Real Estate Lawyer in Istanbul — Expert Legal Guidance for Foreign and Local Investors
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
If you are planning to buy, sell, or invest in property in Istanbul, the guidance of an experienced Real Estate Lawyer in Istanbul is indispensable. Property transactions in Turkey involve complex legal procedures — from Tapu (title deed) transfer and zoning checks to foreign ownership restrictions and citizenship by investment compliance.
At Kurucuk & Associates, an Istanbul-based law firm with decades of experience in real estate, construction, and investment law, our English-speaking property lawyers represent both local and international clients. We provide comprehensive legal support covering due diligence, contract drafting, title transfer, dispute resolution, and investment advisory.
In this article, you’ll learn how a Turkish Real Estate Lawyer protects your property rights, the process of buying property in Turkey as a foreigner (2025 regulations), and why Kurucuk & Associates is trusted by global investors seeking security and compliance in Istanbul’s dynamic property market.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer in Istanbul Do?
Definition and Role under Turkish Law
Under Turkish Land Registry Law No. 2644 (Tapu Kanunu) and Condominium Law No. 634 (Kat Mülkiyeti Kanunu), a Real Estate Lawyer in Istanbul (Emlak Avukatı Istanbul or Gayrimenkul Avukatı Istanbul) safeguards the client’s interests during every stage of a property transaction.
Their role includes:
Conducting legal due diligence and verifying ownership through the Land Registry (Tapu Kadastro Müdürlüğü).
Ensuring compliance with municipal zoning laws and construction permits.
Drafting and reviewing purchase agreements and lease contracts.
Handling tax declarations, inheritance transfers, and property litigation.
Difference Between a Real Estate Lawyer and an Estate Agent
Aspect | Real Estate Lawyer | Estate Agent |
Legal Authority | Licensed under Turkish Bar Association | Licensed through real-estate agencies |
Role | Provides legal due diligence, prepares contracts, represents in court | Assists in finding and marketing properties |
Fiduciary Duty | Legally obligated to protect client’s rights | Acts as intermediary between buyer and seller |
Why Foreign Investors Legally Need One
For foreign investors, hiring a Real Estate Lawyer for Foreigners in Istanbul is not optional — it’s essential.A lawyer ensures:
Military clearance (Askeri İzin) for restricted zones.
Verification of seller’s ownership via Tapu records.
Tax compliance and capital gains regulations.
Safe fund transfers under Turkish Banking Law and anti-money laundering regulations.
How Kurucuk & Associates Assist Clients
Property Due Diligence & Title Verification
Before any purchase, our Property Lawyers in Istanbul conduct full title deed (Tapu) investigations, zoning compliance checks, and debt/mortgage searches.
We liaise directly with Tapu Kadastro and municipal authorities to confirm there are no encumbrances, construction violations, or pending litigation.
Contract Drafting & Negotiation
Kurucuk & Associates prepares bilingual real-estate contracts (Turkish-English) compliant with Turkish Code of Obligations (Law No. 6098). We review payment schedules, escrow terms, and developer warranties to protect your investment before signature.
Tapu Transfer & Registration Support
We represent clients during the Tapu registration process before the Land Registry Directorate, ensuring all payments, fees, and taxes are lawfully settled.
Our team also handles power of attorney (POA) transactions for clients abroad, enabling remote property transfer.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation Services
From construction defects to property fraud and title disputes, Kurucuk & Associates provides both preventive legal advice and litigation representation before the Istanbul Civil Courts of Peace (Sulh Hukuk Mahkemesi) and Commercial Courts (Asliye Ticaret Mahkemesi).
Legal Services for Foreign Buyers and Investors
Buying Property in Turkey as a Foreigner (2025 Regulations)
Foreign nationals from over 180 countries can buy property in Turkey under Article 35 of Land Registry Law No. 2644, except for properties in military zones.
Our lawyers assist in:
Checking foreign ownership quotas by district.
Preparing sales contracts compliant with Ministry of Environment and Urbanization rules.
Completing foreign buyer registration (Yabancı Alım Belgesi) and tax ID issuance.
Turkish Citizenship by Investment Legal Compliance
As experienced Turkish Citizenship by Investment Lawyers (2025), we guide clients purchasing real estate worth at least USD 400,000, ensuring compliance with Regulation No. 5901.We prepare notarized valuation reports, monitor property registration, and submit legal documentation to the General Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).
Real Estate Due Diligence for Foreign Investors in Istanbul
Our Legal Property Advisors in Istanbul analyze property titles, construction permits, and developer histories to ensure the investment aligns with Turkish legal standards. We use the Land Registry’s Web-Tapu system for real-time document verification.
Escrow (Yediemin) and Title Deed Protection
We provide escrow and Yediemin account services through trusted Turkish banks, ensuring payment is released only after Tapu transfer completion — protecting buyers from fraudulent developers.
Common Real-Estate Issues & Dispute Resolution
Property Fraud and Fake Tapu Cases
Fake title deeds and double sales are increasing in high-demand districts like Başakşehir, Beylikdüzü, and Kadıköy. Kurucuk & Associates uses Land Registry cross-verification and court injunctions (Tedbir Kararı) to prevent or recover fraudulent transactions.
Construction Defect Claims
Our Construction Dispute Attorneys in Istanbul pursue compensation under Turkish Code of Obligations (Art. 475–478) and Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 for structural defects and project delays.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes and Evictions
We represent both landlords and tenants in lease terminations, rent disputes, and eviction proceedings under Turkish Civil Code (Art. 299–356).
Inheritance & Shared Property Conflicts
Our Inheritance Property Dispute Lawyers manage legal partition, title transfer, and inheritance division cases under Turkish Inheritance Law (Civil Code No. 4721).
Costs & Process of Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer in Istanbul
Legal Fee Structure
Legal fees vary depending on transaction complexity:
Consultation: from €150–€300
Transaction Assistance (Tapu transfer): 1%–2% of property value
Litigation/Dispute Resolution: subject to case value and court stage
Estimated Timelines for Property Transactions
Process | Average Duration |
Legal Due Diligence | 2–5 days |
Contract Drafting & Signing | 1–3 days |
Tapu Registration | 3–7 days |
Citizenship by Investment Process | 2–4 months |
Required Documents & Verification Steps
Foreign buyers must provide:
Passport (notarized and translated)
Turkish Tax ID number
Power of Attorney (if acting remotely)
Property Valuation Report
Proof of funds transfer through Turkish banks
Why Choose Kurucuk & Associates
Multilingual Lawyers (English, Arabic, Russian, Turkish)
Our International Real Estate Lawyers in Istanbul communicate fluently in English, Arabic, Russian, and Turkish, ensuring clarity for foreign clients navigating Turkish bureaucracy.
Extensive Portfolio of International Clients
Kurucuk & Associates advises clients from the UK, UAE, Russia, Qatar, Germany, and the USA, assisting with high-value residential, commercial, and investment properties.
Proven Record in Property Transactions and Court Cases
With extensive experience in real estate litigation, zoning disputes, and Tapu fraud recovery, our firm has become one of Istanbul’s most trusted names in property and investment law.
Get Trusted Legal Help from Expert Real Estate Lawyers in Istanbul
Kurucuk & Associates offers reliable real estate legal services for local and foreign clients.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation and secure your investment with the help of an experienced Istanbul Real Estate Attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Istanbul in 2025?
Yes. A Real Estate Lawyer in Istanbul ensures your transaction complies with Turkish law, verifies the Tapu, and prevents property fraud.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Turkey?
Legal fees typically range from €150 for consultations to 1–2% of the property value for full transaction support.
What is the Tapu process for foreign buyers?
The Tapu transfer involves submitting verified documents to the Land Registry Directorate, obtaining tax clearance, and signing the title deed before an official Tapu officer.
