Buying Process
Buying property in Kalkan is a much more straight forward process than buying property in the UK. Before you make a final decision to purchase a Kalkan property, we will guide you through the process from start to finish. The major difference when buying property in Kalkan is you have a choice whether to use a solicitor or not. In Turkey, there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor as your estate agent can handle the sale from start to finish. We are happy to recommend a solicitor in Kalkan and would always advise you to seek independent advice before any property purchase. If afterwards you are happy for MSJ to handle the sale, our fee includes this process. Solicitor fees range from approximately £200 dependent upon your needs.
Be aware, there are many people who will ‘claim’ to offer you a better deal than a qualified real estate agency. If you think you are being offered something that is too good to be true, then it probably is!
Do not buy from anyone who is not a qualified real estate agent.
Do not buy from anyone who cannot provide references to you.
Do not buy from anyone who pressures you into leaving a deposit there and then.
Do not buy from anyone who does not provide you with a written contract or sales agreement.
Do not buy from anyone until you know the full costs involved.
Sales Agreement and Deposit
Once you have decided to buy a Kalkan property and the seller has agreed your offer, we will draw up a sales agreement contract between you, the seller and MSJ. It will detail all the particulars of the sale, the deposit to be paid which is usually around 10% together with any other fees. Once the contract has been signed by all parties, the non-refundable deposit is payable by return and each party will have a copy of the contract. If you choose to use a solicitor to proceed with the sale, this contract will form the basis upon which he will proceed.
Documentation and Military Check
Once the contract has been signed, we will take a photocopy of the buyer(s) passport as this needs to be officially translated at the Notar’s office in Kas, obtain passport sized photos for each buyer and take a photocopy if we do not already hold one on file of the Tapu (title deeds) for the property in question. With this information we will submit the documents for the military check and also to other government bodies as required.
The military check is to ensure that as a foreigner the property in Kalkan you are purchasing is not in a zone restricted to foreigners. Although all MSJ’s properties are not in restricted zones, a new military application still has to be made each time the property is sold. This process normally takes around 3 months and at the end, the sale can be completed within one day once the final balance has been transferred to the seller. The Tapu will then be issued in the buyer(s) name and recorded in the official documents held at the Land Registry office in Kas.
Power of Attorney
Before the sale can be completed, both the buyer and the seller need to be present at the Land Registry office to sign the property over. This is done once the military application has come back approved. This is not always possible given people’s busy lives and also the cost of returning to Kalkan. In this instance, it is quite normal to assign Power of Attorney to either MSJ or a solicitor to complete the transaction on your behalf. You MUST however be in Kalkan to do this. We normally suggest you do it at the time of signing the contract. MSJ or your solicitor will take you to the Notar’s office in Kas to draw up the Power of Attorney. It will be specific to completing the sale and transferring the utility bills into your name only, and will become null and void once the sale transaction has completed. You will also have an official translator present to explain the document to you which you are required to have by law.
Buying and Post-Sales Costs
You should budget around an additional 3% for buying costs. On top of your purchase price will be our fee which ranges between 0% and a maximum of 3% (standard rate within Kalkan) dependent upon the property purchased. There is a 3% sales tax which is normally split between buyer and seller and is based on the property price as valued and declared by the local Government as well as land registry tax.
Example:
| Apartment purchase price |
£80,000 |
| 3% max. agents fee |
£2,400 |
| 1.5% sales tax (based on declared value of property as valued by local Government) |
£300 |
| Land registry tax |
£100 |
| Military application |
£40 |
| Passport translation cost |
£30 |
| Total |
£82,870 |
Power of Attorney costs start from £280 dependent upon number of owners and whether MSJ or a solicitor holds it for you.
Once the sale is completed, MSJ or your solicitor will transfer the water, electricity and council tax into your name which is generally paid for by the seller. DASK (earthquake insurance) is required by law and is around £30-£50 a year. Building and contents insurance is not compulsory but is advisable and is generally cheaper than you would expect to pay in the UK. We are happy to obtain a quote for you.
We always advise people to make a Turkish Will upon completion of the sale. The law in Turkey regarding inheritance is different to that in the UK and does not pass 100% to your spouse if you have children. It is importance you seek legal advice to understand the law and protect your loved ones should the inevitable happen. The process is very straight forward and requires a trip to the Notar’s office in Kas.
Questions? Contact Us
|
