Title Deed Transfer in Turkey | Required Documents and Steps

Tuna TAS
Jul 21
2 min read

The most crucial part of buying or selling real estate in Turkey is the title deed transfer. The title deed (tapu) officially confirms ownership and is only valid when issued by the Land Registry Office. Ensuring proper documentation and following the right steps guarantees a safe and legal process.

1. Preparations Before Transfer

Check that the property is free of mortgages, liens, or annotations.
Agree on the sales price with the buyer/seller.
Obtain the property valuation certificate from the municipality.

2. Required Documents

IDs of Buyer and Seller (passport + notarized translation for foreigners)
Turkish Tax Identification Number (mandatory for foreigners)
Title Deed or property details
Mandatory Earthquake Insurance (DASK)
Valuation certificate from the municipality
Biometric photos (one from each party)
Power of attorney if applicable

3. Title Deed Transfer Step-by-Step Process

Application: Buyer or seller applies to the Land Registry Office.
Appointment: Scheduled online or via phone.
Document Submission: Required documents are delivered.
Tax Payment: 4% of the sales value is paid as deed transfer tax (usually split equally).
Contract Signing: Both parties sign in the presence of a registrar.
Deed Issuance: New title deed is prepared and delivered to the buyer.

4. Key Considerations

Always declare the actual sales price to avoid tax issues.
Prefer payments made through bank transfer for transparency.
Ensure that powers of attorney include all necessary authorizations.

A title deed transfer is not just paperwork—it is the legal handover of ownership. With proper preparation and professional guidance, the process becomes both smooth and secure.

Practical Guide: Title Deed Transfer

Topic	Key Consideration
Documents	ID, deed, DASK, valuation certificate required
Tax Rate	4% of sales price (usually 2% + 2% shared)
Appointment	Must be booked with the Land Registry Office
Payment	Preferably via bank transfer
Power of Attorney	Must be notarized and fully authorized