Buying property in Turkey involves two key documents: the Tapu (title deed) and the İskan (occupancy permit).
Tapu is about ownership
The Tapu is issued by the Land Registry (Tapu Müdürlüğü). The document lists: the cadastral number, the area, the ownership share, and the full names of the buyer and seller. Without a Tapu, there is no deal.
İskan is about the building's legality
The İskan confirms that the building was constructed according to its plans and accepted by the municipality. Without an İskan you cannot arrange permanent utilities or register an electricity meter in your own name.
Buyer's checklist
- Obtain a Turkish tax number (vergi numarası) — within an hour at any tax office.
- Open an account at a Turkish bank and transfer the money through DASK.
- Sign the preliminary contract and pay a deposit (usually 5–10%).
- Obtain an expert valuation (degerleme) — mandatory for foreigners.
- Submit an application to the Tapu office and pay the 4% fee.
On average the procedure takes 7–14 working days.