Ankara, in addition to being Turkey’s capital and bureaucratic center, has become a safe choice for both domestic and foreign investors thanks to its stable real estate market and high quality of life.
In particular, districts such as Çankaya, Yenimahalle, Etimesgut, Eryaman, İncek, Oran, and Beytepe have come to the fore in recent years for both residential living and investment purchases.
In this guide, you will find a step-by-step overview of the legal process of buying real estate in Ankara, the key points to watch, title deed procedures, special regulations for foreign investors, and the citizenship connection.
Real estate purchases and sales in Ankara are carried out within the framework of the following legislation:
For foreign investors in Ankara, the “reciprocity principle” is no longer sought; however, the acquisition of real estate is restricted in military zones, security facilities, and special protection areas. Restrictions exist especially around Etimesgut Military Area, Mamak Military Zone, and Gölbaşı Security Area.
Purpose: To reduce risks at the outset and prepare all documents completely.
To-Dos:
Key checks when buying property in Ankara:
Additional Tip: Obtain a detailed encumbrance (takyidat) extract through your lawyer and review the risk of zoning plan changes.
In housing projects in Ankara (e.g., İncek, Oran, Eryaman), for units with a future delivery date, a notarized preliminary sale (promise to sell) agreement must be executed.
When? If it is a project sale, deferred transfer, installment payment, or if delivery and title transfer are separated, it should be executed.
Non-negotiable clauses:
For foreign investors, a CMB (SPK)-licensed appraisal report is mandatory for each real estate purchase in Ankara.
The report is generally prepared within 2–3 business days.
At this stage, also:
Title procedures are generally carried out at the Çankaya, Keçiören, Yenimahalle, or Etimesgut Land Registry Directorates.
Required Documents:
NOTE: An interpreter is mandatory for foreigners.
|
Stage |
Duration (Days) |
Description |
|
0–3 |
Title deed and zoning review — should be done by a lawyer |
|
|
2–5 |
CMB (SPK) valuation report — mandatory for foreigners |
|
|
4–7 |
Notary agreement (if needed) — promise to sell |
|
|
6–10 |
Title deed procedures — document completion |
|
|
10–20 |
Post-closing procedures — insurance, utilities, tax, residence |
|
Item |
Approx. Amount / Rate |
|
Title deed fee |
4% (often split equally) |
|
CMB Valuation |
TRY 3,000–6,000 |
|
DASK |
TRY 600–1,200 |
|
Interpreter |
TRY 1,000–3,000 |
|
Attorney’s fee |
Varies by file scope |
|
Revolving fund |
TRY 700–1,000 |
|
Mistake |
Correct Practice |
|
Cash/hand payment |
Bank or escrow/block system |
|
Paying without checking encumbrances |
Preliminary review is mandatory |
|
Pricing without appraisal |
Price based on CMB (SPK) report |
|
Verbal commitments |
Written notary agreement |
|
Rushing registration in projects without occupancy permit |
Register after condominium ownership/occupancy |
1. Who Can Buy Real Estate?
2. Limitations
3. Citizenship Connection (Turkish Citizenship by Investment)
A foreign investor may apply for Turkish citizenship by purchasing real estate in Istanbul with a value of at least USD 400,000.
In this process:
Link to our article:
https://www.avkubrakeles.com/gayrimenkul-alimi-yoluyla-turk-vatandasligi-sartlar-surec-hukuki-destek
Many foreign investors suffer serious losses by transacting solely through real estate agents.
A real estate lawyer:
Ankara stands out in 2025 with its public and university-health ecosystem, relatively stable rental cycle, and steady new housing supply.
Segments such as urban transformation, family-concept site living, rentals near universities/hospitals, and villa/greenbelt investments have strengthened.
Below are detailed clusters of districts/neighborhoods in Ankara by investment type:
Area selection tactic: Compare by the planned rental type (family/student/corporate), access to transportation (metro/main arteries), density of universities-hospitals-plazas, and dues (aidat) levels.
Overview
Ankara’s diplomatic and institutional center. High concentration of residences, A+ apartments, office-clinic conversions, and branded projects. Strong walkability, social life, gastronomy, and arts.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
Overview
Ankara’s green belt and quality-of-life corridor. Stands out with large floor plans, garden/terrace options, site security, and clusters of private schools, universities, and hospitals.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
Overview
Highlighted by planned settlements, sites with extensive social facilities, and access to metro/main arteries. Family-oriented 2+1–4+1 apartments are common.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
Overview
Extensive neighborhood fabric close to the center; renewal/transformation accelerating on some axes. Planned settlement advantage in Batıkent; transportation and population density in Keçiören.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
Overview
Urban transformation projects are accelerating in fronts with a dense stock of older buildings. Relative proximity to the center and public transport advantages.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
Overview
Public-private offices; clusters of clinics/dietitian/aesthetic centers; education-health oriented corporate tenant pool.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
Overview
Long-term scenarios with logistics-industrial investments, 3rd ring connections, and rural/villa parcels.
Investment Advantages
Legal Notes
|
Investment Type |
Recommended Areas |
Approx. m² Sale Price (TRY) |
Potential (Short–Long Term) |
Legal Risk Level |
|
Luxury/Prestigious Residential |
Çankaya: Oran, Yıldızevler, Kavaklıdere; Çukurambar, Söğütözü |
180,000–320,000 |
Selective increase in the short term |
Medium |
|
Family-Concept Sites |
Etimesgut, Eryaman, Bağlıca; Yaşamkent, Ümitköy, Çayyolu |
70,000–160,000 |
Stable rentals in the medium term |
Low–Medium |
|
Transformation–Rental Yield |
Yenimahalle/Batıkent axes, selected fronts in Keçiören, Altındağ/Mamak transformation |
60,000–160,000 |
Medium–long-term appreciation |
Medium–High |
|
Commercial/Office-Clinic |
Kızılay, Maltepe, Sıhhiye, Tunalı, Eskişehir Road–Söğütözü |
120,000–250,000 |
Strong cash flow with corporate lease |
Medium |
|
Villa/Nature Living |
İncek, Beytepe, around Bilkent, Gölbaşı |
140,000–260,000+ |
Upper-income segment; limited supply |
Low |
|
Land/Development |
Pursaklar, Akyurt, Ayaş, Beypazarı, Elmadağ (selected) |
5,000–20,000 (land m²) |
5–10 year perspective |
High |
Note: Prices vary by street/project/age/landscaping/dues and other variables. A CMB valuation and comparable analysis is recommended before purchase.
|
Trend |
Description |
|
Selective increase in luxury housing |
Cost pressure and demand differentiation in 2024; increase continues in central/branded projects in 2025. |
|
Family concept strengthened in the western corridor |
Continuous demand and low vacancy on the Etimesgut–Eryaman–Bağlıca and Çayyolu–Yaşamkent line. |
|
Appreciation in transformation fronts |
New stock via transformation in Altındağ–Mamak and Keçiören is pushing the rent-sale balance upward. |
|
Orientation toward corporate tenants |
Preference for long-term contracts in office/clinic corridors increased; rental cash flow more predictable. |
|
Interest in land and villas |
Green living and land development scenarios around İncek–Beytepe–Gölbaşı are on the agenda. |
1. Is it legally permitted for foreigners who want to buy real estate in Ankara?
Yes. Under Turkish legislation, foreigners can purchase real estate, including in Ankara, except in military restricted/security zones. The “reciprocity” principle has been abolished; only country-specific special restrictions and regional security/environmental limitations apply (e.g., Etimesgut–Mamak military areas, special protection zones around Gölbaşı).
2. Is a residence permit required to buy real estate in Ankara?
No. Even without a residence permit, purchases are possible with a passport and a Tax Identification Number (VKN). After the title deed transfer, a short-term residence application via real estate may become available (for those meeting the value/conditions).
3. What types of real estate can a foreign investor buy in Ankara?
Residential property, office/workplace, commercial independent units, residence units, and land (subject to zoning status) can be purchased. Agricultural land is subject to special permit procedures; direct purchase is, in most cases, not possible.
4. How many properties can a foreigner buy in Ankara?
There is no limit on the number of properties; however, a foreign individual may acquire at most 30 hectares across Türkiye and cannot acquire more than 10% of the surface area of any district.
5. How long do title deed procedures take?
If documents are complete, usually 1–3 business days; during busy periods, it may extend to 1 week. In Ankara, procedures are generally carried out at the Land Registry Directorate of the district where the property is located (Çankaya, Yenimahalle, Etimesgut, Keçiören, Mamak, Sincan, etc.).
6. What documents are required during title transfer?
7. What is the title deed fee rate when buying real estate in Ankara?
A total 4% title deed fee (often shared 2%–2% in practice). In addition, revolving fund/service fees are payable.
8. Can the sale price be paid in cash outside the banking system?
No. Under AML/MASAK regulations, the banking channel is essential. Cash payment may constitute a suspicious transaction for MASAK and tax purposes. In Ankara, blockage/escrow/clearing systems are safe options.
9. Can a residence permit be obtained after purchasing real estate in Ankara?
Yes. Foreigners who meet the value and conditions may apply for a short-term residence permit. Applications are handled through the Ankara Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (appointment and document lists must be checked for current requirements).
10. Can Turkish citizenship be obtained by purchasing real estate in Ankara?
Yes. If real estate worth at least USD 400,000 is purchased and a 3-year non-sale annotation is placed, an application for citizenship by investment is possible (amounts/regulations may change; current conditions should be verified).
11. What conditions are sought for the property to be purchased for citizenship?
12. Is a notary agreement mandatory in real estate purchases in Ankara?
Title transfer is made at the Land Registry Directorate. In cases such as project sales/future delivery, a notarized preliminary sale (promise to sell) agreement is mandatory. Clearly state payment/registration conditions in the agreement.
13. Can a foreign person appoint a Turkish citizen as an agent when buying real estate?
Yes. A lawyer can follow the procedures with a notarized power of attorney (if issued abroad, apostilled or approved by a Turkish Consulate).
14. Is an interpreter mandatory in the title deed purchase?
Yes. For foreigners who do not speak Turkish, a sworn interpreter must be present at the land registry and notary; this is recorded in the minutes.
15. How can it be determined whether the property to be purchased in Ankara is mortgaged/encumbered?
Through an encumbrance (takyidat) inquiry. Your lawyer checks mortgages, liens, and annotations in Land Registry records. Additionally, zoning/occupancy and site management debt letters are requested.
16. What happens if a zoning or permit problem emerges later in the purchased property?
Depending on the case, termination of the contract, refund, and/or damages may be sought. Therefore, prior to purchase, zoning status and the occupancy permit (iskan) must be checked by a lawyer.
17. What is a CMB (SPK)-licensed valuation report and what is it for?
It is the official report determining the market value of the property. It is mandatory in foreign purchases/citizenship processes. The price to be declared at the land registry should be consistent with this report.
18. Which areas are most suitable for investment in Ankara?
19. Is it safe to buy an apartment at the project stage in Ankara?
It can be safe; however, purchases should be from licensed/titled projects, a notarized preliminary sale agreement must be required, and large payments should not be made before title transfer. Add penalty/security clauses for missing/defective works and delivery schedule.
20. What is the lawyer’s role in real estate purchases in Ankara?
The lawyer manages title/zoning/occupancy, contracts, MASAK/DAB, valuation compliance, delivery/liquidated damages/security, and (if applicable) residence–citizenship integration; minimizing fraud and irregularity risks.
21. Are taxes payable when buying real estate in Türkiye?
A 4% title deed fee is paid upon purchase. Afterwards, annual property tax is declared to and paid to the municipality. (The VAT regime varies by commercial/residential use; first-hand projects are evaluated separately.)
22. How long does it take to prepare the valuation report before title procedures?
Generally 2–3 business days. Issued by CMB-licensed firms; in practice, the duration and validity are indicated on the report (pay attention to the date ranges required by the competent authority).
23. Is capital gains tax payable after selling real estate in Ankara?
If the property is sold before 5 years, capital gains tax may arise. For sales after 5 years, as a general rule, no tax arises (consult a CPA for exceptions/special cases).
24. How to avoid fake listings or fraud when buying real estate?
25. What is the foreign exchange conversion requirement for purchasing real estate in Türkiye?
Foreign currency brought by foreigners is converted to TRY at a bank and a Foreign Exchange Purchase Document (DAB) is issued. It is mandatory for citizenship applications; banks in Ankara ask that value date/blockage management be planned in advance.
26. What should be done after the title transfer in a real estate purchase?
27. Can multiple foreign partners jointly buy real estate in Ankara?
Yes. Co-ownership (shared ownership) can be established; each buyer’s share ratio is indicated on the title deed.
28. How is a power of attorney prepared in a real estate purchase?
Powers of attorney issued abroad must be apostilled or approved by a Turkish Consulate. Before use in Türkiye, sworn translation + notarization is required.
29. What are the most common mistakes in the real estate purchase process in Ankara?