A Guide To Buying Land For Sale In Turkey

Investing in lands for sale in Turkey represents a unique opportunity that combines flexibility and economic feasibility. Land is a long-term investment asset that maintains its value and even increases over time, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Purchasing land also gives investors the freedom to choose between building a residential or commercial project, or even using it for agriculture in rural areas.

Moreover, lands prices for sale in Turkey remain relatively lower compared to other European countries, with the possibility of taking advantage of Turkish laws that allow foreigners to own property under clear and straightforward terms. These advantages have made land an attractive option for Arab and foreign investors seeking to diversify their investments.

Types of lands available for sale in Turkey

Land in Turkey is divided into several types, and the investment purpose varies depending on the nature and location of the land:

• Residential lands : These are designated for building complexes or villas, and are widely spread in the suburbs of major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.
• Commercial land : Typically located near urban centers, it is ideal for building offices, shops, or investment projects.
• Agricultural land : A popular option in rural areas and provinces such as Konya and Trabzon, it can be used for agriculture or to establish private farms.
• Tourist lands : located near coasts or natural landmarks, and used for building resorts and hotels.

The choice of land type depends on the purpose: whether it is a long-term residential project, a short-term investment, or agricultural and tourism activities.

Conditions for foreigners owning land in Turkey

Although Turkish laws facilitate the process of purchasing real estate and land for foreigners, there are some conditions that must be adhered to:

• Maximum area : A foreigner has the right to own land with an area not exceeding 30 hectares throughout Turkey.
• Prohibited areas : Foreigners are not allowed to purchase land in military or security zones or near strategic sites.
• Land Use Plan : If purchasing land classified as residential, the owner must submit a building plan within a maximum period of two years from the date of purchase.
• Official approvals : All procedures must be completed at the Land Registry Office ( Tapu Dairesi ), and approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization if required.
• Property registration : Ownership does not become legal until the contract is registered in the official real estate registry and the title deed (Tabu) is received.

These conditions ensure that the process of land ownership by foreigners takes place within a clear legal framework that preserves the rights of the investor and the state.

Steps to buy land in Turkey

Purchasing land in Turkey requires going through several organized steps to ensure legal ownership and investment safety:

1. Determine the goal and location
• Is the purpose residential, commercial, or agricultural investment?
• Choose the state or city based on this goal (e.g., Istanbul for residential investment, Konya for agriculture).
2. Preview and Verify
• Visit the property in person or take virtual tours with trusted real estate companies.
• Check the zoning plan ( İmar Planı ) to determine the permitted use of the land.
3. Obtaining a Turkish tax number
• It is easily obtained from the tax office and is necessary to complete any purchase.
4. Opening a bank account in Turkey
• To facilitate the process of transferring money and paying the value of the land.
5. Signing the purchase contract
• A preliminary contract is signed with a deposit to reserve the land, and the transaction will be formally completed later.
6. Land registration in the Land Registry Department
• Submit documents (passport, personal photos, tax number, payment receipt).
• Pay the title deed fee (usually 4% of the land value).
• Receiving the title deed ( Tapu Senedi ).

Investing in land in Turkey: Benefits and risks

Investing in Turkish land is one of the most flexible real estate sectors, offering diverse opportunities for investors. However, it also requires careful consideration to avoid risks.

Benefits

• Value increases over time : Land prices tend to increase as cities expand and infrastructure improves.
• Freedom to develop : The owner can use the land to build a residential, commercial, or tourism project according to his needs.
• Long-term returns : Land is a stable asset that can be held for years and then sold for a higher value.
• Increasing demand : With population and economic growth, the demand for land is increasing, especially in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya .

Risks

• Regulatory problems : Purchasing land not included in the regulatory plan ( İmar ) may limit the possibility of building on it.
• Legal Restrictions : Some areas are closed to foreigners, requiring careful legal review before purchasing.
• Price volatility : Although the overall trend is upward, some areas may be affected by economic or political changes.
• Additional costs : such as title deed fees, annual property taxes, or land development costs.

The most important cities and regions for buying land in Turkey

1 ) Istanbul

• Why? Largest demand market, continuous urban expansion, infrastructure projects (metro/highways/airport).
• Best areas for land: Arnavutköy , Çatalca , Silivri , Beykoz , Çengelköy – especially the European outskirts of Istanbul.
• Most suitable use: residential/commercial for the future, and sometimes agricultural for later conversion (after verifying the İmar ).

2 ) Ankara

• Why? A stable administrative capital, expanding modern neighborhoods.
• Favorite areas: Golbasi , Eti Meskut, Yeni Mahalle.
• Use: Residential/Commercial Medium-Long Term.

3 ) Antalya

• Why? Strong tourism year-round, high demand for resorts and accommodations.
• Areas: Aksu, Kepez , Dosemealtı , Konyaalti .
• Use: Residential/Tourist and small hotel development.

4 ) Izmir

• Why? A growing coastal city, well-developed infrastructure, and strong local demand.
• Areas: Cesme , Orla , Menemen , Ali Aga.
• Use: Luxury residential/tourist, some commercial.

5 ) Bursa

• Why? Proximity to Istanbul, Uludag's industry and tourism , and steady population growth.
• Areas: Nilufer, Mudanya , Osmangazi.
• Use: Family Residential/Domestic Commercial.

6 ) Kocaeli & Sakarya

• Why? An industrial-logistics hub between Istanbul and Anatolia; the nature of the Sapanca Lakes .
• Areas: Basışehir , Kartepe ( Kocaeli ) - Sapanca , Serdivan ( Sakarya ).
• Use: Residential/short-term urban, some tourism.

7 ) Mugla

• Why? International resorts (Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris) and strong demand for villas.
• Use: Luxury residential/tourist, holiday home projects.

8 ) Trabzon

• Why? Green nature, increasing Arab demand, proximity to the airport and other services.
• Areas: Yomra , Ortahisar , Akcaabat .
• Use: Residential/Tourist (villas and views).

9 ) Mersin

• Why? Important port, reasonable land prices, rapid urban growth.
• Areas: Yenişehir, Mezitli , Toroslar .
• Use: Medium cost residential/investment.

10 ) Konya

• Why? The largest Anatolian province in terms of area, competitive land prices, and expansion plans.
• Use: Residential, professional agricultural.

Quick tip before buying

• Check the zoning classification ( İmar Durumu ) carefully: is it residential, commercial, or agricultural? What are the building proportions and heights?
• Check existing and planned infrastructure (roads, metro, services) as it increases the value of the land in the future.
• Stay away from restricted/military areas , and check foreign ownership limits and maximum space.
• Use a local appraiser/surveyor and check the property title deed before completing the transaction.

Comparison table of the most important Turkish cities for buying land

Important notes :

• Prices are approximate and depend on the location of the property (city center/outskirts/tourist/rural).
• Land classified as “residential” increases in value faster than agricultural land if included in urban plans.
• Coastal cities (Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Mugla) are considered the most attractive to foreign investors.

Binaa Investment provides great opportunities in lands

Whether you're looking for land to build your dream home or an investment project with future returns, the Turkish land market offers a wide variety of opportunities. Through our team at Binaa Investement, we can help you choose the most suitable land in terms of location, price, and regulatory classification, while ensuring that all legal procedures are followed safely and reliably.

Contact us today to get the best deals and opportunities available in the Turkish land market , and make your investment a confident step towards the future.