TAPU or the Turkish Title Deed is a very important document which contains all the details pertaining to the ownership of the property

According to Article 35 of the Land Registry Law numbered 2644, foreign nationals can buy property from Turkey provided that they comply with the legal restrictions. There is no obligation for residence permit in order for foreigners to purchase property in Turkey.

Papers Required to Obtain the Title Deed in Turkey

1. Identity card or passport (If necessary, a translation of the passport can be requested by a sworn translator.
2. One photograph of the seller and two photographs of the buyer (Photographs must be taken within the last six months and must be 6 × 4 cm in size.)
3. Real estate fair value document (experts report) obtained from the relevant appointed firms 
4. Compulsory earthquake insurance policy for buildings
5. If there is a party who does not speak Turkish, a sworn translator and two witnesses
6. In case of transaction with a power of attorney issued abroad, the original or certified copy of the power of attorney and its translation

Types of Turkish Title Deed (Tapu)

— Red Tapu

1. Kat Irtifaki: Also known as construction servitude, and it basically means that the property is a work in progress. The title also displays the allocations of units in the development

2. Kat Mulkiyeti: Considered that the initial process of development is finished, local municipal authorities would be checking the property with regards to the completion of construction. A license would then be granted, which is also called as the occupation license or Iskan. An Iskan would allow this title to up the ante and go a step further which is called as the Kat Mulkiyeti, or a full title deed. Once this is obtained, all the essential utilities can be connected. Once the owner gains this title, the property would have an Iskan (habitation license) that is issued from city planning department authorities. The Company encourages all the clients to take up this title, and we additionally ensure that it happens. Otherwise, home-owners would be left in a fix and might have to make do with sub-standard habitations, which would pose a problem in the future if you have to resell it.

— Blue Tapu

This Tapu is created with respect to the title of the land as well as the shared ownership. Some of the facts are as given below,

1. Land Ownership: Titles concerning the land would be set for that land and would not be applicable to other habitations.

2. Shared Ownership: If there are several habitations on the Tapu, then the title would signify the total ownership you have over the property. For instance, if you have purchased house No. 3 in a composite set of 20 homes, then the title would refer that you have but one share out of the total 20. This basically decreases the autonomy of the owner over the property. Some home-owners might face difficulties when they have to make decisions based on the sale or with regards to property maintenance. These specific home-owners would not be eligible to take out a mortgage.

restrictions imposed on foreigners to buy

‘’ According to the law, foreign nationals may acquire real estate and have some property rules to follow in Turkey. The total area of ​​immovable, independent or limited property that is acquired by foreign nationals cannot exceed the ten percent of the area of ​​the district and cannot exceed thirty hectares throughout the country, for per person. “