Turkey's property tax regime is relatively straightforward compared to many European countries, but there are several taxes and fees that catch buyers by surprise.
Transaction Taxes (One-Time)
Title Deed Fee (Tapu Harcı): 4% of the declared sale price, paid at the Land Registry. Typically split 2% buyer / 2% seller, though legally the buyer is liable for the full amount.
VAT (KDV): Generally 1% for residential properties under 150 m², 18% for larger properties or commercial units. New-build purchases from developers trigger VAT; resale purchases between private individuals do not.
Annual Taxes
Annual property tax (Emlak Vergisi) is calculated at 0.1–0.2% of the declared tax value for residential properties and 0.2–0.4% for commercial. Istanbul commands a 2x multiplier. Payments are made in two instalments (May and November).
Capital Gains Tax
If you sell a property within 5 years of purchase, any capital gain is subject to income tax at progressive rates (15–40%). Properties held for more than 5 years are exempt from capital gains tax entirely.
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