You may think you have found your dream home in Turkey like many thousands have.

There are however some pitfalls and problems that the estate agents, developers and even some solicitors will not make you aware of.

Firstly. Do not pay the full amount up front under any circumstances. We recommend no more than 25% until you have possession and a full tapu or title deed. There is also a form that must be signed by the planning authorities to say the building has been built to the correct specification as on the plans submitted. If the building has too many floors or covers too big an area you may find you will not have a full title deed and it is your problem. Pay for the property only after you have this document authenticated by a good Turkish Solicitor.

Have your title deed checked that it is for a property and not just for the land under the property.

Building Land Types In Turkey.

Tarla or Arazi: This is agricultural land but you have an entitlement to build as a matter of right up to 5% of land surface as a base size of villa. As an example you can build on 1500 m2 of land a villa of base size 30 m2. The maximum size you can build on this category of land is 250 m2 volume of one or one pair of semi detached Villas. Patios, swimming pools, balconies etc are not included in the base size restrictions in all cases

Arsa: This is building land and is subject to planning approval of between 5% and 20% of the surface area. Please check with planning department or the local mayor exactly what % approval was given prior to paying in full.

Tourism Land: Be very carefull here. This land is designated for Hotels and Apartments solely for the purpose of holiday letting. Usually on Tourism land you will not get a full Tapu for your property. Many developers both big and small respected and otherwise have ignored this ruling and sold off individual apartments and the purchaser finds he or she has only a shared title deed with often no indication as to which share or property you own.

Having said all this it is a great place and a good investment to buy property in Turkey. Please use the same caution as you would use in England. The people are very friendly and very persuasive but please double check all details of permissions and title BEFORE you sign a contract to buy.

If you need consultancy help on these matters or even escorted viewings for property call Mike James on 009 0252 6236837.

One other point to make is the difference in the estate agency system here. Mostly agents are not sole agents and the same property may be offered by numerous agents at differing prices.

The buyer pays a 3% commission to the agent and the agent gets 3% from the seller. With these large commisions which can on one property more than a years salary evreyone is trying to sell property. Always use a licensed estate agent and preferably one with a British partner who you can converse with in detail.

Turkey is great place to live despite the above.