Getting Title Deed in Turkey FAQ Guide

In today’s blog post, we answer all your questions about getting a title deed in Turkey. Let’s begin. 

What is a Turkish Title Deed or TAPU?

A Turkish title deed or TAPU is a crucial document that holds all the information regarding property ownership. Furthermore, it includes the owner’s information and of the property.

The title deed is registered by the Tapu ve Kadastro Genel Müdürlüğü (TKGM) or the TAPU and Cadastre General Directorate. 

Understanding the comprehensive details included in the Turkish title deed is crucial for every property owner. Ideally, collaborating with a lawyer is recommended to facilitate the acquisition of the title deed, conduct necessary checks, and ensure a hassle-free process.

In this regard, our company has a dedicated in-house legal team ready to assist you. We also provide exceptional property investment services for citizenship, specifically designed to cater to our foreign clientele, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

What are the different categories of Title Deeds in Turkey?

The Turkish title deed features two categories, depending on the type of property:

Blue TAPU

This particular type of title deed is designed with a focus on land title and shared ownership, providing specific details outlined below:

• Land Ownership: Titles related to land are exclusive to the specified land and do not extend to any other dwellings.

• Shared Ownership: In cases where the TAPU includes multiple dwellings, it specifies the percentage of ownership you hold in the entire property. A shared ownership title deed also adds complexity to securing mortgages for property owners.

Red TAPU

The red TAPU signifies a freehold title, denoting exclusive ownership of the property. In contrast to the previously mentioned type, the red TAPU also specifies the individual property unit. Holders of a red TAPU have the eligibility to secure a mortgage. This freehold title can fall under either "kat irtifaki" or "kat mulkiyeti," encompassing both residential and commercial properties. The form includes a checkbox indicating the property's category.

Kat Irtifaki:

"Kat irtifaki" translates to "construction servitude," indicating that property development is still in progress, and it involves the allocation of units within the development.

Kat Mulkiyeti:

After the development phase concludes, local municipal authorities conduct property inspections. Subsequently, an occupation license, commonly known as Iskan, is issued, transforming the title into either a "kat mulkiyeti" or a full title deed. Possessing a "kat mulkiyeti" grants owners the ability to arrange for the installation and full connection of utilities for the property.

How to verify your TAPU OF Turkish title deed?

You have the option to confirm the clearance of your title deed by reviewing the information on any charges or mortgages associated with it. While the property buyer can undertake these checks personally, it's also possible for a lawyer appointed by the buyer to perform these verifications through a power of attorney.

What documents are required for transferring the title deed?

You will need the following:

1.    Buyer's Potential Tax Number (Vergi Numarası)

2.    A translated and photocopied passport.

3.    Appraisal report (Seller must obtain this report and submit it online to the Tapu Office system; no physical submission required).

4.    Seller’s ID card or Passport

5.    If a lawyer is receiving the title deed, an original Power of Attorney (POA) will be necessary.

6.    Statement of identity information form (to be filled with the buyer’s details).

7.    Currency purchase documents and payment receipts. While payment receipts are only necessary for citizenship cases, currency purchase documents are required for all foreign buyers. The sales price on the title deed will be determined based on this document.

What are the steps for getting a Title Deed in Turkey?

1.  Schedule an appointment at the local title deed office, bringing the necessary documents along with your ID card and passport. Upon confirmation, you'll receive a message detailing the appointment date, time, and the applicable tax amount.

2.    Both parties involved must agree on a declaration value for the transaction to determine the stamp duty, with the buyer usually covering this cost.

3.    Pay the stamp duty through a wire transfer.

4.    The seller proceeds to sign the title deed.

5.    Following the seller's signature, the buyer then signs the title deed.

6.    Ultimately, the buyer is issued a title deed under their name, completing the transaction.

How much is the cost of obtaining a Title Deed or TAPU in Turkey?

When engaging in a Turkish real estate transaction, it's crucial to consider the associated title deed costs. The title deed transfer fee, also known as the stamp duty tax, amounts to 4% of the total purchase cost and is typically borne by the buyer upon the completion of a title deed exchange. Alternatively, parties involved can mutually agree to split this fee, with each party contributing 2%.

Title Deed terminologies you should know.

İli - Province

İlçe - District

Mahalle - Neighbourhood

Köy - Village

Sokağı - Street

Mevkii - Location 

Ada - Plot

Yüzölçümü - Area size

Bağımsız Bölüm - Independent section

Arsa Payı - Land share

Giriş - Entrance 

Kat No - Floor Number

Fotoğraf - Photograph

Niteliği - Description

Sahibi - owner

Edinme Sebebi - Reason for purchase

Turkish Citizenship by Property Investment 

Turkish citizenship is attainable through a minimum investment of USD 400,000 in one or more properties. Upon purchasing a Turkish property and initiating the Turkish citizenship application process, a specified amount is levied on the title deed. This imposition serves to limit the transfer and sale of the property for a duration of three years.

We have a team of legal and property sales experts ready to assist you in getting your title deed. So contact us today without delay!  

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All You Need to know About Appraisal Report

How Can I Buy Property in Istanbul, Everything you Must know