Protecting European Property Investments in Turkey: Combating Real Estate Fraud
At Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, we have been safeguarding the interests of European clients in Turkey, Russia, and CIS–EU jurisdictions since 2002.
With a multilingual team fluent in English, Turkish, and Russian, we provide expert legal support to European individuals and businesses navigating the complexities of property investments in Turkey.
This article explores the growing issue of real estate fraud targeting European buyers in Turkey, key statistics from 2020–2025, common fraudulent schemes, and how our firm helps clients protect their investments and recover losses.
The Scale of the Issue: Real Estate Fraud in Turkey (2020–2025)
Turkey’s real estate market has become increasingly attractive to European investors due to its strategic location, affordable prices, and opportunities for residency or citizenship through investment.
However, the surge in demand has led to a parallel rise in fraudulent practices.
Key trends from 2020–2025:
2020: 40,812 properties sold to foreigners. Europeans (Germany, UK, Netherlands) among top buyers. Fraud cases rising due to lax broker regulation.
2021: 58,576 foreign purchases. Fraud up 10–15%, especially in Antalya & Alanya.
2022: 67,000 sales to foreigners (peak). Fraud cases rose 15–20%.
2023: 35,000 sales (drop due to instability). Fraud up 20%, average losses $20,000–$250,000.
2024: 25,000 sales, fraud stabilized but 90% linked to unlicensed brokers.
2025: Partial recovery (+15–20%). 130,025 sales in May. Fraud cases up 20%.
Key Insight: Fraud cases grow by 15–20% annually, 90% involve unregulated brokers. Losses: $20,000–$250,000 per investor.
Common Fraudulent Schemes Targeting European Buyers
How Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm Protects European Clients
We specialize in protecting European clients from real estate fraud in Turkey, offering comprehensive legal solutions tailored to cross-border challenges.
We operate under:
Civil Code of Turkey
Consumer Protection Law No. 6502
Mediation Law No. 6325
Enforcement & Bankruptcy Law No. 2004
Our multilingual team ensures seamless communication and strong representation.
Our Legal Programs
1. Initial Protection (Pre-Litigation)
Review contracts, payments, TAPU.
Draft ihtarname via notary.
Negotiations and mediation.
Timeline: 1–3 months.
Outcome: up to 80% refund without court.
2. Comprehensive Protection (Litigation)
Lawsuits in Consumer or General Courts.
Evidence collection, expert opinions.
Representation at all hearings.
Timeline: 6–18 months.
Outcome: refund, penalties, compensation.
3. Full Recovery (Litigation + Enforcement)
Asset seizure through İcra Müdürlüğü.
Bankruptcy case representation.
Timeline: 12–33 months.
Outcome: e.g., $250,000 recovered in Alanya.
Success Stories
Alanya, 2023: $250,000 recovered for a German client via asset seizure.
Antalya, 2024: TAPU + compensation secured for a UK client via mediation.
Istanbul, 2025: Funds and penalties obtained for a Dutch client.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise since 2002 — 20+ years cross-border legal experience.
Multilingual team — English, Turkish, Russian.
Dual jurisdiction — Offices in Turkey & Russia.
Flexible payments — Euro, lira, or other currencies.