Cities | Small Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Properties | 0.2% | 0.1% |
| Commercial Properties | 0.4% | 0.2% |
| Lands | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| Farms | 0.2% | 0.1% |
Annual property tax in Turkey is typically paid in two instalments (May and November) each year.
Income Tax on Property in Turkey
Based on taxes in Turkey, if you rent out property you own in Turkey, that rental income is subject to progressive income tax after applying allowable deductions or the standard exemption. There is an annual exemption on residential rental income (around TRY 47,000) that may reduce your taxable base before applying these rates.
| Taxable Rental Income (TRY) | Tax Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Up to 158,000 | 15 |
| 158,001 – 330,000 | 20 |
| 330,001 – 800,000 | 27 |
| 800,001 – 4,300,000 | 35 |
| Over 4,300,000 | 40 |
In Turkish tax law, if you sell a property within 5 years of acquisition, any gain may be subject to income tax at the same progressive rates above. However, if you sell after 5 years, individuals are generally exempt from capital gains tax on real estate.
Gift Tax or Inheritance Tax on Property in Turkey
If you receive property in Turkey through inheritance or a gift, you are subject to the Turkish Inheritance and Gift Tax (Veraset ve İntikal Vergisi). Taxes are progressive and depend on the relationship between the recipient and the property owner. This is particularly important for those who obtain Turkish citizenship by descent who may inherit property from their family.
The exemption amounts and tax rates for 2026 were published in the Official Gazette (General Communiqué No. 57, Resmî Gazete, 31 December 2025, No. 33124).
| Recipient / Category | Exemption Amount (TRY) | Progressive Tax Rate After Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Each spouse or child (inheritance share) | TRY 2,907,136 | 1% – 10% |
| Surviving spouse only (no descendants) | TRY 5,817,845 | 1% – 10% |
| Gifts / gratuitous transfers | TRY 66,935 | 10% – 30% |
Key points:
- The exemption amount is deducted from the property value before calculating tax.
- Taxes are filed and paid in two instalments annually (May and November) over three years.
- Filing deadlines:
- Inheritance: within 4 to 6 months, depending on the location of death
- Gifts: within one month of legal transfer
- For foreign owners, tax applies to property located in Turkey regardless of residency. However, double taxation treaties may reduce overall liability.
Turkey Property Tax Timeline for Foreign Buyers in 2026
| Stage | Tax / Fee | Timing / Rate | Key Notes for Foreign Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase | Title Deed Fee (Tapu Harcı) | 4% of declared property price (usually 2% buyer, 2% seller) | Paid at registration; mandatory |
| New Development | VAT (KDV) | 1%–18%, depending on property type & size | Exemptions may apply for first-time foreign buyers |
| Contract Signing | Stamp Duty (Damga Vergisi) | ~0.948% of contract value | Applies to notarized sales agreements |
| Ownership | Annual Property Tax | Residential: 0.1–0.2%, Commercial: 0.2–0.4%, Land: 0.3–0.6% | Paid May & November; based on municipal value |
| Rental Income | Income Tax | 15–40% progressive | Annual residential exemption ~TRY 47,000; capital gains exempt after 5 years |
| Sale / Exit | Capital Gains Tax | Progressive rates (same as income tax) | Exempt if held for more than 5 years; foreign buyers taxed same as residents |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
