Massive Property Tax and Title Deed Fee Increases Set for 2026

A newly approved regulation in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) will lead to sharp increases in property taxes and title deed fees starting in 2026, marking one of the most significant tax adjustments in recent years. The changes will particularly affect individuals who are in the process of buying property but have not yet finalized their title deed transactions.

Under the new law, the taxable values of buildings and land in 2026 will be capped at three times their 2025 taxable values. Although this cap limits excessive valuation spikes, it still represents a substantial increase that will directly impact both annual property taxes and title deed fees.

New Upper Limit for Property Tax Valuations

According to the regulation, the property tax values that municipalities use as a basis for taxation can increase by up to 300% in 2026. This cap sets a legal maximum for the surge in property valuations, which generally reflect changes in market prices.

Tax specialists warn that this increase—while limited—will be strongly felt by property owners, especially those living in areas where market prices have risen rapidly in recent years.

Title Deed Fees May Triple in 2026

Certified Public Accountant Abdullah Tolu emphasized that title deed fees should be calculated legally based on the property’s actual sale price. However, in practice, many transactions rely on the tax-assessed value, also known as the rayiç bedel, as the basis for fee calculation.

If the tax-assessed value increases up to three times its 2025 level, the cost of completing a title deed transfer will rise dramatically.

Tolu explained the impact with a concrete example:

A home with a tax value of 3 million TRY in 2025 may have a taxable value of up to 9 million TRY in 2026 under the new rules.

In such a scenario, the title deed fee—currently 120,000 TRY—would increase to 360,000 TRY next year.

This amount is split equally between the buyer and seller, meaning each party would pay 180,000 TRY in 2026.

Experts warn that this change could alter the timing of property transactions throughout 2025 as buyers attempt to avoid the upcoming fee hike.

Critical End-of-Year Warning for Property Buyers

Tolu cautioned that individuals who have not yet completed their title deed procedures must evaluate the potential increase in their transaction costs.

He advised property buyers and sellers to compare the actual purchase price with the new 2026 taxable value, as those who delay their title deed transfers until after December 31, 2025, will automatically be subject to the latest, much higher valuation-based fee calculations.

For this reason, experts strongly recommend completing title deed transfers before the end of 2025 to avoid paying up to three times more in 2026.

Increases Will Continue in Subsequent Years

The new regulation also outlines how property valuations will evolve after 2026.
Starting in 2027, property tax values will increase annually by adding the revaluation rate—a figure published by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance—on top of the previous year’s taxable value.

This means:

• 2026: Maximum increase up to 3x (300%)

• 2027–2029: Annual increases based on revaluation rates

In effect, the newly established system will introduce a multi-year upward trend in property tax values, making long-term planning essential for property owners and investors.

A Significant Shift for Turkey’s Real Estate and Tax System

The regulation marks a significant shift in how Turkey calculates and updates real estate tax values. With housing prices rising sharply nationwide, policymakers aim to align taxable values more closely with market realities. However, the adjustment also places a heavier financial burden on property owners and those planning to buy a home.

Real estate experts expect the new rules to:

• Accelerate property transactions in 2025

• Increase municipal tax revenues

• Boost state income from title deed fees

• Raise overall property ownership costs in the years ahead

As 2026 approaches, both buyers and sellers are urged to evaluate their financial positions carefully and take necessary action well before the year ends.