Real Estate Law

Fethiye is one of the most active property markets in Turkey for foreign buyers, and anyone searching for a real estate lawyer in Fethiye is usually dealing with one of a defined set of issues: buying or selling property as a foreign national, a tenancy dispute, a construction contract, or a title deed problem. At Aysel Atlı Law and Consultancy Office we advise both local and international clients on the full range of real estate matters.

Services We Provide in This Area

• Property purchases by foreign nationals: Advice on eligibility, due diligence, military clearance and the title deed transfer process.
• Title deed cancellation and registration disputes: Handling claims relating to defective or disputed title.
• Tenancy and eviction disputes: Advice for landlords and tenants, including short-term (holiday-let) tenancies.
• Construction and "flat-for-land" contracts: Reviewing and advising on construction agreements between landowners and developers.
• Co-ownership disputes and partition (sale) of jointly owned property: Advice where multiple owners cannot agree on the use or sale of a property.
• VAT exemption for foreign real estate investors: Advice on the conditions for the exemption available to non-resident buyers.
• Boat and yacht registration in Fethiye's marinas: Advice on ownership and registration formalities.
• Short-term rental compliance: Advice on the legal framework for Airbnb-style short-term lettings.

Buying Property in Turkey as a Foreign National

Foreign nationals can generally purchase real estate in Turkey subject to certain conditions and area-based restrictions, and subject to a reciprocity principle between Turkey and the buyer's country of nationality (with some countries excluded entirely). Before signing anything, it is worth having the title deed, the property's zoning status and any registered encumbrances checked, since these directly affect both the transaction and the future use of the property.

Military Clearance and the Title Deed Process

For property purchases by foreign nationals, Turkish authorities may require confirmation that the property does not fall within a restricted military or security zone before the title deed transfer (tapu) can be completed. This clearance step can add time to a transaction, so it is best factored into the timeline from the outset, particularly for land or property outside well-established urban areas.

VAT Exemption for Foreign Buyers

Non-resident foreign buyers, and Turkish citizens resident abroad, may qualify for an exemption from value-added tax on certain property purchases in Turkey, subject to conditions such as the property being purchased with foreign currency brought into the country and a minimum holding period before resale. Whether a specific purchase qualifies should be checked against the current rules at the time of purchase.

Tenancy Disputes and Short-Term Rentals

Fethiye's tourism-driven rental market generates a steady stream of disputes between landlords and tenants — both in standard annual tenancies and in short-term, holiday-style lettings. Short-term rentals of the Airbnb type are additionally subject to a licensing framework requiring, in buildings under condominium ownership, the consent of the other unit owners, alongside an administrative permit.

Construction and "Flat-for-Land" Contracts

Under a common Turkish arrangement, a landowner contributes land to a developer in exchange for a share of the finished units ("flat for land"). These contracts should set out clearly the specification of the works, the delivery timeline, and what happens if the developer fails to perform — disputes in this area are common and often turn on how precisely the original contract was drafted.

Co-Ownership and Partition of Property

Where a property is jointly owned — often following inheritance or a joint investment — and the co-owners cannot agree on its use or sale, any one of them can apply for the property to be partitioned or, where physical division is not practical, sold and the proceeds divided according to each owner's share.

Boats, Yachts and Marina Registration

Given Fethiye's importance as a marina and sailing hub, ownership and registration of boats and yachts is a recurring topic for both resident and visiting owners. Registration formalities and the applicable rules can differ depending on the vessel's size, flag and intended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us via our contact page with questions on this topic, or visit our Real Estate Law page for more on our services in this area.

The information on this page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.