Property Taxes in Turkey for Foreign Owners (2026): Annual Tax, 5-Year Rule, Rental Income

You own property in Turkey. So which taxes come next? There are three to know: one you pay every year, one when you sell, and one when you rent it out.

First, the annual property tax, called emlak vergisi. Every owner pays it, and foreigners pay the same rates as Turkish citizens. It's based on the property's registered tax value, not its market price.

For a home, the rate is 0.1% a year, or 0.2% in metropolitan cities like Istanbul, Antalya and İzmir. Business premises and land pay higher rates.

It's paid to the municipality in two instalments, by the end of May and by the end of November. You can pay online through e-Devlet, or at the municipality. Late payments add interest.

Two more running costs to plan for: the compulsory earthquake insurance, DASK, renewed every year, and the monthly building fee, called aidat.

Now, selling. If you sell more than five years after buying, the gain is tax-free. The clock starts on the date on your title deed.

Sell within five years, and the gain is taxed. The purchase price can be adjusted for inflation, documented costs are deducted, and in 2026 the first 150,000 lira of gain is exempt.

What's left is taxed at progressive rates, from 15% to 40%, and you declare it in March of the following year.

And if you bought for citizenship, remember: the three-year no-sale note on your title deed comes first.

Rental income is also declared every March. For homes, the first 58,000 lira of rent earned in 2026 is exempt. Then you choose how to deduct expenses: a flat 15%, or your actual costs, backed by receipts.

The rest is taxed at the same progressive rates, from 15% to 40%, depending on your total income.

Short holiday lets are different. They need a permit first, and they can bring extra taxes. Check before you list your home.

Living abroad? Your home country may also tax this income. Turkey has double-tax treaties with many countries, so check how yours works.

So: property tax twice a year, no tax on the gain after five years, and a March declaration for rent, or for a sale within five years.

Every case is different. Book a free consultation at simplytr.com, and we'll check yours.