How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy Property in Turkey?

To reserve a property in Turkey you typically pay a deposit of $1,000–$5,000 for ready homes, or 20–50% upfront for off-plan, with the balance following once contracts and due diligence are complete. Deposits secure the price and take the unit off the market.

Reservation deposit for ready property

For ready (resale or completed) properties, a small reservation deposit — often $1,000–$5,000 — holds the property while legal checks and the contract are finalised. This is then deducted from the purchase price.

Down payment for off-plan property

For off-plan projects, developers usually require 20–50% upfront, with the balance paid in interest-free instalments during construction.

Total upfront budget

In total, plan for roughly 5–8% of the purchase price in costs on top of the price itself.

Is the deposit refundable?

It depends on the contract. We ensure refund conditions — and what happens if due diligence reveals a problem — are clearly stated in writing before you pay.

Can I pay the deposit from abroad?

Yes. Deposits are usually paid by international bank transfer. We guide you on secure payment and documentation, and can act under power of attorney if needed.

How to pay your deposit safely

Always pay into a verified account in the seller's or developer's legal name — never to an individual's personal account on a verbal request — and keep a signed receipt and a written reservation agreement that states the price, what the deposit secures, and the refund conditions. For citizenship applications, payments must be properly documented and made through the banking system, so correct paperwork from the deposit stage onward matters.

Do you need a mortgage deposit in Turkey?

If you finance with a Turkish mortgage, banks typically lend up to a certain loan-to-value ratio, meaning you provide a larger down payment — often 30–50% for foreign buyers — plus the standard fees. Most international buyers, however, purchase in cash, which avoids mortgage deposits altogether and speeds up completion.

Deposit timeline: what happens after you pay

Once your reservation deposit is paid, the property is taken off the market while your lawyer completes due diligence and prepares the contract. The official valuation is arranged, the sales contract is signed, and the remaining balance is paid at the title-deed transfer. From deposit to TAPU, a ready property can complete in as little as one to three weeks.

Planning your funds in advance

Because Turkish property is usually priced in USD, it pays to plan your currency transfers ahead of each stage — deposit, balance and fees — to avoid unfavourable exchange timing. We help clients sequence payments efficiently so more of your budget goes into the property itself.

Frequently asked questions

Related guide: Property Reservation Deposits in Turkey.