Cost comparison · GB vs TR
Cost of buying property: the United Kingdom vs Türkiye
Buying costs differ sharply between the United Kingdom and Türkiye. Below, the one-off purchase costs and the annual costs of ownership for each — pivoted from the same researched basis as our calculators, side by side, so you can compare like for like.
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All-in one-off cost — side by side
the United Kingdom
SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k
All-in one-off cost — side by side
Türkiye
≈ 5–6% of price (all-in one-off, resale)
the United Kingdom
All-in estimate
SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k
One-off costs — the United Kingdom
Progressive by band on the purchase price (England & NI; Scotland/Wales differ).
If you spent fewer than 183 days in the UK in the relevant 12 months — most foreign buyers.
Since 31 Oct 2024, if you already own any property anywhere in the world.
Plus VAT; handles contracts and completion.
Local authority searches and registration of title.
Annual costs — the United Kingdom
Annual, banded by property value and local authority.
Most London flats are leasehold; service charges can run to thousands/year.
Avoid corporate ownership of homes — the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings is punitive.
Türkiye
All-in estimate
≈ 5–6% of price (all-in one-off, resale)
One-off costs — Türkiye
Of the declared value; legally split 2%/2% buyer/seller but usually paid in full by the buyer. Base it on the real price.
Compulsory SPK-licensed valuation for foreign purchases (GEDAŞ for citizenship files).
Compulsory before utilities/deed registration; modest premium.
Sworn translator and notary for non-Turkish speakers.
Exempt if you are a non-resident paying in foreign currency via a DAB and hold 1 year. Resale between individuals: no VAT.
Annual costs — Türkiye
Annual municipal tax; higher in metropolitan areas.
Residential rent below ₺58,000 (2026) exempt; above that, progressive rates.
Site/complex maintenance fees, common in apartment compounds.
Costs are only half the decision. Get fair-price analysis, legal flags and rental ROI for a specific address.
Run the full dossier on a property →Frequently asked
Is it cheaper to buy property in the United Kingdom or Türkiye?
Typical all-in one-off costs are SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k in the United Kingdom and ≈ 5–6% of price (all-in one-off, resale) in Türkiye. Compare the full breakdowns above and use each country's calculator for a price-specific figure before deciding.
How much stamp duty does a foreigner pay in the UK?
On top of the standard SDLT bands, a non-UK-resident buying an additional property pays both the 2% non-resident surcharge and the 5% additional-dwelling surcharge — about 7 percentage points extra across all bands. If it is your only home worldwide and you'll live in it, only the 2% non-resident surcharge applies.
How much does it cost to buy property in Türkiye?
The main cost is the 4% title-deed fee (tapu harcı). Add a compulsory valuation, mandatory DASK earthquake insurance, and notary/translation, and the all-in one-off cost is roughly 5–6% of the price for a resale. Always base the tapu fee on the real price, not an under-declared figure.