Buying Property in Turkey Safely: 8 Checks Before You Pay

Buying property in Türkiye is a well-established process for foreigners, but checks before payment make all the difference.

1. Title deed (tapu) and owner

Confirm the seller is the registered owner and that the property described matches the title deed.

2. Mortgages, liens and restrictions

Check the land registry for mortgages, seizures or annotations that could affect the sale.

3. Occupancy permit (iskan)

A completed building should have an iskan. Without it, utilities, resale and some applications can be affected.

4. Zoning and building status

Confirm the building matches its approved plans and is not subject to unresolved zoning issues.

5. Official valuation report

Foreign buyers need an official valuation report from a licensed valuation company. The price on the deed should reflect it.

6. Military and restricted zones

Some areas are closed to foreign ownership; this is confirmed during the title deed process.

7. Traceable payment

Avoid cash. Pay through Turkish banks so every transfer is documented — this also matters for any later residence or citizenship application.

8. Independent representation

Agents and developers represent the sale. Your own adviser represents you.

How Legit Law helps

We run these checks, review contracts, attend the title deed transfer and handle post-purchase steps. [Book a consultation](/contact).

*General information only, not legal advice.*