New Restrictions on Foreigners buying Land in Turkey

It seems that while the rest of the world tries to attract foreigners by inviting them to buy property, Turkey is trying to keep them away! After seeming to endear itself to Europe by dropping a law that banned foreigners from buying property, last week a court ruled to restrict non-Turks from buying property in certain coastal areas. Apparently, these areas are considered 'military security zones' but in effect have no strategic military value at all.

The ruling seems to be a throw-back to an early 20th century law, established to prevent Greeks expelled from Turkey from returning and buying land, since to purchase property in these area requires title deeds to be in the name of a Turkish national.

Many foreigners buying land in Turkey do have the title deeds registered in a Turkish's friends name but this can have legal complications, if for instance, that friend died. The property would automatically transfer to his family. Many too, choose to buy land in thier own name but the chances are that the title deed may be cancelled at the whims of a Turkish court!

It may have sun, sea and cheap property but Turkey definitely requires cuation in respect to the legal aspects of title and ownership!