Buying a Home

What to check when buying property in Turkiye: title deed encumbrances, occupancy permit, condominium status, earthquake insurance, valuation and the order of the steps.

Buying a home in Turkiye runs through several distinct steps, beginning when an offer is accepted and ending with the transfer of the title deed. The order matters: narrowing down the area and the type of home before the budget and mortgage eligibility are settled risks committing to a property that will not work.

A pre-purchase checklist usually covers the following: whether the title register carries any lien, mortgage or annotation; the occupancy permit (iskan) status; the distinction between construction servitude and full condominium ownership; whether the compulsory earthquake insurance (DASK) policy is valid; and what the service charge covers, including any arrears. A bank valuation is also required on mortgaged purchases.

For foreign buyers the process differs at two points: the military restricted-zone check and the requirement for a sworn translator at the title deed office. Obtaining a tax number is also among the first steps.

The articles in this section take each of these steps in turn. If you have a general question about the process, you can reach us through the contact page.