So you have found your dream property in Turkey. What happens next to ensure that you complete the sale successfully. Here we present a step by step guide to buying property in Turkey.

1. The purchasing contract is signed when an agreement has been made on the property and the final price is agreed. The contract will contain the address, price, what the price actually includes, and the terms of payment.

2. A copy of your passport and four colour passport photos as well as your mother's maiden name and father's full name is required for all named persons to be included on the title deeds (Tapu). If the customer cannot return to Turkey to sign the Tapu some agents, such as Ilkem Construction, can organise the Power of Attorney which will enable such a company to act on their behalf and take the Tapu and also organise all other paperwork for the property. A receipt for each payment will be sent to the customer and a copy kept in the office on file.

3. All details are sent to the Izmir Military to be checked. They will be returned in three to six months. The military will be looking to make sure you do not have any criminal record or have a background of working for intelligence,  etcetera.

4. The schedule for payment is often broken down in the following way: A 30 per cent deposit up front, a second 30 per cent payment eight  weeks later, and then a further 30 per cent payment  eight weeks after that. The final 10 per cent is payable upon issue of the Tapu.

5. While waiting for the Tapu a full fitout of your property, carried out by Ilkem Construction on its properties is available on request. Customers will be asked to sign their maintenance contract and pay the fee for the year.

6. When the Tapu is ready customers who are available to travel will be asked to come to Turkey to sign the Tapu, otherwise the agent will use Power of Attorney and at this time your tax number, sitting permission and bank account and, more importantly, home insurance should be arranged. You should allow at least three to five full working days for this.

7. At this time all outstanding monies must be paid in full before Tapu transfer. Then and only then will you be the recognised owner of your very own home in Turkey.

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Article published October 2007