Buying with Kale

We are a friendly business, run by Cengiz who has fluent English and Ann who has lived full time in Turkey for over seventeen years now. Both have extensive experience in the real estate business and utilise their excellent local knowledge to ensure that clients feel relaxed and comfortable during their time with Kale.

Over the years we have had so many customers tell us that their previous inspection trips have been through ”subsidised” packages with agents who made them feel pressured to buy. We strive to give our customers the freedom they deserve, we will cover your accommodation cost if you buy through us but we don’t want you to feel obligated to us in any way.If you are travelling to Turkey on holiday, or to view properties under your own steam just tell us which of those for sale with us you wish to view. Even if there’s just one place to see we will pick you up from where you’re staying and take you back afterwards. These days many buyers choose to view with several agents for one or two days each, an arrangement we would be happy to make.However, we do have a vast range of properties and could easily fill a week with viewings so if you would like to take the hassle out of your inspection trip we can organise everything for you, start to finish. You will find that most agents in Turkey do not operate sole agency rights over properties on the market and because of this you could view the greater percentage of places seen on other agents listings through ourselves.

Buying property in Turkey is very simple and, most important, safe. The process is much more straight forward than that in the UK for example. Our superb Kale service ensures that each client is personally accompanied and assisted through each stage of this procedure.

All property in Turkey is freehold

• Purchaser and vendor agree a sale price for the chosen property.
• Purchaser is registered for a tax number to enable a sterling/euro bank account to be opened in their name. This will ensure the smooth transfer of funds from the countries outside of Turkey to complete the purchase. We accompany the purchaser to a bank of their choice to open the necessary account which can be in joint names if required. Please note that every person to be named on the bank account must bring with them proof of their address, a utility bill or council tax document is ideal.
• We will then accompany the client, along with a registered translator, to the notary who will register the purchasers name against the chosen property. (This ensures the property is taken off the market, and gives the purchaser time to complete the sale as per the terms to be set out in the contract.) Kale Turkish Properties has the legal right to draw up transfer contracts without involving a solicitor. This keeps your costs to a minimum, but if you are happier to purchase through a solicitor we could accompany you to an English speaking lawyer who will draw up all relevant documents at a cost of between 1% and 3% of purchase price.
• The contract of sale is drawn up ( normally in English but sometimes both in English and Turkish if required) between purchaser and vendor, and witnessed by Kale. Generally a 10% (negotiable) deposit is paid at this time. The majority payment and 3% agents commission (set by by Turkish government) to be payable normally within 1 calendar month. The remaining balance is payable at the time of deed (Tapu) transfer, normally 5% to 10% of the price. If buying off plan the chosen payment schedule is written into the contract accordingly.
• If Military Clearance is needed, this will be applied for by us and when this comes through (normally around six weeks later) all relevant paperwork is submitted to the Land Registry for change of ownership on the Tapu (Title Deeds). Kale is notified when these papers are completed and the buyer will be informed that their Tapu is ready and that they are free to complete their purchase (tax fees of 4% of property value as stated on the tapu will be payable to the deed office at that time).
• Water and electricity meters must be re-registered in the new owners name and both will be read and billed monthly. Telephone landlines can be applied for through the post office and are normally installed within the month but applicants must have a valid residents permit. It is advisable to have a mobile phone.
• Total fees/taxes involved at the time of purchase should not be more than 5% purchase price. (note that there will be a further charge payable to the deed office, as mentioned above, on Tapu pick up from the land registry office)