Title deeds (tapu) in Turkey: types and transfer

A title deed (tapu) is a document issued by the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre (TKGM) showing the address, location, ownership and registration information of the land and the independent section in the land registry.

The General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre is one of the oldest institutions in the country. It was established in 1847 as Defterhane-i Amire and passed from the Ottoman Empire to the young Republic of Turkey.

The directorate is authorised to archive land registries, and it has land registry offices in every city in Turkey. Even if you lose your title deed, what counts is the record in the land registry. Land registry records are transferred and archived by this directorate.

All properties in Turkey come with property rights. When you own your property, you and your family hold all the rights to it.

Types of title deed in Turkey

There are 3 types of title deed in Turkey:

1. Share deed (hisseli tapu): a title deed that shows the partners in a property. The number of partners and the owners’ names are written clearly on it.
2. Land title deed with condominium (kat irtifakı): the land title deed for your share of an independent section, such as a floor, apartment, storeroom or workplace, in a building that is planned or under construction.
3. Detached deed (müstakil tapu): the property belongs to a single owner. Both private persons and companies or institutions can hold a detached deed.

Title deed transfer

The transfer of a property is called a title deed transfer. It takes place at the relevant land registry office on the seller’s application. There are 2 ways to apply. You can book an online appointment on the official website of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, or you can go to the land registry office and enter your Turkish ID number in the queue system to get a number. Online appointments are given priority.

Things to know about title deed transfer

• Applications can be made until noon on weekdays.
• The buyer and the seller must be present at the land registry office for the transfer. The transaction can also be completed through representatives with a power of attorney and the required documents.
• You must be at the land registry office 15 minutes before your appointment.

Documents required for a title deed transfer

• Identity cards of the buyer and the seller, with a photocopy of each
• A document showing the declared value of the property
• A “no tax debt” letter from the municipality the property belongs to
• The original title deed of the property and a photocopy
• Compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) for the home or workplace. Without DASK the sale cannot go ahead, so it must first be bought from any insurance agency.
• A power of attorney if an estate agent or another fully authorised person carries out the sale

Sellers who have these documents with them can complete the transaction without problems. Transfers by companies and other legal entities need different documents.

Documents required for companies and legal entities

• Signature circular of the company official
• Original and copy of the company’s tax certificate
• A copy of the trade registry gazette showing the last board election
• An authorisation document that clearly states the authority to sell the property and the identity details of the authorised persons
• A power of attorney if the sale is made through a representative
• A letter from the municipality showing the current value of the property used for fees, and that there is no tax debt

How does the title deed transfer work?

First, a preliminary application is made to the land registry office. You are informed about the transaction by SMS to your mobile phone. Title deed fees are paid through a bank. The buyer and the seller then go to the land registry office with the required documents. An application receipt is issued and the process begins. All documents are certified and handed to the officials. Once everything has been submitted, the title deed is transferred. The process is short, and at the end the title deed of the land or home changes hands.