Buying yacht in Turkey (Instanbul)

[driver0606]

Hello,

I am considering purchasing a motor yacht in the Instanbul area and having it trucked or shipped to a home base in France, where the Vat is 20% as opposed to 24% in Greece.

Although I intend to make an inspection, I will probably not be there for the survey, sea trial or completion of the purchase and formalities. I therefore will need an honest and reliable yacht broker and Notary/lawyer (I am not sure of the difference) in the Instanbul area. The surveyor can be further away if necessary.

Does anybody know of such people, please? Especially if you have experience of Portofino Yachting in Instanbul and/or Joe Rowles in Bodrum.

 

[Eren]

Hi, I am from Istanbul. Even though I have not done business with them, I know that Portofino is a known company in the market. I know very reliable surveyor from Bodrum, who are also taking care of insurance cases of Pantaenius Insurance, as it can be a reference for you. I also know a very honest freelance British friend/surveyor, who may help at a lower cost probably. I don't have any lawyers who may assist.

 

[Irish Rover]

As @Eren says Portofino is a well known broker here and advertise extensively. I have not dealt with them myself. Joe Rowles did a tonnage survey for me around 10 years ago and I found him reliable and good to deal with. A pre-purchase survey, of course, is a different animal and I can't offer any comment in this regard. As I understand it here a notary certifies or legalises a contract or other official document and is not the same as a lawyer. You probably need the latter to protect your interests. I'm a long way from Istanbul so can't offer any recommendation.

 

[Eren]

What is the flag of the yacht?

 

[Hurricane]

I know this isn't your question.
But are you an EU resident?
If you are a UK resident, I believe that you could use the TA rules when moving the boat into the EU.
You could the keep it in France for 18 months without paying VAT.
After 18 months you could look at resetting the TA and doing another 18 months or paying the VAT then (perhaps at a reduced rate due to depreciation).

 

[westernman]

I know this isn't your question.
But are you an EU resident?
If you are a UK resident, I believe that you could use the TA rules when moving the boat into the EU.
You could the keep it in France for 18 months without paying VAT.
After 18 months you could look at resetting the TA and doing another 18 months or paying the VAT then (perhaps at a reduced rate due to depreciation).

A possible Brexit upside.