Buyer pays, seller withholds keys: Turkey's most common property dispute

The majority of disputes follow a familiar pattern: a purchaser deposits funds or pays in full, yet the seller refuses to execute the transfer of ownership. The reasons vary—from incomplete construction to outright fraud. Under Turkish law, such situations are treated as civil matters rather than criminal offences. The exception: if the seller has forged documents or sold the same property to multiple buyers, criminal fraud charges may apply.

There is, however, good news. Even if a contract stipulates that a deposit is non-refundable, Turkish courts will deem such clauses void. A buyer can recover funds through litigation. The principal difficulty lies in proving payment. Sellers often demand cash or unofficial transfers to leave no paper trail. Text messages and witness testimony will not suffice in court—official documentation is essential.

The conclusion is straightforward: if you intend to purchase property in Turkey, retain a real-estate lawyer. They will scrutinise all documentation and ensure the transaction complies with local law.