Buying Guide

Canadians Buying Property in Turkey: Rules, Taxes and Process (2026)

By Nazım Mert Çikoğlu, Founder & Managing Broker · November 6, 2026

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Yes, Canadian citizens can buy property in Turkey in their own name, with full freehold title, and the purchase can usually be completed in a few weeks, including remotely. The parts that differ for Canadians are on the Canadian side: reporting the property to the Canada Revenue Agency and using the Canada–Turkey tax treaty to avoid being taxed twice.

Last reviewed November 2026. General information only; take advice from a Canadian cross-border tax adviser and a Turkish lawyer before you buy.

Key takeaway: Turkey places almost no extra hurdles on Canadian buyers. The work is in Canada: worldwide income reporting, Form T1135 where it applies, and claiming foreign tax credits correctly.

Can Canadians legally own property in Turkey?

Yes. Article 35 of Turkey's Land Registry Law allows foreign nationals of permitted countries to acquire real estate, subject to two caps: no more than 30 hectares per person nationwide and no more than 10% of the privately owned area of a district. Property inside military and special security zones is excluded. For a typical apartment or villa purchase these limits never come into play.

The purchase process in six steps

Tax number and bank account. A Turkish tax number takes minutes; see obtaining a tax number and opening a bank account.
Choose the property and reserve it with a written reservation agreement.
Legal checks: title search, valuation report and contract review by an independent lawyer.
Transfer the funds from Canada. Turkish banks issue a currency exchange certificate that the Land Registry requires for foreign buyers. Our money transfer guide explains the paperwork.
Title deed transfer at the Land Registry, in person or by power of attorney. See title-deed transfer.
After the sale: utilities, earthquake insurance and, if you wish, a residence permit.

You do not need to travel: a power of attorney signed at a Turkish consulate in Canada, or before a Canadian notary with the required legalisation, lets a lawyer complete every step. Read how to buy remotely.

Canadian tax: what the CRA expects

Worldwide income. Canadian residents are taxed on worldwide income, so rental income from a Turkish property goes on your Canadian return.
Form T1135. Canadian residents who hold specified foreign property with a total cost above CAD 100,000 must file the Foreign Income Verification Statement. Real estate held mainly for personal use, such as a holiday home you do not rent out, is excluded; a rental property is not.
Capital gains. A gain on sale is reportable in Canada. The principal residence exemption has its own conditions; ask your adviser whether it could ever apply to a foreign home.
Foreign tax credit. Turkish tax paid on rent or on a gain can generally be credited against the Canadian tax on the same income.

The Canada–Turkey tax treaty

Canada and Turkey signed an income tax agreement in 2009 and it entered into force on 6 May 2011. It follows the OECD model: income from real estate may be taxed in the country where the property is located, and the country of residence then gives relief for the tax paid. In practice Turkey taxes the rent and any gain first, and Canada credits that tax.

Taxes and costs in Turkey

Budget for the title deed fee, the valuation report, earthquake insurance, translation and legal fees. Foreign buyers who bring the purchase funds from abroad can often buy new-build homes free of VAT. Full figures are in our cost breakdown, property tax guide and VAT exemption guide.

Residence and citizenship options

Property ownership can support a short-term residence permit; see the residence permit guide for the current value threshold. A purchase of at least $400,000, held for three years, qualifies for Turkish citizenship by investment. Both Canada and Turkey allow dual citizenship.

What Canadians are buying, and for how much

Across our 498 verified listings in November 2026, the median asking price is $219,000 for a one-bedroom (1+1), $250,000 for a two-bedroom (2+1) and $301,500 for a three-bedroom (3+1). Istanbul's median is $304,500; Antalya's is $109,000 and Yalova's $66,000. See the Turkey Property Price Index for district-level figures, or browse apartments for sale in Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Canadian citizen buy a house in Turkey?

Yes. Canadians can buy apartments, villas, land and commercial property in their own name with full title, subject to the general caps in Article 35 of the Land Registry Law and the exclusion of military zones.

Do I have to report Turkish property to the CRA?

If you are a Canadian resident and the total cost of your specified foreign property exceeds CAD 100,000, you file Form T1135. Property held mainly for personal use is excluded. Rental income and any gain are reported on your return in all cases.

Is there a tax treaty between Canada and Turkey?

Yes. The agreement was signed in 2009 and entered into force on 6 May 2011. It prevents the same income from being fully taxed in both countries.

Can I buy without travelling to Turkey?

Yes. With a power of attorney, a Turkish lawyer can obtain your tax number, open a bank account and complete the title deed transfer on your behalf.

Can Canadians get Turkish citizenship by buying property?

Yes. A purchase of at least $400,000 held for three years qualifies the buyer, spouse and children under 18 to apply.

Sources: Land Registry Law No. 2644, Art. 35; Department of Finance Canada, notice of entry into force of the Canada–Turkey tax agreement (6 May 2011); Canada Revenue Agency guidance on Form T1135; Homes of Turkey listing data, November 2026.

See also: Russians Buying Property in Turkey.