Title Deed Process

How the Title Deed (Tapu) Transfer Works in Turkey: Step-by-Step Guide

Buying real estate is exciting—but the most critical part of the process is the title deed transfer (tapu transfer). This is the official procedure where the property is legally registered under the buyer’s name at the Land Registry (Tapu Müdürlüğü). In this guide, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step overview of how the process typically works in Turkey and what to watch out for.

1) Preliminary Checks: Title Deed & Legal Status

Before any payment or commitment, the first step is verifying the property’s legal standing. This helps prevent unpleasant surprises later.

Key checks include:

• Type of title deed: condominium ownership (Kat Mülkiyeti), construction servitude (Kat İrtifakı), land title, etc.

• Ownership verification: is the seller the registered owner?

• Encumbrances: mortgage (ipotek), lien, seizure, annotations (şerh), usufruct rights, “family residence” annotation, etc.

• Co-ownership (shared title): is it a full sale or a partial share transfer?

This is one of the most important steps for a safe transaction.

2) Agreeing on Terms & Signing a Sales Protocol

Once the property is confirmed, the parties finalize the sale terms:

• Sale price and payment plan

• Delivery/possession date

• Deposit (caparra) and cancellation conditions

• If the buyer will use a mortgage/loan, planning the bank process in advance

In many transactions, a written sales protocol helps protect both parties—especially when deposits or deadlines are involved.

3) Applying for the Tapu Appointment (Usually via WebTapu)

Title deed transfer applications are commonly initiated through the WebTapu system. Typically, the seller (or an authorized proxy) starts the application and adds the buyer’s details. The Land Registry reviews the submission and then schedules an appointment.

4) Preparing the Required Documents

Required documents can vary by property type and district, but the most common are:

For the Seller

• Valid ID (passport/ID card)

• Power of attorney (if applicable)

For the Buyer

• Valid ID (passport/ID card)

For the Property

• DASK (Compulsory Earthquake Insurance) (for residential properties)

• Municipality declared value/rayic value (sometimes accessible digitally)

• If financing is involved: bank valuation report (requested by the lender)

If the buyer is a foreign national

Additional documents may be required such as tax number, official translation, photos, and interpreter arrangements, depending on the case.

5) Paying Title Deed Fees & Related Charges

Before the transfer is completed, the Land Registry issues a payment notice. Typically, these include:

• Title deed transfer tax/fee (calculated based on the declared sale price)

• Revolving fund/administrative fees (döner sermaye)

• Other possible service charges

Payments are usually made through banks or the system channels specified by the Land Registry. The transfer cannot be finalized without payment confirmation.

6) Signing at the Land Registry & Completing the Transfer

On the appointment date, the buyer and seller (or authorized representatives) attend the Land Registry. The officer will:

• Verify identities

• Confirm the parties’ declarations

• Have the parties sign the official deed of sale

• Register the transfer in the official system

7) Issuance of the New Title Deed (Registration to the Buyer)

After signing, the property is officially registered under the buyer’s name, and the new title deed is issued (often with SMS updates and digital tracking options, depending on the district).

8) After the Tapu Transfer: What to Do Next

Once the title deed is transferred, a few practical steps should follow:

• Update municipality records for property tax liability

• Transfer/activate utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet)

• Notify site/building management (if applicable)

• Update insurance policies (DASK and optional home insurance)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying deposits or the full price before checking mortgages/annotations

• Not clarifying share ratios in co-owned properties

• Giving a deposit without a written agreement

• Not agreeing in advance on who pays which fees and costs

Need Support for a Safe Transaction?

A title deed transfer can be fast and smooth when handled properly—but small details can cause major delays or risks. Professional guidance can help with:

• Title deed checks (mortgages/annotations)

• Document preparation

• WebTapu application and appointment management

• A smooth closing day process